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Contents
16 WIN! VIP Festival
25 Tents and
Experience
Tribulations: police presence at festivals
festivals create alternative realities
17 A-Z Music Festival Guide
26 Tent Review
11 Festival Virgin
24 Tents and
28 Knowing What’s
6 Festival Fashion 8 Worlds Apart: how
12 Ones to Watch
Summer 2011
Tribulations: the rising price of festival tickets
Watt: going green at music festivals
Festival Guide 3
Editorial
2011 Acting Editor Leanne Kelsall Deputy Editor Leanne Kelsall Art Editor Leanne Kelsall Photographer Leanne Kelsall Marketing Leanne Kelsall Advertising Leanne Kelsall Publisher Chester University
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ELLO there! Congratulations on getting your mitts on the 2011 version of the Festival Guide. If you’re a loyal reader, or this is your first read we’d like to say a huge thankyou for your support. We’ve made sure this version is more jam packed then ever and we’ve added a Ones to Watch section, with this summer’s hottest bands to hit the festivals. We’ve included some interesting features in this edition so as ever, enjoy the read! Until next time
Interviews Dan Fahey, Jordan Camerlli, Matthew Callis, Charmaine Greaves, Tom Beech, Pip Rush, Nick Ladd, Lloyd Elliott, Lee Pullen, Freya Hobbs, Joan Hubbard, JJ Dunning, Robert Hobbs, Charlotte Simms and Sinead McClintock Tel 01244 456789 Fax 01244 387903 Email urguide@festival.com Address University of Chester, Parkgate Road, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 4JT Festival Guide and Ones to Watch are registered trademarks of Festival Guide plc used under license. All rights reserved. Printed by University
Festival Guide 4
summer 2011
Line-Up News THIS summer’s festivals boast an eclectic mix of all genres, ranging from electronic guitar legends to chart topping pop divas. Kicking off the headliner announcements are Reading and Leeds headliners Muse, The Stokes and My Chemical Romance. World famous festival, Glastonbury, has confirmed Irish rockers U2 as headliners, after they were forced to pull out last year. They are joined by UK four-piece Coldplay and pop queen, Beyonce. Topping the bill for Wireless Festival are The Black Eyed Peas, Pulp and The Chemical Brothers. Dance gods, The Chemical Brothers, have also been confirmed as a headliner for Creamfields Festival, alongside global dance star Tiesto and Swedish House Mafia. Indie rockers, Arctic Monkeys, are at the top of the bill for Bencassim joined by the multi-talented Canadian band, Arcade Fire. Metallica, Slayer , Megadeath and Anthrax are set to headline two-day rock festival Sonisphere with Judas Priest and Dream Theatre headlining another festival celebrating the best of rock music; High Voltage. Scottish singer, songwriter, Paolo Nutini, will be gracing Latitude Festival, joined by fellow headliners The National and Suede. Globally renowned rock festival, Download, has confirmed Def Leppard to headline the celebration, alongside up-tempo punk rockers, System of a Down and Linkin Park. Extravagant songstress Lady Gaga will headline Radio 1’s Big Weekend along with Foo Fighters. T4 on the Beach has announced Example, Katy B and The Wombats as headliners for their two-day music festival. Cambridge Folk Festival announced that Newton Faulker, Laura Marling and Richard Thomson have all earned a place at the top of their list and Biffy Clyro and Ellie Goulding complete this summer’s headliner announcements, performing at Wakestock Festival.
Festival Fashion EMBRACING festival fashion is an exciting part of pre-event preparation. Gracing the high street this summer is clothing inspired from the 60s and 70s, with influence flaring from the glorious gardens of England to the city streets of New York.
Women The 70s bohemia look is taking centre stage for women this festival season, think long flowing maxi dresses, floppy hats, fringing here there and everywhere, and bright yet faded colours. Layering and colour clashing is the key step to embracing this look, oh and don’t forget the some bright, oversized specs. Jewellery should be in the form of chunky wooden chains and bangles, with brightly coloured gems or feathers. The biker look is also making an encore this summer with key items including sexy studded denim shorts, cropped biker jackets and brightly coloured Dr. Martens. Utilise your biker look with Lady Ga Ga inspired shades and statement T-shirts. Bright and bold jewellery will set off this look and make you stand out in any festival crowd. Festival Guide 6
Men FOR men the bohemia style is also making an appearance, think slightly flared jeans teamed with brightly patterned shirts; there’s no end to in-trent patterns this summer. Tie-dye is also making a well recieved comeback with a whole range of different coloured Tshirts making an appearance on the high street. Jewellery should be embraced by men adopting the bohemia style, think wooden beaded necklaces and rope bracelets matched with feathered items if you’re in to your jewlerry.
