For the first time in UK Festival history, event organisers have handed creative control over to their punters. 

Last year LeeFest, the non-profit music and arts festival based in South London, offered members of the public the chance to back a crowd funding Kickstarter project to grow the festival whilst remaining independent of any corporate sponsors. The response was overwhelming, with over 650 people contributing to the project and well over a thousand more showing support online from around the world. 

160 of these backers make up ‘The Campfire Cabinet’, which met in central London last night for their first annual general meeting. Festival founder Lee Denny invited members to debate and vote on key decisions concerning the event’s creative and financial direction. 

The group voted against a proposed plan to replace ‘The Temple of Boom’ dance tent with a larger beach arena. Future charity partners for the festival were proposed by cabinet members, as well as suggestions for how best to distribute this year’s event budget. 

Sarah Moss, a Campfire Cabinet member from Beckenham, said: 

‘I’ve been going to LeeFest for the last five years. To be able to openly debate these things with the team was brilliant. I’ve got a much better idea of how it all works now!’ 

Lee Denny (26) started the festival in his back garden 8 years ago. He said: 

‘It’s a different way of thinking about how events are run. We’re continuing to grow, and instead of giving in to the demands of sponsors, we’re listening to those who know LeeFest best. They are in control!’ 

LeeFest is on the 11^th, 12^th and 13^th July this year. Early bird tickets have sold out. Adult weekend tickets are currently on sale priced at £70.

For more information about the festival and ticket links click here.