Meet the Team
Chilled in a Field is run entirely by volunteers. Have a read through the bios below to find out more about the great team that make Chilled in a Field such a great event. If you like what we do, why not get involved? Contact us to find out more!
Dawn James
"I have been involved with Chilled in a Field since the very beginning. You can usually find me at Front of House checking you in, or sometimes on stage behind the decks or with a guitar. The Chilled in a Field team are my chosen family, they are the most brilliant and supportive friends I could ask for, and the pride and joy I get from seeing everyone having a great time more than makes up for the year of stress and hard work that goes into planning the event. We are always looking for new people to help out, no previous experience is necessary, so get in touch if you want to get involved. See you in a field!"
"I have been involved with Chilled in a Field since the very beginning. You can usually find me at Front of House checking you in, or sometimes on stage behind the decks or with a guitar. The Chilled in a Field team are my chosen family, they are the most brilliant and supportive friends I could ask for, and the pride and joy I get from seeing everyone having a great time more than makes up for the year of stress and hard work that goes into planning the event. We are always looking for new people to help out, no previous experience is necessary, so get in touch if you want to get involved. See you in a field!"
Elise Ramadan
"Over the years I've had many jobs at CIAFF, from working the bar, to helping on the rig and more recently managing production and ensuring the smooth running of the festival. I've even dressed as an Oompa Loompa in the parade (thanks for that one, Sam!)
By far my favourite job has been as part of a team of spectacularly talented and creative people, making the field look pretty and ensuring that it's all safe for public consumption. They really are an amazing bunch - the unsung magicians of the weekend.
We applaud the performers on stage doing their wonderfully talented thing (as we should), we appreciate the exciting and fun activities put on for the kids (rightly so) and enjoy the tasty beer and food (nom!). But in the build up to that there are secret craft workshops, cheeky mood boards and mind maps, trips to Selco and van-loads of random cast-offs to upcycle into something new. My brain has never been particularly crafty so working with the rig and decor team and watching them make something out of nothing, really captivates me.
Somehow, come rain or shine (and we've had plenty of both over the years) we get the whole thing built in a week. Whilst it's hard work, it's enormously rewarding and as the team grows we find that we can create more, do more and achieve more within that space of time. What's more is that we get double the festival. We're in a field, camping with our mates for over a week, learning new stuff and turning months of planning in to a reality. For me, it's where the festival really happens. Perhaps it's watching a blank canvas of a field transform into a space for exploration, partying and playing.
CIAFF has given me many opportunities to learn about events with the outcome being that I now work in the festival industry full-time, off the back of joining a group of mates building things and making a party happen. As well as being part of the beginning for my festival adventures, what makes Chilled so very special is the team and culture behind it. It is absolutely done for the love - the love of music, the love of children playing and experiencing new things, the love of bringing a group of people together if only for one weekend a year to reconnect and catchup amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life."
"Over the years I've had many jobs at CIAFF, from working the bar, to helping on the rig and more recently managing production and ensuring the smooth running of the festival. I've even dressed as an Oompa Loompa in the parade (thanks for that one, Sam!)
By far my favourite job has been as part of a team of spectacularly talented and creative people, making the field look pretty and ensuring that it's all safe for public consumption. They really are an amazing bunch - the unsung magicians of the weekend.
We applaud the performers on stage doing their wonderfully talented thing (as we should), we appreciate the exciting and fun activities put on for the kids (rightly so) and enjoy the tasty beer and food (nom!). But in the build up to that there are secret craft workshops, cheeky mood boards and mind maps, trips to Selco and van-loads of random cast-offs to upcycle into something new. My brain has never been particularly crafty so working with the rig and decor team and watching them make something out of nothing, really captivates me.
Somehow, come rain or shine (and we've had plenty of both over the years) we get the whole thing built in a week. Whilst it's hard work, it's enormously rewarding and as the team grows we find that we can create more, do more and achieve more within that space of time. What's more is that we get double the festival. We're in a field, camping with our mates for over a week, learning new stuff and turning months of planning in to a reality. For me, it's where the festival really happens. Perhaps it's watching a blank canvas of a field transform into a space for exploration, partying and playing.
CIAFF has given me many opportunities to learn about events with the outcome being that I now work in the festival industry full-time, off the back of joining a group of mates building things and making a party happen. As well as being part of the beginning for my festival adventures, what makes Chilled so very special is the team and culture behind it. It is absolutely done for the love - the love of music, the love of children playing and experiencing new things, the love of bringing a group of people together if only for one weekend a year to reconnect and catchup amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life."