Sailor themed outfits are also in
fashion for men this season. Key items for this are full length or cropped chinos; try adopting bright colours if you want to stand out or navy and mustard if you’re feeling chilled. Team the sailor look with comfy cork espadrilles, which are available in almost every colour on the high street. A gillet which will keep you warm when it gets a bit chilly for those embracing the sailor style. Left to right: shorts £38 Topshop, hat £22 Topshop, top £24 Topshop, sunglasses £16 Topshop, top £16 Topshop, shoes £12 Topman, jacket £45 Topman, shorts £30 Topman
Festival Guide 7
Worlds Apart: how festivals create alternative realities
WITH the imminent end of timeline-hopping sci-fi drama Lost, the government clamping down on erstwhile legal highs and Stephen Hawking warning against contacting alien life forms, the options for visiting alternative worlds appear to be diminishing. Thankfully, there is another way. For many, festivals are a way of letting go, dismissing the humdrum of existence for a week, weekend or maybe just a day by revelling in the sounds, company and atmosphere of festival life. The music is important, of course, but often the audience and performer are detached by a stage, followed by a barrier, followed by a row of security, followed by another barrier. This removes an element of participation no amount of sing-alongs and hand-waving can compensate for. For event organisers like Nick Ladd, the promoter and co-founder of Glade Festival, this detachment is unacceptable. With the use of art, incorporating sculptures not out of place in Tate Modern and pyrotechnics fit for a Hollywood blockbuster, festivals like Glade are able to create and immerse you in an alternative reality, wherein the music and the experience can prosper. For Nick, diversity like he witnessed at Burning Man in the USA, is the key: “The creative diversity at Burning Man is incredible, it’s mind-boggling, some of the stuff you see and you can get involved with is amazing and we wanted to bring that diversity to Glade and let people get involved.” Glade Festival encourages people to submit homegrown plans for installations at the festival. Successful applicants receive a grant worth £1000 to bring their idea to life, as well as backstage tickets as a courteous bonus. As Nick explains, the creations must incorporate the audience and their interactivity: “It is people who are creating ideas and concepts for Glade-goers to try and get involved in, so it’s not just something to look at or listen to. Imagine if you had people dressed as Tory politicians doing inflatable sheep racing workshops with an East End bookies, something like that, just something really out there is what we’re looking for.”
Festival Guide 8
ular @ Glastonbury 2010
dia Spectac Catching some rays: Arca
Photo by Ellen Doherty So why spend enormous amounts of time and money creating an alternative reality for festival-goers? As the modern world is developing, so is the traditional music festival, they are no longer wholly music focused, incorporating a celebration of art, poetry, comedy and more. Pip Rush of Arcadia Spectacular, who put on a heartstopping show at Glastonbury’s Arcadia area last year, discusses their reasons for making alternative realities: “We decided that we wanted to take a classic idea of a stage with a very hard straight line between the audience and the band and completely break that to pieces and mix it up and get the crowd partly on the stage and the performers as part of the crowd, just mix it up and make it more interactive. “It’s just shaking up what is traditional and looking at it from a different angle really and trying to make it a 3D experience that’s right around you.” Dancing, chatting and chilling amongst the art enable the audience to embrace it and experience so much more than just a traditional music performance. Far from just providing entertainment, the shows encourage the creation of new cultures of festival-goers. Situations are created where a nine-till-five banking manager and a fine art student are dancing and singing together where on an average day, they wouldn’t give each other a second glance. Whirlwind friendships are made through a sort of colourful, stunning, mechanical masterpiece, presented as an alternative reality. It’s about joining everyone together through a love for theirFestival Guide 9
TOPSHOP
surroundings and the music, to create a magical festival experience.
Evidently, the creations require masses of preparation and physical input on behalf of the employees who volunteer. For the creators of Arcadia Spectacular, their shows are a way of life, Pip Rush explains: “Each year it’s about a six month process, we start from nothing and then build up different ideas and elements as we go along. It’s full pelt, 24/7 for the last 10 weeks. But it’s great fun, we all love playing with cranes and welders and stuff – just big boys toys really. Then after the festival, it’s quite bizarre and it takes a week to get back to normality and everybody doesn’t quite know what to do with themselves. Luckily we do a couple events a year, so that keeps us going.” For the workers of Acadia, everything is a material and since modernism has blurred the barriers of what’s acceptable in the world of art, they can source most of their materials from tips and scrap yards. Pip adds: “I did a big tree house made of exhaust pipes for a festival in Japan called Fuji Rocks and it had a big fire in the middle and you put logs in it and all the smoke came out the end.” For anyone who has experienced an alternative world, the visual masterpieces are both unforgettable and mind-boggling. Since creativity and innovation is at the heart of alternative world creators, the options are endless. From Trash City at Glade festival, to the 26 metre high wickerman at Burning Man Festival, every creation is an entire entity of its own. Festival-goers have the chance to escape the humdrum norms of every day life and to embark upon a journey into the beautiful unknown. Alternative realities are a blessing and are set to be embraced by more and more music festivals throughout the world.
