The Other Side... Intro xxxx Let me just reassure you. We ain't going all music mag on your arse, we just decided that it'd be fun to put together a festival edition of the magazine. Not for the free tickets and not your archetypal festival guide either...you know the standard 'go to Glastonbury or don't bother going to a festival' type nonsense. Obviously we've covered the bigshots, but we've also gone all out to find the smaller guys that are worth hitting. Inside you'll find out who, why, what and where your coach pass will be taking you for five days of drunken disorder (not that we suggest you drink at festivals..no sir.) Add to that the usual Other Side antics, Cardorowski, Murdoch et al and you've got yourselves the most useful fashion accessory of the summer (excluding maybe a bumbag). It fits in your bag, it's glossy and most of all it's perfect with a chocolate digestive.
..this is what we do
contents
Free even at the worst of times! Packed to the rafters as they say, and what’s inside? Plenty to keep your eyes away from Sh*tlist and the London Shite for at least an afternoon. Enjoy our magazine, filled with insightful articles and top quality illustrations. Part 1.The Usual Suspects. London ain’t all that bad. It’s two and sixpence by Cardorowski Rise of the Psychonauts by Dan Murdoch One and a bit years, we see how Boris is doing. The Diary of Joseph Barton by Ed Herman
Thought for the day. With the Olympics only 3 years away I have decided to get fit. Possibly fit enough to be part of the British Darts team. Darts….Olympics? Yes it is true the BDA (British Darts Association) are attempting to gain Olympic recognition. Surely a sport where the most action involves walking to the bar to top up your Stella cannot be considered athletics. Fingers crossed people. If we can get Phil ‘the Power’ Taylor to the Olympics anything is possible. Live the Dream!
The Other Side is Sam, Adam, Steph, Nathan, Josh, Becca, Mika, Nico, Ed & Rick. (c) The Other Side Mag 2009. No reprinting without our permission. contact info@tosmag.co.uk / www.theothersidemag.co.uk
Part 2. Our guide to the Festivals A quick run through Festival Fashion The small ones June Isle of Wight Downlaod Rockness Sonar Hurricaine Glasto On the Cheap July Garden Fest Roskilde The London Ones Festivals on the Blag Exit Latitude Benicassim SGP August Field Day Big Chill The Dance Ones First Timers Guide V Festival Reading Leeds September Bestival Become a TOSer Subscribe
Jimi is in my ears NP
i forgot about my tea today it went cold i tried it, but it wasn’t nice i was angry at myself. i’d been looking for something to do for hours and all this time my tea was there. i could have been drinking my tea. instead my eyes hurt from looking at 2D pictures on screens and now my mouth had a bad taste from drinking cold tea. but jimi is in my ears, that’s okay. (lord there’s a red house over yonder lord that’s where my baby stays)
London is alive!
S
o according to Time Out (which normally I like) North London sucks as does South London. Does that mean that London sucks? Really Time Out? No, there’s no way London sucks. I’m North, born and raised in Archway, with a tinkling of South blood, my dad’s from West Norwood, lovely cemetery but try getting a cabbie to go there after dark. We thought that rather than slag off Chris, Gwen and Apple for poncing around Primrose, which really is just a good place to pick up some Prosecco and olives before sitting on the hill and gazing South, that we might actually big this bustling city up. So here goes. Our favourite places in London, North, South East and West.
Isabella Plantation, Richmond Park, Richmond, South London This place really is fairytale land. Every flower imaginable, trees created for climbing, the sort every 8 year old child wishes for, squirrels, mandarin ducks, swans, even the pigeons were pleasant. This is after sauntering through a park 20 minutes out of the city that is teeming with deer. Go to Isabella Plantation, we think everyone will be blown away.
The Clissold Arms, Fortis Green, East Finchley. North London Not because my brother works there, but because wander ten minutes from Muswell Hill or East Finchley and you’ll find the Kinks old haunt, now more Miles than Ray Davies the pub serves up really top quality grub. It has a barbeque on a daily basis through the summer and even a little village store selling cheese, sausages and other foodie delights. Next time you are in there ask for Dan and say we sent you.
yes it is..
