Earlier this month, it was leaked to journalists that the Welsh Government have purchased Gilestone Farm in Talybont on Usk and subsequently leased it to Green Man Festival on a 99 year lease.
Green Man: Festival organisers to run Welsh government farm - BBC News
The hastily produced press release revealed plans are to employ 174 people focusing on sustainable farming, local food and climate change, leaving the surrounding community rightfully concerned about their environment, and the lack of knowledge for the future about what appears to be a back hand deal by the Welsh Government.
Brecon and Radnorshire Politicians James Evans MS and Fay Jones MP have understandably raised a number of questions following The Welsh Governments confirmation that they had purchased the farm for £4.25million, however answers received have not been clear.
Fay has been interviewed by Hannah Thomas for ITV Wales. Could Green Man Festival be moving location? | ITV News Wales
The Welsh Government state the purchase is to provide a permanent home for the Green Man Festival, yet Green Man have said they do not plan to leave the Glanusk Estate. The First Minister has also since admitted that no business plan had been received. If the Welsh Government plan to buy farmland then surely our local Young Farmers should be offered the first opportunity to take on any tenancy via an open tendering process? Other businesses in Wales are expected to provide detailed paperwork when seeking support from Government, why not the musical festival?