Festival Guide 10
Festival virgin
Interview
with Dan Fahey
Chief Editor of Virtual Festivals.com
IF you’re new to the music festival business, here’s some advice from a guy who’s been to more festivals than you’ve had hot dinners. What’s a good starter festival to attend and why? Beginners should dip their toe into the festival world at events like Hop Farm or Wychwood Festival – small events that only have a few stages. I’d suggest that they go for a day and see if they like it because bigger crowds can be daunting for some and these smaller events will give people a gist of what to expect by the time they want to tackle Glastonbury. What are the best websites to purchase second-hand tickets? It depends on the festival. My advice would be to check the festival’s official website to see what vendors they suggest people buy through. There are a summer 2011
websites that guarantee fans will get their tickets like Viagogo and Get Me In. If you’re unsure – don’t buy. There is also a stamp of approval from a site called ASTA which people should look out for if they’re unsure of a ticketing site’s credentials. It’s the first night at the festival what should festival-goers do? Many people pitch their tents and have a few drinks and catch up with mates, some head into local towns if there is nothing to do or check out the main arena. Crowds can be overwhelming at festivals do you have any tips to stay safe? If you don’t like big crowds,
don’t go too far in. Always try to make sure you’re with a friend and you don’t get lost. Make sure you have meeting points to go to if you lose one another. What’s the best option for food at festivals? It depends. Food that people have bought themselves doesn’t last that long, but festival food can be expensive – I usually mix the two and have one main meal a day and the rest is from what I bought. It means I save cash and have at least a decent bit of grub to keep me going as well. If you could recommend a festival which would it be? It has to be Glastonbury – it can be as mind-bending as you want it to be but there are things that happen at Glastonbury that never happen anywhere else. It’s a life-changing experience. Festival Guide 11
WITH two hit singles under their belt and a debut album on the way, Cowards look set to be one of the most promising new acts to emerge from the underground rock scene. We caught up with lead guitarist, Jordan Camilleri, to talk about the bands success, getting signed and their plans for the summer.
The energetic four-piece mark the beginning of a new sub-genre of rock, a fresh sound hailing from Manchester, the music centre of the North West. “Our music is a mash-up of so many things,” enthuses Jordan. “We think of our sound as unconventional hardcore because we honestly can’t pick anything out. A lot of the people who we’ve met on tour have compared us to bands like Refused, Blood Brothers and Every Time I Die, stuff like that.”
Cowards are breaking lose from the traditional and somewhat cliché metal music scene that has invaded Manchester. Songs such as ‘Last Man Standing’ introduces guitar and vocals inspired by hardcore but influenced by a more upbeat pop punk style. Jordan laughs: “I would describe our sound as horrible, nasty, phlegm.” “One of us might come up with a riff or an idea and then it’s just a case of us all tapping in to it and trying to write something that corre-
COWARDS ponds.” The energy and innovation Cowards have showcased around the North has been noticed by national label, Hairy Wolf Records who they are currently signed to. The four-some has experienced huge popularity selling out shows around the UK after growing from their roots playing back street gigs. Jordan adds: “We put everything we have in to our shows and throw ourselves around a fair bit, so things can get pretty awkward at times.”
Cowards (clockwise from left): Jordan Camilleri, Mike Ronson, Jack Shoorer, Dan Harlhem and Thom Sexty, photo by John Consterdine
“We’re gonna be touring until we’re hospitalised or Thom is arrested”
“I think the funniest thing was when we played The Studio Bar down in Penzance, Thom our vocalist hoisted Mike up on his shoulders mid-song and he put a big hole in the ceiling with the head of his bass, it was raining plaster.” Cowards look set to complete their debut album this July and will be appearing on the stages of alternative music festivals throughout the country including Dot To Dot Festival and Liverpool Sound City.
