Deep in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, under the shadow of a Norman castle and within spitting distance of the best beaches in Wales, there’s a music festival with grand plans. Westival – an underground music and arts festival in Manorbier – will attract 2,000 festival goers this summer expecting ambient chillout zones, daytime activities, boat parties around the idyllic coastline and even surfing and paddle board lessons. Organisers Joe Worley and Jack Lear firmly believe it has the potential to become one of the best boutique festivals in the UK.
And it seems they’re not the only ones. What started off as a private party for around 150 people in 2017 is now renowned for offering one of the most intimate up-and-coming festivals in Wales. After that first party, Joe decided to try and take Westival up a notch and partnered with childhood friend Jack to turn what began as a three-day carry on for mates into a fully-fledged festival in 2018.
Jack runs a business exporting fancy dress costumes all around Europe so had the business knowledge alongside a love of music. While Joe – an engineering graduate with a great music knowledge – had a vision for what Westival could be. “I would love to see it get to 5,000 people,” he said, speaking ahead of the 2024 event.
“It has a party atmosphere that we pride ourselves in. We could still run it at that size and keep that vibe.” The 2024 event – beginning on Thursday – promises an exciting lineup and is tod.