Hannah Seignior
"For me, attendance at Chilled in a Field Festival started out as a weekend away with the friends I made working in the events scene in London almost 15 years ago. It was a chance to let my hair down, partake in fun workshops, dance my socks off and chat till the wee hours around the fire with the people who have since become my closest friends.
During Chilled's second year, whilst it was still at it's first home, I was asked if I could take over the role of Social Activity Coordinator to give the current coordinator a break whilst they went back to university to study. I was over the moon and began contacting people who I could bring on board who would support the Chilled ethos whilst also entertaining the guests.
It was after that first year Festival Kidz awarded us their Bronze medal, our first accolade, and I was hooked. Looking around the field on the sunny Saturday afternoon, seeing the happy smiley faces of children and adults doing the different workshops gave me a feeling of such joy and that hasn't dimmed at all in seven years.
Since then I've made it my mission to keep the programme exciting by introducing age appropriate theatre, circus workshops, storytelling, night time LED hooping, fire spinning performances and innovative arts and crafts. We've even attempted a pop up evening cabaret for the adults. But the thing that I keep coming back to is the hugely supportive team but, specifically, the amazing Ruth who worked with me during the first couple of years and Samantha Flower who joined the team for 2018. Without Sam's support last year (when I went back to university), the Social activities would not have been as amazing as they were.
It is the love, respect, kindness, imagination and fun of every person on the team that makes Chilled what it is for me. A family festival run by a family of friends".
"For me, attendance at Chilled in a Field Festival started out as a weekend away with the friends I made working in the events scene in London almost 15 years ago. It was a chance to let my hair down, partake in fun workshops, dance my socks off and chat till the wee hours around the fire with the people who have since become my closest friends.
During Chilled's second year, whilst it was still at it's first home, I was asked if I could take over the role of Social Activity Coordinator to give the current coordinator a break whilst they went back to university to study. I was over the moon and began contacting people who I could bring on board who would support the Chilled ethos whilst also entertaining the guests.
It was after that first year Festival Kidz awarded us their Bronze medal, our first accolade, and I was hooked. Looking around the field on the sunny Saturday afternoon, seeing the happy smiley faces of children and adults doing the different workshops gave me a feeling of such joy and that hasn't dimmed at all in seven years.
Since then I've made it my mission to keep the programme exciting by introducing age appropriate theatre, circus workshops, storytelling, night time LED hooping, fire spinning performances and innovative arts and crafts. We've even attempted a pop up evening cabaret for the adults. But the thing that I keep coming back to is the hugely supportive team but, specifically, the amazing Ruth who worked with me during the first couple of years and Samantha Flower who joined the team for 2018. Without Sam's support last year (when I went back to university), the Social activities would not have been as amazing as they were.
It is the love, respect, kindness, imagination and fun of every person on the team that makes Chilled what it is for me. A family festival run by a family of friends".
Photo Credit: Otterway Photography
www.otterwayphotography.co.uk
Manoli Freire
"I've been part of the Chilled in a Field Family since the beginning and it always amazes me how much time and effort everyone dedicates to making the event what it is. I am proud to work with an extremely talented group of individuals, with a diverse range of skill sets, all working together to achieve the same goal - to make Chilled in a Field better and better every year - and we always manage to do that! I look after the Commercial side of the event - anything from the bar to the food, to the stalls and the tickets. Each year throws up different challenges but we work together to resolve them and improve. Having a full time job and doing this on the side is hard sometimes, but being part of the crew at Chilled in a Field restores my work/life balance with the added bonus of working with a fabulous group of friends.
We always rally round last minute for crew so if you are interested in helping out, please get in touch. You will be part of an amazing team and make friends for life".
"I've been part of the Chilled in a Field Family since the beginning and it always amazes me how much time and effort everyone dedicates to making the event what it is. I am proud to work with an extremely talented group of individuals, with a diverse range of skill sets, all working together to achieve the same goal - to make Chilled in a Field better and better every year - and we always manage to do that! I look after the Commercial side of the event - anything from the bar to the food, to the stalls and the tickets. Each year throws up different challenges but we work together to resolve them and improve. Having a full time job and doing this on the side is hard sometimes, but being part of the crew at Chilled in a Field restores my work/life balance with the added bonus of working with a fabulous group of friends.
We always rally round last minute for crew so if you are interested in helping out, please get in touch. You will be part of an amazing team and make friends for life".