Beigel Bake, Brick Lane, East London (mad spelling) After a hard day, night, afternoon even Christmas there’s only one place to go and that is Brick Lane for a salt beef and mustard bagel (back to the English spelling). Open 24 hours a day and always making fresh bagels (you can watch them while you wait) it really is a must for even the most hardened celiac!
Pizza then a movie in Brixton. Franco Manca – h’apparently the best pizza in London. The Pizza is made in an authentic wood burning brick oven from Naples (where they make the best Pizza in the world), olive oil from Sicily need I go on? Six pizzas to choose from, which will it be? Problem is, Franco is only open from 12-5 Monday to Saturday. Take a day off and catch a matinee with a game of fusball in the Ritzy. Victoria Line all the way back North (should
you live there).
Walk from East to West Walk along the Regent’s Canal from East to West. Grab breakfast at Columbia Road flower market and end up in Little Venice via Camden and London Zoo. Jump on the barge back to Camden for drinks in the Edinboro Castle. Unbeatable day out.
A South London Walk too! Breakfast at Borough market. Early. Beat the crowds. Simply irresistible sausage sarnies and a Monmouth coffee for a quid! Walk it off along the river past the Tate and hop on the Thames to Greenwich. That should get you started. It’s got my mouth watering and my legs aching already. Enjoy. TOS
Cardorowski
“It’s Two and Sixpence… … from Finchley Central to Golders Green on the Northern Line” as the old tune used to go. And as if to prove that song really is one of the few immutables in life, I still hum to myself that ridiculous refrain. For who, in their right mind, would have travelled from Finchley Central to Golders Green on the Northern Line? Makes no sense. From Finchley Central to Golders Green is a single, uninterrupted and cheaper Bus ride with a view. No fiddly-faddly at Camden Town and no distracting thoughts of heading “in”, never mind the time saved for whatever it was you hoped to do in GG that you couldn’t in Finchley. Preposterous notion.
another, before striding up and out under the awning of the Wyndhams Theatre for another. Wyndham’s, onetime home of both ‘Godspel’ and ‘Accidental Death of an Anarchist’. Now that IS a funky Double Bill to hold in your mind! But we’re only reminiscing, not dreaming here! Some folk traipse to their local flea-pit for a cinematic experience that’s probably merely an excuse for gropin’neckin’snoggin’. This sub-urbanite craved the Big Screen experience of Leicester Square from an early age. Whether it was “2001”, the latest Bond or ‘Jimi’, the only method was complete immersion in sound and vision, preferably alone in a crowd of exotic strangers. The monster Odeon and a mate beckoned at a price I can no longer recall, but was probably decimal. Pete, a school-mate of nervous disposition, given to smoking only the most noxious French smokes available to teenagers and something of a schoolboy guitar hero, chose the film; William Peter Blatty’s only dent on culture “The Exorcist”. He’d dragged a coupla Gauloise to their bitter and very yellow ends over pints of warm beer before we found ourselves in row Q. Smoking was allowed, if not actively expected, back then but nothing coulda prepared me for the volcano that erupted beside me before a head had spun or a vom been thrown in anger.
“Each gleeful nudge induced the sparking up of another black tobacco stick”
Two and Sixpence, for those who are too young (or disinterested), was a monetary sum that disappeared about 1970, in an early stab at shuffling off our Imperial heritage for the European ideal of Republicanism. We haven’t come very far. 2/6d worked out at about 12 and 1/2p, try squeezing that out of an Oyster!!
