Green Man Festival has begun in Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, with festival goers winding their way into the beautiful surroundings of the Black Mountains near Crickhowell to set up their tents before preparing themselves for another phenomenal edition of Green Man. 

Thursday saw Sleaford Mods headlining the Far Out stage with their blend of political commentary and beats. Performing songs from across their catalogue, Nottingham duo Jason Williamson and Andrew Fearn had the audience dialled in from the get-go. The show was an energetic start to the festival, on a day filled with live performances that were filled with creativity.

Over at the Walled Garden it was a day for Welsh talent, with the mysterious Das Koolies headlining the stage. Earlier, Islet brought a remarkably shape-shifting set that moved between Psych, Krautrock and Post-Punk. The Tubs, featuring Welsh frontman Owen Williams, brought jangling garage rock was a joyous sound with their song “Wretched Lie” proving to be one of the highlights of the day.

Earlier in the day, US rockers Sheer Mag also brought their anthemic punk sound to Green Man. The band’s anthemic stomp filled the Far Out stage, with the singer Tina Halladay demonstrating why she is one of the most iconic singers in modern punk music. Metz also continued the punk spirit at Far Out with the Sub Pop signed noise-rockers leaving the crowd breathless as they whipped from song to song.

Sandwiched between Sheer Mag and Metz, Kinshasa duo KOKOKO! also provided moments of clarity with their experimental electronics, accompanied by homemade instruments made from scrap from The Democratic Republic of Congo. The duo’s performance highlighted Green Man’s ability to book adventurous performers that provide the crowd with memorable moments, irrespective of genre.

 Away from the music, the annual Green Man Beer Festival fired up for another year, with over 100 Welsh beers available for thirsty punters to sample. Over in the acclaimed Little Folk area, the little ones of the Green Man family explored this year's Shapes-themed area, watching performers booked especially for them.

This year, the festival celebrates the 10th anniversary of their charitable arm the Green Man Trust, founded by managing director and owner Fiona Stewart. Thousands of projects and people have been supported since the trust was founded, including artists commissioned by Green Man’s unique visual arts programme. For the special 10th anniversary works, Megan Broadmeadow and Angela Davies have been supported by the trust and Art Council Wales to make two profound, large-scale installations with strong connections to the Welsh landscape, which are certain to inspire festivalgoers across the weekend.

Today is the first day the festival’s main stage, The Mountain Stage, which is set to feature an otherworldly headline performance from electronic maestro Jon Hopkins, as well as a set from the Mercury Prize winning Arlo Parks and the folk brilliance of This Is The Kit. The rest of the weekend is set to feature headline slots from Big Thief and Sampha, as well as a very special comedy tent performance from Stewart Lee and high energy DJ sets from SHERELLE and Joy Orbison.