TOM BEECH
PROBABLY the most chilled out guy in the music business but behind the rock ‘n’ roll image lies a multi-talented musical genius, set to brace the acoustic tents of folk festivals throughout the country. and I guess I could say I learnt quicker than usual.” “I’m inspired by successful acts like Laura Marling and Fink, just other folk musicians but I wanted to bring my own style to the folk scene by jazzing it up.” He adds: “I don’t like any of this manufactured rubbish in the charts but if they write their own songs then I’m all for it, I’m a hippy like that.” Beech has played an array of venues throughout the UK on a tour with fellow folk musician and friend, Emily Smith. “It’s not all been a bed of roses, two years ago I played -two years ago I played a night club in West London -
Thomas Beech, tousled hair, a stiff leather jacket and a very cheeky grin. He is a man of musical gift, singing his enormous heart out with his trusty guitar and testing his hand at an array of instruments. His acoustic music is soulful and relaxing, inspired by legends such as Bob Dylan and Nick Drape. “I’d describe my music as innovative, lyrical and unorganised,” Beech adds after a long pause. Earlier this year he released his debut album ‘My Mind Admits It’s Tired. But My Body Can’t’ which is proving to be continiously successful in the folk charts, making the top 100 in the ITunes charts. Beech plays an array of instruments from banjo to piano and it is portrayed throughout his album with slow soulful ballads to upbeat summer anthems thatthat make you want to do a jig. He adds: “I first learnt the piano when I was four, my mum plays piano and she taught me. I started playing guitar when I was 10-
called Earling, they decided to put an acoustic night, two people turned up, the desk worker and my photographer.” “I’d love to play somewhere like Glastonbury but I’ll never forget my roots, just give me an acoustic night at my local and I’m the happiest lad around.” He laughs and carries on: “I don’t prepare for gigs, no eye liner, I just go with it, sometimes I make stuff up on the spot, it’s all about being creative when it comes to music.” Check Beech out around festivals this year, including Cambridge Folk Festival, Sunrise Celebration and Off The Tracks Spring Festival.
The Vaccines COULD The Vaccines mark the return of Brit rock? Perhaps, but you can’t deny this four-piece of the instrumental element they’re bringing to the classic indie sound. Following in the footsteps of traditional British rock ‘n’ roll masterminds, such as The Strokes and The Cure, The Vaccines showcase the best in traditional minimalist guitar chords matched with raw yet woozy vocals. Their album, released in March this year, is titled ‘What Did You Expect From The Vaccines’ and showcases their I don’t care attitude, familiar to the likes of Pete Doherty and the Gallagher brothers. The band is quietly confident and they have every reason to be. Their sound is something fresh, songs which start as same-ish indie trash, plummet into progressive brilliance with goose bump inducing guitar solos complimented by a simplistic yet addictive bass. Whether or not there is a profitable market for this band, they will continue produce their music because it’s what they believe in and it’s what they live for. British indie rock is back, again, only this time it’s good.
The Joy Formidable DEEP, groaning bass, random clashing symbols, powerful guitar riffs and delicate but compelling vocals; it could sound like a mess but somehow, it works. The Joy Formidable are the noisiest band of the year and are set to change the face of the dying rock scene. You easily get lost in each progressive masterpiece, singer Ritzy Bryan certainly does. Each song is overly complicated but perfectly constructed, powerfully planned and performed. Battalions of guitars take listeners on an epic journey from start to finish and it’s about time something so influential entered the music scene. It’s been far too long since rock influenced music appeared in the charts and this band are already causing a riot, having sold 10,000 copies of their self-produced, selfmarketed EP. The Welsh trio have been a long time coming, putting on heartstopping performances on their tour of the UK. They will be at home on the main stage of any alternative music festival this year and are set to be massive, so don’t miss out.
Totally Enormous Extinct Dinousaurs T.E.E.D sounds like the name of a 15-year-old’s bedroom based band. You can imagine a three piece dancing around drunk, with makeshift instruments, but don’t be fooled. Annie Mac is a big fan of this one man masterpiece and he’s shaping the underground dance scene at just 20 something. Orlando Higginbottom is a one-man writer, producer and performer with his electro dance music exacerbating dance sounds of the 80s. His music cannot be put in to words, it’s a mash up of electro, disco, rave music, with inspired beats ranging from the super clubs in Ibiza to the rooftop raves in New York. Random retro game sounds occur throughout his music but they seem to fit with his drowsy vocals. Orlando has toured with the likes of Skream and Benga and is signed to Hot Chip’s Joe Goddard’s record label. Expect to see this dance commandeer on the decks playing music in to the night at festivals like Creamfields and Global Gathering. Check him out with his funky costumes and random visuals. Festival Guide 15
VIP festival experience up for grabs! •Six VIP tickets to a festival of your choice •Luxury accomodation for you and you and five frinds
Luxury accomdation!
•£100 worth of beer tokens to use at the festival Text ‘WIN’ to 12558 or phone 01244 511000
For up to six people!
