Dancing in the Moonlight: A Cultural History of Music Festivals
Festivals come and go, each with its own spirit, yet all part of a longer cultural rhythm. From jazz gatherings to muddy fields and moonlit crowds, Professor George McKay (UEA) explores how festivals shape communities, rebellion, creativity and the enduring human desire to celebrate together.
About
George McKay is a leading British scholar of music festival culture, and has spent 30 years working on and with music festivals, carnivals, outdoor events.
He was the first ever Professor in Residence at a pop festival, Kendal Calling in 2011, and was the inaugural Professor in Residence at the London Jazz Festival in 2014. He is Professor of Media Studies at UEA.
His current book is The Oxford Handbook of Punk Rock (2025). George also writes about jazz studies, disability in music, gardens and gardening. His major current book project is entitled Popular Music, Environment, Climate Emergency: Here Comes the Sun.
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June 21, 2026 |
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13:45 – 14:45 |
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