Rob Flower
"I'm proud to say I've been coming to Chilled since the very first one. I've had the pleasure of watching the festival grow alongside my daughters. My wife and I liked the first site it was held on so much we got married there!After the first couple of years we started to realize just how much it meant to to our little family and decided to start giving back. Over the years I've learned so much about myself and the event from helping out in various different ways. I've run Science Workshops (which has given my youngest a passion for science of which I am immensely proud), I've been up to my elbows (in long rubber gloves) sorting out the compost loos. I've helped out on the Marketing team writing the mailshots that go out in the lead up to the event and this last year I got to lead the parade as Willy Wonka! (yes, that's me in a heavy velvet Jacket and waistcoat in scorching hot weather in the photo above)
My daughters are now growing fast to the point where this year we were all involved. The eldest (now 18) was working the bar with her boyfriend, the younger daughter was helping out behind the counter at Kaleidoscope Kitchen and my wife and I were working alongside each other running the Social Activities.
Social Activities covers all the little pieces of magic that happen across the festival, the science workshops, the circus skills, the theatre performances, the walkabout acts... and the list goes on.
But probably the best thing about Chilled is that my story is not unique. There's a huge team of wonderful people who work incredibly hard as volunteers to make it happen and I love that my kids have grown up with such a passion for it that they're starting to get involved themselves. They've been heard to say "All my happiest memories are at Chilled" and "It's my happy place. When times get tough I just remember the fun I have at Chilled and it makes me smile".
Over the years I've loved watching the girls run off across the field to rekindle friendships with kids they haven't seen since the previous year, or walking their friends round the site who they've brought with them because they wanted to share the magic with someone they knew would appreciate it.
It's something truly unique and special in their lives and I'm immensely grateful that they've had that.
I would thoroughly recommend others to get involved. The more you put in the more you get back. It is hard work but it's also a lot of fun and hugely rewarding. Even if you don't, if you see me around site, come and say hello. I'll be happy to talk to you about what goes on. Maybe you can help in ways you didn't even know were needed.
Either way, I hope we meet each other in a field soon!"
"I'm proud to say I've been coming to Chilled since the very first one. I've had the pleasure of watching the festival grow alongside my daughters. My wife and I liked the first site it was held on so much we got married there!After the first couple of years we started to realize just how much it meant to to our little family and decided to start giving back. Over the years I've learned so much about myself and the event from helping out in various different ways. I've run Science Workshops (which has given my youngest a passion for science of which I am immensely proud), I've been up to my elbows (in long rubber gloves) sorting out the compost loos. I've helped out on the Marketing team writing the mailshots that go out in the lead up to the event and this last year I got to lead the parade as Willy Wonka! (yes, that's me in a heavy velvet Jacket and waistcoat in scorching hot weather in the photo above)
My daughters are now growing fast to the point where this year we were all involved. The eldest (now 18) was working the bar with her boyfriend, the younger daughter was helping out behind the counter at Kaleidoscope Kitchen and my wife and I were working alongside each other running the Social Activities.
Social Activities covers all the little pieces of magic that happen across the festival, the science workshops, the circus skills, the theatre performances, the walkabout acts... and the list goes on.
But probably the best thing about Chilled is that my story is not unique. There's a huge team of wonderful people who work incredibly hard as volunteers to make it happen and I love that my kids have grown up with such a passion for it that they're starting to get involved themselves. They've been heard to say "All my happiest memories are at Chilled" and "It's my happy place. When times get tough I just remember the fun I have at Chilled and it makes me smile".
Over the years I've loved watching the girls run off across the field to rekindle friendships with kids they haven't seen since the previous year, or walking their friends round the site who they've brought with them because they wanted to share the magic with someone they knew would appreciate it.
It's something truly unique and special in their lives and I'm immensely grateful that they've had that.
I would thoroughly recommend others to get involved. The more you put in the more you get back. It is hard work but it's also a lot of fun and hugely rewarding. Even if you don't, if you see me around site, come and say hello. I'll be happy to talk to you about what goes on. Maybe you can help in ways you didn't even know were needed.
Either way, I hope we meet each other in a field soon!"
Sam Flower
"I have taken my family to every single Chilled. But other than stepping into help with event management in 2013, I hadn’t worked the festival. Chilled was my holiday, my chance to spend time in a field with my friends, and watch my step-kids have the time of their lives and make their own friends. But now that the kids are older, and even starting to hep out in their own way, I was able to offer my time and enthusiasm.
