Uniting people via live music – and helping rising stars 


Uniting people via live music – and helping rising stars 


Si Blatchly, the mastermind behind the Chai Wallahs touring festival stage, is driven by the infectious and unifying exhilaration of live music. Collaborating with others, he has responded to the unprecedented challenges faced by the sector by introducing a brand new, crowdfunded model. Blatchly’s passion for live music was evident when he reminisced about the electrifying performance of The Conservatoire Folk Ensemble, highlighting the joy and excitement that filled the room.

Since 2004, Blatchly has been an integral part of Chai Wallahs, blending his interests in health products and music to create a unique experience. What started as a stall serving beverages and herbal shots evolved into a touring live stage that has graced festivals across the UK. Chai Wallahs has provided a platform for upcoming artists, showcasing talents that might otherwise go unnoticed. Blatchly’s commitment to supporting unsupported artists and offering professional platforms has been a driving force.

In response to the challenges faced by the music festival industry, especially for smaller operations, Blatchly and his team have launched Grassroots Rising. This Community Benefit Society initiative aims to empower independent festivals by pooling resources and expertise for a collaborative event in Cambridgeshire. By reducing costs and creating a platform for grassroots music, Blatchly envisions a bright future for the festival culture. Despite the industry’s hardships, the resilience and magic of live music continue to inspire Blatchly as he seeks to create soul-evolving moments through music.

Photography: Sam Bush

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