TO say a big thank-you to the tireless work firefighters have carried out when it comes to battling the fierce, and at times, seemingly never-ending wildfires that have plagued our mountains this summer, the folk over at Green Man have donated 80 tickets to the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service team.

A spokesperson for the Green Man festival told the Chronicle, “The Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service team has gone above and beyond in responding to the significant incidents, working tirelessly in challenging conditions.

“We are tremendously grateful, and as a small gesture of appreciation, Green Man has donated 80 festival passes for firefighters to join us at Green Man and take a well-deserved break.”

Fingers crossed, the The Mid and West WalesFire and Rescue team will not be as busy this weekend as they have been of late and will be able to enjoy a few pints in the sun, some good music, and soak up the vibes as they take a stroll around the lazy surrounds of Glanusk Park.

The ritual burning of the Green Man wicker man, which usually marks then ends of the festival, has also been postponed this year.

In light of the spate of wildfires, the organisers deemed it insensitive and inappropriate to go ahead with the burning of the effigy and have announced they will be hosting an alternative “special send-off.”

A festival spokesperson said, “Green Man works closely with the fire services and Powys safety teams to ensure everyone’s safety.”

The first arrivals have already arrived at the Settlement site, with the majority of punters expected to descend on Thursday for a festival that has its usual mix of eclectic and big names, including Wilco, Cat Power, Tricky, Four Set, Mogwai, Charlotte Church's Pop Dungeon and many more.