I figured I would help with event management again, or maybe front of house – the things in which I had the most experience. But my very good (and very clever/quick/smart) friend Hannah immediately approached me about helping with Social Activities. And I haven’t looked back. Every time I sit back and watch the festival for five minutes, or see a review online, I see something of which we have helped create. Children and adults get so much from the range of activities we offer. And I do too.
It can be hard work. But I have worked in live events for over fifteen years now and I NEVER feel the way I do about Chilled, about anything else. Not even working with the Muppets (although it was close). So, I highly recommend helping out in some way. Quite frankly, it’s good for the soul".
"I have taken my family to every single Chilled. But other than stepping into help with event management in 2013, I hadn’t worked the festival. Chilled was my holiday, my chance to spend time in a field with my friends, and watch my step-kids have the time of their lives and make their own friends. But now that the kids are older, and even starting to hep out in their own way, I was able to offer my time and enthusiasm.
I figured I would help with event management again, or maybe front of house – the things in which I had the most experience. But my very good (and very clever/quick/smart) friend Hannah immediately approached me about helping with Social Activities. And I haven’t looked back. Every time I sit back and watch the festival for five minutes, or see a review online, I see something of which we have helped create. Children and adults get so much from the range of activities we offer. And I do too.
It can be hard work. But I have worked in live events for over fifteen years now and I NEVER feel the way I do about Chilled, about anything else. Not even working with the Muppets (although it was close). So, I highly recommend helping out in some way. Quite frankly, it’s good for the soul".
Sarah Ryman
"I fell in love with Chilled in a Field a few years back after attending with my two young kids. Reminiscent of the festivals I'd been to as a teen, Chilled offered a chance to let go and dance all day while happy kids played close by. No one cares who you are or where you've come from and everyone wears a smile. Having been to more festivals than I can remember, I really can't think of a more friendly and laid back perfect little gathering. All the folk involved do it for the love of it which makes it so special. I volunteered to help out with the odd social media post for the festival back in 2015 and now look after PR and Marketing all year. I'm hugely proud to be part of the Chilled in a Field A-Team. Why don't you get involved?"
"I fell in love with Chilled in a Field a few years back after attending with my two young kids. Reminiscent of the festivals I'd been to as a teen, Chilled offered a chance to let go and dance all day while happy kids played close by. No one cares who you are or where you've come from and everyone wears a smile. Having been to more festivals than I can remember, I really can't think of a more friendly and laid back perfect little gathering. All the folk involved do it for the love of it which makes it so special. I volunteered to help out with the odd social media post for the festival back in 2015 and now look after PR and Marketing all year. I'm hugely proud to be part of the Chilled in a Field A-Team. Why don't you get involved?"
Sharon Quinton
"I am a creative person, but I never really did anything with it except for myself or my kids. This all changed in 2012 when I discovered Chilled in a Field. And this is where my love for this little family festival began.
There was so much laughter, fun and excitement everywhere. There was good music, food, friendly people, children running around playing and just being free. Everywhere was pretty and colourful. It was magical. I wanted to be part of the magic.
The following year I signed up to be part of the Rigging Crew working hard to make the festival look pretty. During the two years that followed I also joined the production team making the décor for the festival.
In 2016 I became one of two décor coordinators. I ran a couple of pre-festival décor workshop sessions and oversaw a small team of volunteers putting everything up in the surrounding festival area. That year I also volunteered myself to entertaining the crowd wearing an elephant costume. I remember being part of the opening parade and hearing all the wonderful comments from children and parents alike as we marched through woods filled with hot air balloons and giant sweets, candy canes & lollipops. I can’t tell you how proud I felt being part of the Chilled in the Field festival team.
With each year that passes my enthusiasm and creativity has increased. I am now the principle set designer dreaming up different themes and ideas for each event, designing and creating pieces of décor to install at the festival and working closely with a team of amazing hard-working volunteers who share a passion in wanting the make each Chilled in a Field Festival better than the last. It’s a lot of hard work, but when you see everybody smiling and enjoying themselves it is so worth it.
Want to join us and become a volunteer? Follow the link (http://www.chilledinafieldfestival.co.uk/production-crew.html) and be part of Chilled in a Field 2019".
"I am a creative person, but I never really did anything with it except for myself or my kids. This all changed in 2012 when I discovered Chilled in a Field. And this is where my love for this little family festival began.
