These days, every summer seems to see a new crop of festivals arise, all claiming to be something different and unique. This year it seems that there are even more newbies than usual, all trying to fill that gaping, Glastonbury shaped hole. But how many of them are actually offering something different, something free from commercialiasm, something closer to the community-orientated origins of festivals like Glasto? One festival caught our eye- we've been to their London events before and seen that they can throw a party, so what do Road to Nowhere have in store at their inaugural festival?

RR: What makes Road to Nowhere different from other festivals?

RTN: We're trying to encourage sharing and alleviate the usual hierarchy restrictions from festivals by not using currency on site and producing the event without commerce for sale. The Road To Nowhere festival is also non-profit - meaning we have a great team of volunteers and creative collaborators who' ve all been welcomed to contribute their time and skills. This creates a wonderful dynamic prior and hopefully during the event.

RR: What does a no-currency festival mean for festival goers - what do they need do bring?

RTN: We're aware the concept is alien to a lot of people and may even be daunting. However having no currency allows people to become more responsible for themselves  and others and in our day and age where it's more important than ever. In terms of what to bring we will be distributing suggestions - such as cups, types of food, alongside your usual toothbrush and face wipes as well as what equipment we're providing - in the next few weeks. This will also have suggestions on our Leave-No-Trace policy - so you'll know how to prepare.

RR: 500 people is very small for a festival these days - do you think this kind of intimacy is what's missing from the festival scene?

RTN: These type of numbers ensure a community feel which is important when it comes to a concept as different as 'no currency'. In terms of expansion it depends on so many factors and people so it's hard to predict what may happen.

RR: What's special about the Somerset location?

RTN: There are certain leylines in the area that have signified it as a special place for a long period of our history. A diverse assortment of people have been drawn there which continues to keep it a place full of surprises.

RR: What sort of music can people expect?

RTN: All manner of music from acoustic sessions to 5-piece band set ups, chill out ambient soundscapes to electronic DJs. RTN is about creating a unique and diverse community so the aim is to try to please everyone musically and beyond.

RR: You encourage collaboration, should people get in touch with you if they're interested in bringing something creative to the festival?

RTN: Yes certainly and they continue to every day. It's nice to do things together and opens the doors to a whole new world of collaborations by bringing like minded people together.

(Alter Ego clothing)

RR: For your previous London events you've collaborated with some great fashion partners like Velvet Johnston and Alter Ego- will dressing up be encouraged?

RTN: All our events to date have had a theme that inspired costumes and fun. This is the ideal way to lose your inhibitions and create courage in your actions. We have a clothes swap shop on site (more info coming soon) and many fusions between the creatives world of fashion, art and music.

RR: Having been to a no-currency festival myself, I've found that it can be hard to return to normal life- do you have any tips on readjusting to city life after RTN? Do you think the festival will change the way people look at their everyday lives? 

RTN: That is the core aim. Although we're starting small we're asking people to contribute to benefit their own experience and perhaps challenge that the way we live as society isn't without its flaws. Hopefully they can take the best parts from what they learn and integrate it into their own life beyond the festival. The best way to readjust is to share the experience with those that you were with - new friends and old to give you new insights into the unique experience. 

Read more about Road to Nowhere and book your tickets for 3rd-5th August here.