The magic and method behind SON Estrella Galicia’s microfestivals

At their recent microfestival in Brighton, the beer purveyors brought together food and music with an ethical approach to the environment, organising a preceding beach clean. Their two-day Soundhood Hackney event also included an interactive workshop on sustainability in fashion in collaboration with Relic Plastic.

We spoke to Gabriela Cárdenas (SON Estrella Galicia – Music Sponsorship) about the company’s ethos, and their ideas and intentions for the long-running series.

BEST FIT: When did the SON Estrella Galicia microfestivals begin?

GABRIELA CÁRDENAS: Since the pandemic we have observed, at least in Spain, an incredible boom of festivals and massive concerts in which we saw that the pure essence of the experience of going to a concert/festival as we used to know them was fading away, giving prominence to the commercial/fashion factor.

That's why last year we wanted to highlight the value of simple, well-made things, which, like beer, we believe are better and more enjoyable. That's why we came up with the name ‘microfestivals’ with the intention of mocking the current scene.

We also believe that this current situation is damaging the venues, so we want to ally ourselves with the independent music venues, with the communities and neighbourhoods where we are to continue supporting live music.

What was the original idea behind these events?

The idea has always been to enjoy good music with an Estrella Galicia in hand. But as we are non-conformists, or, as we like to define ourselves in this company, we are always changing formats to try new things and see what works best.

For some time now we have been focusing on workshops because we like to take advantage of our events to tell you a little more about where we come from and what our values are, focusing on gastronomy, beer pairings, taking advantage of the music to talk about awareness, and working with local suppliers.

What makes the nights different to a usual gig?

I would say that at our events the focus is on the music but we try to complete the experience with workshops and workshops related to music, beer and positive impact. We also often collaborate with local restaurants to make a menu with pairings with our beers.

What parallels can you draw between beer-making and music-making?

We have a project based on comparing both processes: A Que Suena Tu Cerveza. It’s based on the idea of comparing the raw materials to make beer: water, malts, hops and yeast, with the “basic instruments to create a song:” drums, guitar, bass and voice. So we compare both processes and do some pretty crazy things ranging from making beer recipes based on sounds to creating our own beer fuzz distortion pedal.

What can people expect from a SON Estrella Galicia microfestival?

A unique experience surrounded by good music, good beer, good atmosphere, possibly learning something new and being surrounded by geeks like us.

What have been your favourite moments hosting these events?

Moving a project to a new market is always exciting. We have experience in organising concerts in Spain, we are from here like our beer so we are in a very nice stage of discovering and integrating with the English community and trying to bring our beer and good music wherever we go!

What are you most looking forward to at your upcoming microfestival this month?

The goal is always that people enjoy and have a unique experience, that they all have a great time while enjoying a great show by Coach Party and The New Eves and drink a lot of Estrella Galicia. But if we can make a wish, we would like to raise awareness among the audience to reduce waste and recycle correctly to reach our goal of Zero Waste at events.