There was so much laughter, fun and excitement everywhere. There was good music, food, friendly people, children running around playing and just being free. Everywhere was pretty and colourful. It was magical. I wanted to be part of the magic.
The following year I signed up to be part of the Rigging Crew working hard to make the festival look pretty. During the two years that followed I also joined the production team making the décor for the festival.
In 2016 I became one of two décor coordinators. I ran a couple of pre-festival décor workshop sessions and oversaw a small team of volunteers putting everything up in the surrounding festival area. That year I also volunteered myself to entertaining the crowd wearing an elephant costume. I remember being part of the opening parade and hearing all the wonderful comments from children and parents alike as we marched through woods filled with hot air balloons and giant sweets, candy canes & lollipops. I can’t tell you how proud I felt being part of the Chilled in the Field festival team.
With each year that passes my enthusiasm and creativity has increased. I am now the principle set designer dreaming up different themes and ideas for each event, designing and creating pieces of décor to install at the festival and working closely with a team of amazing hard-working volunteers who share a passion in wanting the make each Chilled in a Field Festival better than the last. It’s a lot of hard work, but when you see everybody smiling and enjoying themselves it is so worth it.
Want to join us and become a volunteer? Follow the link (http://www.chilledinafieldfestival.co.uk/production-crew.html) and be part of Chilled in a Field 2019".
Tracy Hatswell
Many years ago (probably more than I should mention) but I would imagine it must be over 20 years now, I was asked to get involved with Planet Angel. I was working in a law firm as a young solicitor and the organisation needed some help with some contracts and other legal issues and could not afford to hire a firm. I was asked if I would give up my pro-bono hours to support the project - how could I say no! I made so many good friends there that when Chilled in a Field Festival started I couldn’t wait to work with those friends, and making it happen. Over the last 10 years, the festival has developed from a small event to what it is today. My involvement in preparing and advising on a few small contracts soon became a much more committed endeavour.
I was particularly proud to be a part of the festival as the rest of the team of directors are all women. Coming from a legal background which is predominantly male it was, for me, a wonderful opportunity to cut my teeth in management. Further, I was on a board of particularly supportive and incredibly talented, driven ladies.
Don't get me wrong, we have some amazing volunteers of all sexes, but I take a real delight in knowing that the driving force of the festival comes from strong female energy. I truly feel that as a result of that you can feel the genuine love in the field. I have such respect and gratitude for everybody there who is putting in the hard work and effort to volunteer that makes the event a success every year. I also feel we attract positive friendly people to party with us - is a real celebration and as well as the amazing people that join us I can honestly say it is my favourite weekend of the year.
As my responsibilities in the ‘real’ world have increased having Chilled in a Field Festival as my downtime is a real stress buster. I guess some people take up golf -I took up this family friendly festival. I encourage anyone, no matter what skill they have or would like to learn, to join in. Long may the festival continue and long may we all continue to have such Chilled fun!"
Many years ago (probably more than I should mention) but I would imagine it must be over 20 years now, I was asked to get involved with Planet Angel. I was working in a law firm as a young solicitor and the organisation needed some help with some contracts and other legal issues and could not afford to hire a firm. I was asked if I would give up my pro-bono hours to support the project - how could I say no! I made so many good friends there that when Chilled in a Field Festival started I couldn’t wait to work with those friends, and making it happen. Over the last 10 years, the festival has developed from a small event to what it is today. My involvement in preparing and advising on a few small contracts soon became a much more committed endeavour.
I was particularly proud to be a part of the festival as the rest of the team of directors are all women. Coming from a legal background which is predominantly male it was, for me, a wonderful opportunity to cut my teeth in management. Further, I was on a board of particularly supportive and incredibly talented, driven ladies.
Don't get me wrong, we have some amazing volunteers of all sexes, but I take a real delight in knowing that the driving force of the festival comes from strong female energy. I truly feel that as a result of that you can feel the genuine love in the field. I have such respect and gratitude for everybody there who is putting in the hard work and effort to volunteer that makes the event a success every year. I also feel we attract positive friendly people to party with us - is a real celebration and as well as the amazing people that join us I can honestly say it is my favourite weekend of the year.
As my responsibilities in the ‘real’ world have increased having Chilled in a Field Festival as my downtime is a real stress buster. I guess some people take up golf -I took up this family friendly festival. I encourage anyone, no matter what skill they have or would like to learn, to join in. Long may the festival continue and long may we all continue to have such Chilled fun!"