A-Z e d i u G l a v i est
F
Amplitude Festival
05-07 August With a 24-hour dance tent, this is an event students can embark upon to embrace the end of an era. A community bonfire creates a homely and friendly vibe to the festival which takes place in Braziers Park, Oxfordshire. First-class reggae, ska and pop punk music fill the line up.
Bestival
Beach Break Live
16-20 June Hailing from business television show, Dragons Den, Beach Break Live is an innovative festival aimed at students. This event has grown in capacity year by year and has gained an award for Best UK Small Festival. Its home, Pembrey Park in Wales, boasts miles of white sanded beach and no end to activities such as a tree top adventure park, a dry ski slope, surfing and tobogganing. Get involved with the festival antics to kick start the summer with beach parties, mass paint fights, silent discos and some of the best names in mainstream pop and dance music.
08-11 September Winner of best medium sized festival, Bestival, on the Isle of Wight, boasts a lineup handpicked by Radio DJ, Rob Da Bank. All kinds of delightful tents are hidden throughout Robin Hill Park and the surrounding forest for festival-goers to explore and discover new music. The event hosts an annual fancy dress theme making Bestival a creative and enjoyable experience.
Festival Guide 17
Creamfields Dot-To-Dot Festival
28-30 May Taking place in Bristol, Manchester and Nottingham, there’s no excuse to miss this one. The event is sponsored by Fred Perry and exacerbates the current mainstream music scene and the up-and-coming talent. Music continues late in to the night throughout the three-day city crawl.
Field Day
30 July Hosted in a spacious and scenic Victoria Park in London, Field Day offers an exuberant selection of diverse music genres and talent from the arts. The festival is just five -years-old but its celebration of left field music, art and comedy is both innovative and inspiring, with no end to cultural food and souvenir stalls.
Festival Guide 18
Festival Guide 18
Glastonbury
27-28 August Set in the Cheshire countryside, Creamfields celebrates the best in dance, trance and drum and bass sounds. Running since 1998, the event is often named the best dance event in the world and its outdoor stages and eyecatching lighting make for an intensely memorable atmosphere. Ticket holders can expect Creamfields to be one long and exciting rave, set in spacious surroundings.
22-26 June The largest and most famous festival in the world, Glastonbury, boasts an enormous line-up with music from all over the world, spread over three days and a whopping 12 stages. Anything is possible at the event with stunning visual and interactive art, no end to different creative workshops and an excited vibe running throughout the festival day and night. This is a festival to be experienced once in a life time at Worthy Park, Pilton.
Hop Farm Festival
01-02 June DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD Hop Farm Festival organisers work hard to express the event as an authentic festival, free DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS of sponsorship, branding and VIP tickets, bringing the experience back to its roots. Rock DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS and indie music are set to appear in the unspoilt countryside of Kent, where the festival SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS calls home. Festival-goers create a friendly atmosphere with everyone connecting through SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS an old school feeling. SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS endal Calling SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS sle of Wight Festival 29-31 July SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS 9-12 June Cumbria plays homeSSSSS to one of the most inThe festival has been building its hugely novative festivals of the year set in the scesuccessful reputation since it played nic Lake District. The small capacity event home to Jimmy Hendrix’s last ever perallows for plenty of space to enjoy the formance in its dwelling, Seaclose Park. festivals many fun activities including the Throughout the years it has presented an Cumbrian Troop Olympics and the fancy eclectic line-up with some of the world’s dress finale. There are nine child friendly biggest names and this year is no differareas and there’s even locally sourced fine ent. The famous strawberry fields offer ale for the adults. This is an event suitable free water and there’s all kinds of different for people of all ages. food stalls around the main arena.
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Festival Guide 19
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ssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss iverpool Sound City ssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss 19-21 May sssssssssssssssssssssssssssss Sound City is spaced across three days, around multiple music venues in upbeat the city of Liverpool. The program brings the newest local talent each time around with accredited names from the music business waiting to sign up the best new sounds. Attendees can home in on the best in new music before anyone else whilst also celebrating established acts. Liverpool Sound City offers an intimate yet fun experience.
