A solution for the UK grassroots cultural crisis – ‘Where It All Began’  

Despite bringing to fame artists like Oasis, Blue, Nirvana, the Cranberries, and Pulp, Grassroots venues in the UK are now closing. With 171 fully closed, over 40 venues no longer programming live music approximating to over 210 performance spaces gone from the circuit; the independent music scene is struggling and with increasing financial stress and fatigue. The ecosystem that helps independent artists perform and share their talent is severely under threat by Government authoritarianism and tight-fisted corporate dominance is collapsing festivals, closing venues and jeopardising musicians’ careers.   

A radical, not-for-profit collaborative music festival ‘Where it All Began’ is offering a hopeful alternative

The time for action is now and with grassroot venues operating with tight margins already, the creative ecosystem that once defined British culture is under threat. A return to the roots of the grassroots music industry is needed—imagine a community where music thrives through respectful, valued audiences, musical diversity, and high-quality production and sound. Luckily, a radical, not-for-profit collaborative music festival ‘Where it All Began’ is offering a hopeful alternative—one guided by festival professionals pioneering a community-owned model. This sustainable model will provide affordable opportunities for audiences through industry collaborators; fair pay and opportunity for grassroot artists; and pathways into industry initiatives such as Diplomats of Sound CIC, Leeds Conservatoire and BIMM Music Institute.   

This collaboration between Chai Wallahs, Secret Garden Party, Save Our Scene and independent venue & festival partners from across the UK aims to secure the future of the UK’s creative and cultural landscape for generations to come. This initiative has been backed by many organisations, for example, John Rostron, CEO of AIF (Association of Independent Festivals), praises: “‘Where it all Began’ offers a collaborative solution by providing struggling independent festivals with a platform to programme stages, retain their brand identity, and engage new audiences”. 

Grassroots empower ordinary people to drive social change, address local problems and lead to genuine change  

Having partnerships with festivals such as Shambala, Kendal Calling and Glastonbury, Chai Wallahs is a cornerstone of the grassroots music scene. Chai Wallahs provides a 2000 capacity touring festival venue, known for its exceptional sound quality, hospitality, and most importantly – quality cocktails. Dedicated to supporting non-commercial, underrepresented and emerging artists, Si Chai and Tom Toast (the duo behind Chai Wallahs) provides an agency set out to nurture talent, support artists and to provide connections through Diplomats of Sound. With them at the helm of ‘Where It All Began’, there’s no doubt that Grassroots has found an exciting solution to its crisis.   

Understanding the importance of Grassroots in UK culture is essential to sustaining creative innovation and community cohesion. Grassroots empower ordinary people to drive social change, address local problems with solutions more effectively than bureaucratic institutions and lead to genuine change that is fostered by community ownership. In 2025, Chai Wallahs and Diplomats of Sound founded Grassroots Rising, with their first initiative being ‘Where It All Began’. They provide a hub for connection and as catalysts for change. This organisation marks the beginning of a movement to reignite, sustain and celebrate the vibrant foundation of Grassroots culture.  

The festival is designed to welcome between 5,000 and 8,000 music-loving festivalgoers, maintaining an intimate and comfortable atmosphere

‘Where It All Began’ will be held on the renowned and historic festival site of Secret Garden Party – the festival that inspired a wave of creativity across the UK industry.  

Set for 18th-21st June 2026, the festival will celebrate the Summer Solstice and the official start to the UK festival season. The festival will focus on delivering high quality production values, an immensely eclectic live and electronic music program, comfortable intimate venue spaces, exceptional street food, an array of independent brews, and a carefully crafted cocktail menu that’s been years in the making. The festival is designed to welcome between 5,000 and 8,000 music-loving festivalgoers, maintaining an intimate and comfortable atmosphere across a thoughtfully planned site.  

With at least seven stages varying in scale and style. Chai Wallahs will serve as the central gathering point—a boutique-esque melting pot of sound and community. The layout ensures ample space to explore and enjoy the beautiful surroundings, with no sound clashes, clean amenities, and a focus on comfort, flow, and connection throughout.