But, the Northern Line, what a black artery of hope and adventure! From the clean green of Hampstead Garden Suburb to the flashing, neon lime of Leicester Square. What a trip, in every sense. Theatre, cinema and dancemusicsexromance not to mention the boozedrugs’n’birds angles. The closely watched confines of sub-urbia loosed for the wilds of Urbia, in 10 short stops. First fag on the walk to the station, one on the platform waitingwaitingwaiting for a Charing X branch train, and then the back or front carriage for 8
In Pete’s defence, it should be acknowledged that his cruel neighbour had already seen
Comment filmvolcano and nudged methe for the that erupted him throughout beside me before a with head had knowing comments spun or a vom been thrown in along the lines of; “Good anger. bit In coming up!”defence, Each Pete’s it should be nudge acknowledged gleeful induced that histhe cruel neighbour sparking uphad of already seen the film and tobacco nudged him another black throughout knowing stick andwith a denser fogcomments alongwhich the lines “Good through to of; view bit the coming up!” Linda Each Blair. gleeful cavorting nudge induced As the actionthe grewsparking more up florid of another black and fierce so tobacco the stick and a denser fog through number of smokes on which to view the cavorting the go increased until Linda Blair. As the action grew that moment when more florid and fierce so the the Man in Black finally number of smokes on the go confronted the bronco increased until that moment riding Blair, and Pete had when the Man in Black finally one in each andriding confronted the hand bronco another in his mouth, Blair, and Pete had one in each eyes shut,inoblivious hand andtight another his mouth, with fear and completely eyes tight shut, oblivious with the cool hewithout fearwithout and completely a guitar themanaged cool he with managed within a his hands. I, yet to catch guitar in his hands. I, yet to thethe Nicotrain, was catch Nicotrain, wasgreen green gills, weeping at eye at at thethe gills, weeping at the eye and andthe finding the fifinding lm, the the smoking and the neighbour faintly thethe rollneighbour of the credits Pete film,humourous. the smokingByand faintly hadhumourous. smoked 30 odd androll wasofutterly lost. The best By the the credits Pete washad yetsmoked to come. 30 odd and was utterly lost. The Living in the aforementioned Sub-Urb, the best was yet to come. easiest way home was a tube back up the left hand branch of the Blackline and Sub-Urb, a walk into Living in the aforementioned thethe tranquillity of home Sub-urban and reassurance. easiest way was rest a tube back up the Upon at GG though, Pete suddenly the leftarrival hand branch of the Blackline and agot walk violent shakes, “Isn’t this where the Cemetery is?” into the tranquillity of Sub-urban rest and He reassurance. stuttered. It was truearrival and, at what more, there Upon GGis though, had long been a joke for those who trod the tree Pete suddenly got the violent shakes, “Isn’t lined Hoop Lane with frequency, that occasionally this where the Cemetery is?” He stuttered. one could ascertain that they were indeed “Frying It was true and, what is more, there had Tonight!” This was beyond our Pete, having smoked long been a joke for those who trod the his way through a pack and a half of French Tar, tree lined Hoop Lane with frequency, that occasionally one could ascertain that they
artwork by Jaime Jackson ©2007
he was bereft of comfort and not about to go quiwere “Frying Tonight!” This was etly intoindeed that dark corridor of departed souls! The beyond our Pete, having smoked rescue team were called out and sohis it way was that through a pack andwas a half of French he the the Parental Courier brought in toTar, bear was bereft of comfort and not about to go frazzled Pete back to the safety of his Swiss quietlydomicile. into thatWe dark corridor departed Cottage never really ofwent any fursouls! The rescue teamtaught wereme called out and ther as mates. He never the intricacies it was that the Parental ofso folk guitar, I never acquired Courier the habitwas of French brought inand to bear frazzled Pete back cigarettes Pete the probably stayed with the to the safety his Swiss Cottage domicile. buses until the of arrival of that Johnny-come-lately Underground Line the Jubilee, where itaswas never We never really went any further mates. two six to anywhere! Heand never taught me the intricacies of folk guitar, I never acquired the habit of French by Cardorowski cigarettes and Pete probably stayed with the buses until the arrival of that Johnny-comelately Underground Line the Jubilee, where it was never two and six to anywhere!
editor@theothersidemag.co.uk 9
Cut/Tear here
Not interested in the Herbal Highs at Glasto this year? Dan Murdoch delves into the dangers of the more scientific legal drugs....
