An interview with one of the organizers of Wonderland Festival.

In 2007 a group of friends came together to put on a party in a bit of field hidden away in the English countryside. They invited all their friends and played music and games til the early hours of the morning. They called it Wonderland. 3 years later and the small festival has gone from strength to strength. Luckily members of Toxin got an invite and we enjoyed it so much that we asked Rebecca, one of the organizers to come and have a chat to find out what it is that makes it so good!

How would you describe wonderland and what are its aims?

Wonderland is a group of London based friends who fundraise for Cancer Research UK by hosting a fully interactive Alice in Wonderland experience who thrive on bringing joy to others. We put on eclectic parties including games and activities to bring people together and just have a hell of a lot of fun in doing so.

How did wonderland start?

Wonderland started in the mind of our very own Alice. Alice was going away all summer traveling around Thailand so was not able to go to any festivals. So on a night out at Synergy Project we thought why not have our own festival. Instead of it being a idea that floats away into nothing we took action and boom badda bing... we put on our first event in the Summer of 2007 and it's expanded ever since.

What's the relationship between Wonderland and Cancer Research?

We choose Cancer Research as our charity because we felt everyone can relate to it as it effects most families.

How easy is it to start your own festival and do you see it as something people are doing more and more?

Finding land is the most important and most difficult to locate. If you have an enthusiastic group of friends with the same ambitions and various skills then you are already half way there. It's extremely fulfilling, it's work that we love doing. People are tending to shy away from larger high priced festivals it's good to see people going out and making their own fun.

Will Wonderland stay primarily as a festival or do you see regular events being a regular fixture as well?

Yes the festival and a presence at other festivals is our main focus however events will pop up now and then to fundraise for the festival. They are also a good way to get people who wouldn't come to the festival to find out and enjoy what we do.

Will Wonderland stay an invite only festival, if so, why?

It will slowly get bigger and bigger over time, no Glastonbury but it's so lovely knowing everyone there. It's all friends of friends, which creates a safe and friendly vibe I have never felt so relaxed at a festival.
Words: Steph Robinson
Pics: Will Poole
What have been your favorite parts so far?

Everything, without the hard parts we wouldn't be where we are today. The privilege with working and meeting some truly fantastic people and the prospect of who we will meet in the future.

What have been the hardest parts?

Getting everything organised on time. It's so difficult to think about every tiny detail that needs to be arranged.

What can we expect to see at this year's Wonderland Festival?

A beautiful location, we are very lucky. We are working on making this years festival as eco friendly as we can. A line up full of amazing live acts and Djs. Sculptor, installation and performance art from up and coming artists. You'll have to wait and see but be sure there will be lots of surprises.

What plans do you have for Wonderland in the future?

We are going to see how it goes take it slowly and each day as it comes. We are open to whatever opportunities arise.

Any events Wonderland will be involved in that we should know about?

We are planning another fun filled event for June so keep your eyes pealed for that. Catch us at an array of festivals over the summer, which is nearly upon us yay.

Anything you'd like to mention we haven't asked?

Just a very big thank you to everyone that has been a part of Wonderland in their special ways over the years without you all and your support it wouldn't all happen. Cheesy but true. Haha. XxX