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atitude ddddddddddddddddddddddddddd 1 4 -17 July ddddddddddddddddddddddddddd L a ti tude Festiv ddddddddddddddddddddddddddd a c ases talents l in Suffolk showddddddddddddddddddddddddddd in all fields and across all genres ddddddddddddddddddddddddddd including m u s theatre, dan ic, poetry, ddddddddddddddddddddddddddd ce, arts, fa s h io m n and so u c h more. Fe ddddddddddddddddddddddddddd s ti v a lg o e rs can embddddddddddd race the w orld class talent acros 18 stages, in s dividually th emed to su its acts. The it event is mu ch more tha just a music n festival and works hard locally sourc to e all its prod uce. dddddddddddddddddddddd ddddddddddddddddddddd adio 1 Big Weekend ddddddddddddddddddddd 14-15 May ddddddddddddddddddddd This festival plays home to ddddddddddddddddddddd different venues each year ddddddddddddddddddddd and this time around will take ddddddddddddddddddddd place in Cumbria. The clue’s dddddddddddddddddddddd in the name as curator, Radio 1 selects those who attend through a lucky dip process, with those living in the area more likely get tickets. For those lucky enough to win, the festival offers a superb line-up of the best in chart music with fairground rides and souvenir stalls making this a jam packed weekend of fun.
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Festival Guide 20
Strummercamp
27-30 May ddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd Taking its influence from Joe Strummer and The Clash, this punk rock hippy fest is taking ddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd it old school as they are a non profit festival, wholly organised by volunteers. There are ddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd twoddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd stages of rocking bands who will perform to just 1000 or so festival-goers, making this festival an intimate celebration all in the name of experimental punk band the Clash, who ddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd were rated number 30 in the Rolling Stones’ top 100 bands. sssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss Reading and Leeds Festival
sssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss 26-28 August The sssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss rock based festival made its name through its celsssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss ebration of the best in alternative music and has housed sssssss some of the biggest names in the genre since its creation in 1960. 90,000 festival-goers get up to all sorts of crazy antics on the northern and southern leg of this event with a truly unique atmosphere running throughout the festival and the different stages and tents it offers. Festival Guide 21
WOMAD
V Festival
28-31 July Music, arts and dance come together at Charlton Park in Wiltshire, celebrating talent from all corners of the globe. WOMAD festival was created in 1982 by Genesis front man Peter Gabriel and exists today in several countries. Feel free to take part in numerous workshops and enjoy all the performances at this is a family friendly event.
21-22 August It’s hard to believe such an abundance of huge names are in one place, in just one weekend. Over 200 acts take place across four spacious areas as well as several smaller areas such as the Strongbow Tent which creates a friendly pub experience. The site has a diverse variety of eateries and the V Healthy area accommodates for those with healthier dietary requirements. Shops and stalls turn the festival into a late night market after the music finishes, with no end of spectacular bits and bobs. Northern and southern legs in Staffordshire and Essex mean there’s no excuse to miss this delightful festival.
Tents and Tribulations
Opinion
The rising price of festival tickets
THE ever increasing price of festival tickets is a subject of controversy for festival-goers and events organisers, year in, year out. With expenses rising due to the increased pressure for more security, the accumulating costs of world class acts, the increasing expenses for renting land, together with general inflation rates means festivalgoers are forced to foot the bill or face not going to their favourite music events. Huge festivals like Reading need to increase their ticket price by £10 a year, despite playing host to 90,000 attendees, paying £200 a pop. Glastonbury-goers paid just £1 for a ticket back in 1970 but in 2011, it has increased by almost 2000 per cent and if this is the going rate, then imagine how much will a ticket be in ten years time. So are the events worth the annual increase in price and will festival-goers continue to pay? Views are mixed. For festival lovers the experience is truly unique, nowhere else in the world can you see so many bands from different genres of music, all in one place, at one time. Regular festival attendee, 19-year-old Charmaine Greaves, said: “I do think the prices are ridiculous but then again I would happily pay to have the experience and see the acts live.” She added: “If you can justify spending £50 odd to see Rihanna in concert with another £50 to see Eminem and so on, paying £200 to go and see so many acts, camping and have that experience, well it almost works out as a bargain.” But many are questioning: when will it end? If music festivals need to continue to raise their prices will there come a moment when the price outweighs the experience? Furthermore, with the recession lowering the disposable income of English dwellers and the unemployment rates rising, will festival lovers be able to afford such an experience? Matt Calliss, who has attended Reading Festival for the past six years, commented: “This year the price has made me question my purchase.” He added: “If festival organisers like Festival Republic don’t start doing something to try and bring these prices down then I feel they will cripple themselves, we can already see evidence as the reading and Leeds tickets didn’t immediately sell out.” The future for festivals ticket prices is unpredictable, depending on the volatile financial environment and the increasing pressures from the government and legislation on festival policies. For organisers rising event costs is a hurdle that cannot be overcome and so what’s inevitable is that prices will increase. Nevertheless, for anyone who has ever attended a music festival, the atmosphere it offers and the live music it presents, is priceless. Festival Guide 24