Rise of the Psychonauts They’ve cleared out the old baggies from those crusty smoking tins, thrown away the faded wraps from the pockets of their party shirts. Coke’s out. Ecstasy’s dead. Mandy’s dabbed her last dirty finger. They’re the psychonauts and they’re here to explore the psychedelic boundaries of consciousness. But this time it’s legal. Welcome to the world of research chemicals. Ever looked through the faded science papers of a failed pharmaceutical escapade in the hope of finding a side-effect to your liking? These folk have. Ever wondered if 4-MMC will have the same effect on you as MDMA? Well now you don’t have to. It does. These boys will tell you. Just don’t let the government know.
potential to cause an explosion in popularity, even leading respected narcotic journal Druglink to run the headline: “Mephedrone: The Future of Drug Dealing?” So are they safe? Absolutely not. No fucking way, these compounds have the potential to be incredibly dangerous. What drugs aren’t? 453 paracetamol-related deaths in 2004, according to the ridiculously bullshitridden internet. But a lot of these research chemicals get knocked up by renegade chemists in backstreet laboratories. And people make mistakes. The best example is the Californian student who was synthesising the heroin analogue MPPP and selling it as ‘China White’. Unfortunately one batch didn’t turn out quite china right and a bunch of junkies started shooting up MPTP, a chemically similar compound which, within three days of injection, causes extreme and irreversible neuro-damage identical to the later stages of Parkinson’s Disease, leaving the unlucky twenty-something users shaking wrecks for the rest of their admittedly limited lives.
“Only take a sip.” A sip. How much is a sip?”
“It’s the closest thing to MDMA I’ve ever taken. It’s over much quicker, but there isn’t really a come down like with MDMA. You feel fine the next day,” one psychonaut’s thoughts on mephedrone – a feeling echoed by half a dozen others I’ve spoken to. “The biggest difference is the price. Online, it’s £14 a gram.” Oh yes, and it’s entirely legal.
Mephedrone is just one of a whole genre of new drugs floating under authorities’ radar which have yet to be classified under the Misuse of Drugs Act and go under the banner of ‘research chemicals’ or RCs.You may have caught the end of the 2CB craze from a couple of years back (now banned), all part of the same scene. Of course people finding new chemicals to get you high isn’t new, the psychonaut hall of fame boasts Timothy Leary and the Shulgins. But the low price and relative accessibility of compounds like mephedrone has the 12
I asked a psychonaut what it’s like to get a strange pack of white powder in the post. What you just whack it up your nose? Who goes first? Don’t you need giant great swinging Godzilla testicles? “It’s not like that at all.You have to do the research first, you read about it online, hear trip reports from people you trust, check out what precautions you need to take. To minimise the dangers you need to know
Drugs what you’re doing, take the correct dose, don’t mix with alcohol.You have to take it seriously.” Drugs and taking things seriously. Not a traditional combination. At the end of April the Daily Telegraph ran with the front page: “Why is killer party drug legal?” The story was of a blond 21-yearold medical student and cheerleader who had been found dead after taking GBL, an industrial solvent sold as alloy wheel cleaner and used in heavily diluted form to get you battered. The story was presented as if the stuff had killed the poor girl. Actually, at that point, neither a post mortem nor a toxicity report had been conducted. Nor had they as I write this and maybe GBL was the cause, but it might have made sense to work that out before splashing on it. But the paper did have a point in saying that the Home Office had promised to ban GBL eight months before but, in the words of the distraught mother, some “pen pusher somewhere” had hesitated. Okay, so if GBL had been banned eight months ago then maybe that girl would still be partying? “Nah, that’s complete shite,” offered one Scottish psychonaut, “if they ban mephedrone or GBL or 2CI then we’re just back to square one – testing out new things that we don’t know much about. At least with mephedrone and GBL you know what you’re getting.” But do you? Whereas coke, MDMA and heroin have years of research behind them, these chemicals don’t. Nobody knows what will happen to today’s methylmethaqualone user tomorrow. Quite possibly nothing, but it seems a bit of a risk all the same.
