Later this month, the hillsides of Machynlleth will come alive with Latin American music and progressive ideas as it hosts the El Sueño Existe – ‘The Dream Lives on’ festival.
The festival, inspired by the music and political vision of Chilean singer-songwriter Victor Jara, has become a standout event in the calendar for its blend of folk music and forward-thinking ideas.
This year’s line-up has a range of musical acts, headlined by the Frida Violeta Band – an all-female band from Cambridge noted for their fusion of diverse musical heritages.
Returning after their sensational set at last year’s ‘Chile 50 years’ mini-festival, they'll be joining an array of Latin American dancers, poets, musicians, bands, and theatre performers.
Festival-goers can also expect a series of political and cultural workshops.
Themes for the festival this year are Bolivia and the Amazon, and global struggles for Climate Justice.
Sessions will explore political tensions in ‘MAS’ (The Movement towards Socialism), and the costs and benefits of lithium extraction.
Contributions will be made by several Bolivia residents in the UK, like the esteemed ‘Wiphalas Across the World’ and poet and film maker, Giovanna Miralles.
A member of Indigenous film / radio / TV collective ‘Chajra Runaj Masis’ will also travel from Cochabamba, Bolivia to showcase videos and discuss grassroots campaigning journalism and the current situation locally and nationally.
The festival will include a new 'festival within the festival', organised by the Latin America Bureau (LAB), showcasing their history of publishing and advocacy.
Topical discussions around the transition to net zero and climate justice will form a key part of the environmental and political themes, with contributions from XR Machynlleth, the Centre for Alternative Technology, War on Want and other climate justice campaigners.
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The festival has become known for its blend of Chileans who found refuge in Britain in the 1970s, veterans of solidarity campaigns, and younger generations who have inherited a wealth of Latin American and British & Welsh cultural traditions.
The festival promises a range of family and children’s events, that are both exciting and educational.
Performances range from lyrical poetry recitals from Latin American women’s writers’ group ‘Las Juanas’, to a Liberation Theology participatory mass, an Indigenous instrumental procession, and a dance concert to show off salsa moves, alongside great examples of Bolivian film making.
Food stalls, camping and town venues for workshops and smaller concerts will also feature.
A number of venues within a 10-minute walk from the main site, Y Plas, will be used for workshops and smaller concerts.
All sites are wheelchair accessible.
Idulia, a Chilean attendee who has been exiled in Britain since 1975, said: "The festival is the one place in Britain where I really feel I belong."
Weekend tickets are available for purchase.
These can be bought, along with camping, campervans, programme updates, volunteering information, and local accommodation via the festival’s official website – www.elsuenoexiste.com.
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