Summer 2011
Tents and Tribulations
Opinion
Police presence at festivals
LAST year festival organisers were subjected to enormous pressure to up the level of policing at music events. Security is increased annually but 2010 marked a year of substantial increase of police presence. So is the rise ruining the authentic, free spirited vibe or is it bringing much needed control to events throughout the country? Many organisers and festival-goers are glad of the security the police offer. Chief Editor of Virtual Festivals, Dan Fahey, sees it as a good thing: “It’s a blessing. For a few years festivals were a little lawless and there were thousands of thefts and other misdemeanours occurring. Now a police presence helps combat this and it’s mainly a placid job – you don’t really notice them onsite but they can also be helpful if something does go wrong.” Robert Hobbs, Events Officer for Thames Valley Police, said: “The policing at music festivals is vital to ensure these events stay safe and enjoyable for those attending. We are expecting to employ more officers to work at music events this year which we believe is only a positive thing.” However, such a steep rise in the need for police numbers is questionable. With teams of burly men and women equipped with helmets and weapons, there’s no denying the atmosphere that surrounds them. Campsites are teaming with police and dogs, interrupting the social demure of the place ticket-holders call home for a week. What’s more the cost of police is killing smaller events such as Glade festival with some police paid up to £55 an hour. The official statement from Glade was: “The resulting compromises have led to increased cost, increased ticket prices and a throttling of the very essence of what we wanted to do.” What is to be the future of new, innovative small sized festivals if the need for policing further increases? Regular festival attendee and free lance festival reviewer, Joan Hubbard said: “At Reading Festival the amount of police was overwhelming. It sparked a huge revolt which I believe did more bad than good, 200-strong groups of people were storming around chanting police insults and ripping up tents whilst people slept inside. During this the police were nowhere to be seen.” Police presence is vital at these kinds of events but one can’t deny the impact such a steep rise has had. Some festivals are attempting to ease the control by recruiting volunteers to do small jobs such as putting harmful fires out. Oxfam recruits work at many mainstream festivals putting fires that are dangerous to festival-goers and the environment. What’s been confirmed is that policing will continue to rise, despite the impact it’s having on small events and the festival vibe and so we must assume that they are doing more good than bad and continue to accept that they will be a major part of future festivals. Summer 2011
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Tents: nice and pricey or cheap and cheerful? Tent Review With such an array to tents available to festival-goers it can be hard to
decide which one to purchase. We have the solution: three price ranges, three two-man tents, one event, but which one proved to be best? The Cheap and Cheerful
Reviewer: Lloyd Elliot, 21, from Somerset My tent was an Asda Smart Price tent costing £10. I was worried at first as because it said “suitable for light showers” but luckily the weather was stunning. There wasn’t really any room, it was for two people but it barely fit me alone. It was cosy at night time though because it was so small and it kept me warm. It was really easy to put up and because it was so cheap I didn’t worry about taking it home. Putting up and packing away 9/10 Room 4/10 Sleeping comfort 7/10 Weather proof 5/10 Design and look 4/10
Total: 29/50
The Average Joe Reviewer: Charlotte Simms, 24, from Stafford
My tent was from Halfords and I paid £30, it wasn’t anything special just a Halfords own brand. I was disappointed by this tent because the inside of it tent was soaked every morning and sometimes it dripped on me during the night; gross. The room inside was average, there was room for bags and things but you couldn’t really stand up. Putting it up was easy but I decided to leave it there. Putting up and packing away 6/10 Room 6/10 Sleeping comfort 7/10 Weather proof 2/10 Design and look 6/10
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Total: 28/50
The Nice and Pricey Reviewer: Lee Pullen, 22, From Hemel Hempstead I chose my tent from Millets because I wanted a decent that would last the exra mile I got a Vango tent so I was happy to pay a bit extra, it cost £75. There was plenty of room to move around, it says the tent is suitable for two people but you could easily fit another person in it. The layers meant any condensation was trapped and I was super cosy. I could stand up easily and there were lots of little compartments to put things in. The only downside was the assembling and dissembling. It was really awkward to put up with lots of different rods here and there and places where the tent needs pegging in. Putting it away was a massive pain because it came with a really small bag. Putting up and packing away 2/10 Room 9/10 Sleeping comfort 8/10 Weather proof 9/10 Design and look 7/10
Total: 35/50
Our Verdict: If you don’t plan on spending time in your tent go for a cheap option which is light, compact and easy to assemble. Try your local super market for this sort of tent. However if you plan on using the tent for a few years, it will be cost effective to buy an expensive tent but remember if you’re going to spend a bit more talk to sales advisors and check out online reviews. WINNER! Vango Sigma 200 £75.00
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Knowing What’s Watt: going green at music festivals
Environmentally friendly is a term popping everywhere, causing confusion and controversy. With no end to chemical waste, noise pollution and huge non-renewable energy requirements, festivals can be damaging to our envrionment. Fear not festival-goer, we’ve discovered ways to feastival with a conscience, without growing dreadlocks or changing your name to Sunshine.