So aren’t you better off buying a good, oldfashioned and completely illegal ecstasy from that nice chap with the knife? “Absolutely not.You have no idea what is in an E, who knows what they cut that stuff with? At least with RCs you know what you’re getting. I don’t even take street drugs anymore, I don’t want to mix with drug dealers, I don’t want to break the law.” Here I feel I should admit to having my own GBL experience. Last night of Glastonbury 2005, and I stumbled across these giant eggs out in a field. I went into one and found a whole bunch of people sitting around on a big round comfy sofa (that really is what happened). Got chatting to the girl next to me and she offered a swig from her flask. What is it? “GBL – liquid ecstasy.” Okay. “Only take a sip.” A sip. How much is a sip? I’d been swigging pear cider all day, glugging it like it was running out. Which it was. “The problem with GBL,” I'm being told by a doctor, four years later, “is getting the dose right.You need just the right amount to get you feeling euphoric. More than that and you pass out. More than that and you can slip into a coma.” If only I’d know more in The Egg. I woke up nine hours later, it was day time, people were packing up, huge swathes of tents had disappeared and I’d missed the last night of Glastonbury. “That’s why it gets used as a date rape drug,” adds the doc. Nothing happened. Definitely. Nothing happened. I’ve always had that limp. So what’s the moral? There is no fucking moral you twat, everything’s relative. Don’t accept liquid ecstasy from strangers in giant eggs?
Read more of Dan Murdoch at www.theothersidemag.co.uk/dan 13
Boris Johnson is a .....
ONE & A BIT YEARS A little while back we published a game about London mayor Boris Johnson. The idea was based upon an old Atari Game called Cookie Monster Munch where Cookie Monster had to travel around collecting cookies and putting them back in a jar. Ours was slightly different and we replaced Cookie Monster with Boris. Brilliant. He goes around London picking stuff up and putting it somewhere else, like putting petty crooks who cause disturbances on the buses in a big glass jar outside City Hall. Not wanting to revisit old jokes we decided to find an ancient political hack, stick them in a room with a bottle of vin rouge and ask them what they think of BJ’s first year in charge. TOS: What do you think of Boris’ first year in charge? HACK pouring his first glass of £2.99 Lidl own brand vino: I voted for Boris because he’s got blonde hair and I thought it might be a laugh having him as mayor. What’s he done? Oh the usual, bumbled about, presented ‘Have I got news for you’, hasn’t he been writing some newspaper columns and trying to bring back the old buses. TOS:Yes, he’s getting rid of the bendy buses which are proving just as unpopular in Wigan as they are with BJ. A good thing? HACK downing his glass of red: Those bendy’s were bloody good. I mean, I saved myself hundreds of pounds last year by hopping on at the back, great for the less well off and students. Now we’re going to get smaller buses on busier routes.You do the math. We’ll be crushed like on the ruddy Northern line. 14
TOS: or crushed like cyclists? HACK grabbing some cheese and chive Pringles:You ever cycled in London sonny. Cyclists tear through red lights, overtake on the inside, most of them don’t wear helmets and it’s the buses that are to blame.Yet, today I watched a man get trapped in the doors of a bendy, probably because the driver couldn’t see him getting off 90ft away. Good thing/bad thing who knows but BJ doesn’t like them. I’ll keep an open mind and wait in anticipation for the new ones. TOS: Ok.You said you liked his hair, anything else? HACK on his 3rd glass now:Yesh, I like the fact he never wears a tie and always answers a question with a question, like my Jewish mother. “Would you like some more chicken soup?” I’ll say, “What do you mean would I like some more chicken soup?” “Ma, you want some more soup?” “How can I want some more soup if I’m still eating my bread?” It goes on, Boris is similar, a recent question asked at mayoral question time: “Has the Metropolitan Police Service ever a) recorded and b) stored private information about journalists who report on protests and/or demonstrations?” “What do you mean? “Has the Metropolitan Police Service ever a) recorded and b) stored private information about journalists who report on protests and/or demonstrations?” “How can I want some more soup if I’m still eating my bread”.....etc…*
Wine and Pringles TOS: Ok, so questions with questions, we’ve got one more for you. Do you think BJ will become Prime Minister? HACK, thinking whilst getting the last drips of wine out of the bottle: Perhaps he shall, perhaps then I could be Mayor, people voted for him to be Mayor so why wouldn’t they vote for him to be PM. I will, after all he’s funny, he’s on TV and has blonde hair HACK sits slumped over the desk with some crushed Pringles and a takeaway menu in his hand, we call a cab to take him to the jar outside city hall for journalists who have written reports on recent protests and demonstrations. TOS out.
illustration by Matt Littler
15
The Other Side's Off Side
The diary of Joseph Anthony Barton, aged 26 1/2 Monday
like a life sized cardboard cut out of our Paul) and wanted to know if I fancied getting involved. Had to turn him down – it’s "total abstinence" all the way for me.
A new week, and a new me. Haven’t been on the pitch for 3 months now, but I’m raring to go, and it’s high time I put my bad boy image behind me. I’ve done my time, Newcastle United are in trouble, and now I’m ready to step up and do my bit for Big Al. I think he might be the messiah.
Yes! Match day tomorrow! So excited I nearly made a mess of my Ousmane Dabo duvet cover.
Tuesday
Saturday
Bit tired today. Drove out for a McDonald’s in the wee hours and there were all these people out on the road. My first thought from now “Stay good Joey”, so I slowed down to inch past them carefully. One of them seemed really excited to see such a big name star up close and in person. He ran up to my car (guess he wanted my autograph) but accidently bumped into it. Spilt my Smarties McFlurry all over the seat - it’s hard being a celebrity sometimes.
Wend Wednesday sHeard I’m probably starting on Saturday!
Just got back from a party to celebrate. These Geordies know how to have a good time, especially that Xisco fella! He kept going on about a thong for some reason though. Lit up a nice Cuban towards the end of the night but couldn’t find an ashtray. Was a bit worried about ruining the carpet – could already see the “Barton in shag pile shocker” headlines - but someone helpfully offered me their eye to stub it out on. Lucky that, could’ve been really damaging to my new, clean cut image.
Thursday
Got a call from my old mate Paul Merson (got friendly with him at Big Tone’s driving school). He’s fronting an ad campaign for a betting shop (nothing says “Gambling” quite
16
Friday
Played footy for first time in ages today, it was amazing! Back in Liverpool, where I grew up, the reception from the supporters was just magic. They must have heard about my efforts to turn over a new leaf, because every time I touched the ball all I could hear was “Neeeew”. Thanks guys. One quite funny incident - Xabi Alonso was keeping the ball near the corner, and I ran over to get it because I wanted to give the fans another chance to see what I can do. The pitch was a bit wet and I slipped over, my legs shot up, and poor old Xabi was knocked off his feet. It was real Laurel and Hardy stuff! We’d used up all our subs and I’d started to wonder if I was going to get a chance to take an ovation and thank all the fans, but good old Phil Dowd showed me a red card so I had the stage all to myself when I went off. Thanks ref! Big Al was so chuffed he went all red in the face. Shame about the final result, but I had a really great day out. Went to bed with a big smile on my face.
Sunday
Got a call from the club this afternoon – seems the boss is so happy with my work this week that he’s decided to reward me with a two week holiday! Woo hoo – no more training for me this season! This “good egg” business really has its benefits. All in all, I’m a very happy bunny.
A regular visitor to Tom Henning Ovrebo’s couch
Top 10 moments of the season..
mate Andy Griffin in the face! Fair enough.
With the Premier League season almost done and dusted, there’s just time for us to give you our top 10 moments from the year so far. What fun!
6. "He absolutely rapes him"
10. Robinho’s geography lesson A decent “will he, won’t he” with a surprise ending with Robinho ending up at City. When he was unveiled, he told reporters that "On the last day, Chelsea made a great proposal and I accepted." "You mean Manchester, right?" they asked. "Yeah, Manchester, sorry!" said Robinho. