Festival advice

Having only started on the festival scene this year, I was apprehensive about what to expect. Here's some quick advice for complete festival novices like myself.

1) You will get dirty
As nice as it is to bring your best clothes, long skirts and designer boots it's probably the worst mistake someone can make at a festival. Being pre warned about this, I packed countless hoodies and sweats. I have to admit it was funny to watch the "festival outfits" get completely ruined, as countless girls struggled along in their Paul's boutique jacket and larger than life eyelashes. Point is, you will get grubby, don't bring ANY item of clothing you're joined at the hip with, it will be destroyed.

2) Try and pack some food
Especially for students on a budget like myself, I can't afford to pay £20 for every single meal when I'm there. You're hungry and the festivals know this, that's how they make their money. Pack some cereal bars to set you up for the day. There is usually free water somewhere, but bring lots just in case.

3) Stay Safe at the front (and everywhere else)
The best advice someone can give you at a festival is to stay safe, which of course is better said than done. But especially at the front of busy crowds, make sure you're comfortable in tight spaces, because when you're in the mosh pit there's not much chance of leaving. Another thing to note if you're trying to get to the front of that band you like. DO NOT DRINK. Under any circumstances. Okay, maybe that's a bit dramatic, you can have water, but if you really want to stay there, alcohol is not a good idea. Believe me. Just a word of advice, please travel in pairs and watch out for that one friend who's throwing up. Just have each others backs.

4) Be prepared
Like the cub scout moto  says 'you must always be prepared' I actually just looked that up, I was never a cub scout. But it's pretty solid advice. Never expect any festival to be the same, it could be a heat wave in one and rain storm in the other. Just make sure you have something for every scenario.

That's just a really quick piece of advice for the basic necessities of a festival. Happy festivaling! 

Glastonbury 2013

Having been warned how Glastonbury would change you for the better or the worse, I was more than apprehensive as we drove up to the site. My Mother who considered herself one of the original hippies, had waited over 17 years before allowing me to enter this crazy yet honest world, and I could not bear the excitement.  No sooner had we arrived in the healing fields and set up our tent, a completely naked woman strode up to us and greeted us rather enthusiastically with hugs. "Welcome to Glastonbury" My Mother Laughed as she saw the shocked expression on my face and I quickly retreated back into the tent.

 The next day was action packed, I had been told of the rain and famous Glastonbury mud and lucky to say I wasn't disappointed. The heavens opened and poured down its glory into the farmland walked on by thousands. I had no idea mud could even look like it did, the sticky yet watery substance stuck to your shoes leaving you literally "Stuck in the mud" But I'm glad it did because I don't think you've had the experience unless it rains - even just a little bit.

The music overall was wonderful, there had been a lot of controversy in the line up this year (there always is) But I felt the music reflected the atmosphere of the festival, laid-back and at times insane. This year the Rolling Stones played and I can honestly say, I've never seen so many people in my life. We knew it was hopeless trying to get anywhere near the front yet we waited for two hours to get the experience and luckily - it was completely worth it. Jagger was in great health, jumping around the stage like a teen, voice hardly changed and the staging was perfect. Throughout the music a huge robotic Phoenix breathed out fire leaving everyone in awe. It was an experience that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Another memorable experience was the Folk band Mumford and Sons, being a huge, huge Mumford fan I was pretty determined to get as close as possible to see them. I've seen them in concert before, but the sheer magnitude of the festival made this experience extra special.

 

After five days and nights at the festival, we finally had a warm mug of chai and sat around with the hippies preparing ourselves for the long wait of next year's festival. My experience at Glastonbury was something I believe truly did change me as a person, the atmosphere, the people and the happiness bursting out of everyone really gives you hope for the future. BRING ON NEXT YEAR!