The Greenbelt Festival describes itself as “somewhere artistry meets activism, the secular meets the spiritual, and politics meets positivity.”
Martin Woodgate, a Community Commissioner from Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole, shares his experience attending the Greenbelt Festival with fellow commissioners Grazyna and Carrie. They were invited to share the ‘LivingRoom’ venue for the weekend and run a session on lived experience called ‘Unheard Voices’. Through personal stories and reflections, Martin highlights the power of community, the impact of Poverty Truth Commissions, and his journey from hardship to advocacy.
“After a few Zoom meetings and lots of WhatsApp messages, Grazyna, Carrie, and I, with support from Julie, Kath (facilitator), and Lucy (PTN), decided to use a slow-cooked meal metaphor, with a giant cardboard pot and ingredients, to communicate Poverty Truth’s way of working.
Thursday: Arrival and Connections
“After arriving and settling into our bell tents, we met the Trussell Trust and Let’s End Poverty teams for a check-in, which involved getting to know each other by throwing a large ball of string to one another to show our connections and shared goals.
Friday: Exploring Greenbelt
“I spent Friday exploring and speaking with friendly strangers. Greenbelt, now 51 years old, was originally set up by a Christian group to create a safe music festival where no one would be turned away. Today, it welcomes a diverse crowd, including Goths, alternative therapists, and LGBTQ+ communities. There were plenty of arts, crafts, and talented performers. Highlights for me were the ‘Smashed’ juggling show and Flamy Grant.
Saturday: Sharing at the Living Room
“During our Poverty Truth presentation, I spoke about the deep friendships formed within a Poverty Truth Commission. I shared how a facilitator helped me when I was stressed by phone calls from the DWP, and Kath added how I helped her by talking to her teenager about the dangers of black-market steroids. The spontaneous applause in that moment made me feel truly valued.
“Later, I joined a panel on the banking sector and the injustices that surround it. I shared how I earned the nickname “Posh Tramp” while I was struggling with addiction and homelessness all while being robbed and beaten up. I also talked about addiction having no respect for ‘class boundaries’ and the challenges I faced in raising my credit score to get a flat.
Sunday: Communion and a Greenbelt Legend
“The highlight of Sunday was an unforgettable communion service in a field with thousands of others, connected live to Bethlehem. It was the most moving breaking of bread I’ve ever experienced. At the OK Chorale singalong that night, I spent about 20 minutes discussing Poverty Truth, life on the streets, and 12 step recovery with a stranger from the crowd who said, “Oh hi! It’s the ‘Posh Tramp.’ You’re a Greenbelt legend!”