Car Sharing
Glastonbury published on their website that a whopping 50% of the festival’s total Co2 emissions are due to the transportation of ticket-holders to the event. Carbon Dioxide is the leading contributor to global warming so whether you chose to drive, get a train, ride a motorcycle or even fly in on a jet, your emissions count. Festivalbudi is a new scheme created to enhance and encourage car sharing to music festivals. It’s free to sign up and there’s even a handy cost calculator to share out the price of petrol. By filling up your car with other budding festival lovers you’re not only saving money but The name
says it all
...
•Scientists blame human activity as the biggest contributor to the change in climate •Land fill sites are approaching capacity and releasing harmful chemicals •Global warming is contributing to rising sea levels, the disappearance of islands and more natural disasters •C02 emissions are also causing havoc with respiratory systems with a signitfcant raise in children developing asthma
also thinking of the environment. According to a survey by The Greener Festival Company, 61% travel by car to festivals, so there’s pleanty of opportunity to embrace car sharing. Make sure you read the information about safety and hitchhikers.
festivalbudi.com
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Waste Management
At least 3,000 tonnes of rubbish can be accumulated during large size festivals and most of this is non bio-degradable. There are simple steps to take to lessen the consequences of dumping your litter such as using the recycling bins provided. Re-using drinking cups is one of the most effective ways to help lessen the impact of waste and festivals often offer drinking coupons for collecting and returning cups to the bars. Bio-degradable cups which also can be purchased online. FRANK Water is running a new scheme throughout festivals this year called FreeFill. It’s simple, you purchase a re-use able plastic bottle and you get free re-fills providing you use the same bottle. Water is especially important at festivals to avoid dehydration and sun stroke and it’s a blessing that it’s free at where bottled water costs as much as £3.
freefill.frankwater.com Toilets
The portaloo experience at festivals is daunting to say the least. Whatsmore, the chemicals needed to clean these horror holes each and every night are harmful to the surrounding areas, causing devastation to wildlife. A solution is a handy cardboard box named, The Ploo. The Ploo is light weight and compact and supports weights of up to 20 stone. The toilet can be used over and over and it even doubles up as a stool. The box is made from recycled products and is 100% bio-degradable, bags and all.
.thebrowncorporation.com
: hug in a
Oxfam solar shower bag?
Showering
For those of you who brave the showers at festivals, powering them requires a large amount of energy, taken from fossil fuels. Asking festival-goers not to wash would be a sure crime but luckily the kind souls at Oxfam have come up with a solution. The Oxfam Solar Shower is the perfect answer to showering, especially with summer festivals blessed by the English sun. The water temperature is less then desired but at just £5.99 it’s a cheap alternative to playing shower roulette at music events.
oxfam.org.uk Festival Guide 29
The Outro
Why I Hate Festivals... by Leanne kelsall Cleanliness
On the surface of things not being able to wash might seem like a treat, an opportunity to let lose and live life like an indigenous tribe person, excitedly smearing yourself in mud whilst dancing around a fire. Unfortunately, after a day or two, the reality kicks in, you are not a tribe person, you are a disgustingly smelling human being in the process of contracting gangrene or athlete’s foot.
Price
Paying through the roof to listen to a less good version of your favourite song does not seem justifiable, especially when thousands of fellow fans also want to see the same band, and so you are 40 feet from the stage, trying to look over the tall guy who seems to follow you wherever you go.
Queuing
At festivals you’ll find yourself queuing to get in, to get your wristband, to get a coffee, to get some lunch, to get into the main arena, to get near each stage and to get out again, infact the only place you’ll find yourself not queuing is the dodgy noodle stall that got itself that bad reputation. Festival Guide 31
Crowds
Yes, so you want to see Guns ‘n’ Roses perform their first show in 20 years, well so do the other 90,000 fellow festivalgoers at the festival. There are several options for crowds, stand at the front after queuing for most of the day to get violated by the railing, stand in the middle where thousands of rowdy men decide to start a mosh pit, resulting in broken limbs, stand near the back where there are annoying groups of people dancing wildly making you spill your beer or stand right at the back and pretend the view you have is actually enjoyable.
Food
It’s probably best to get a tetanus jab before consuming any food at festivals. Beware, when you’re hung-over southern fried chicken sounds like heaven but two hours later you realise what a fool you’ve been.
Portaloos
Three words; don’t, look, down.
summer 2011
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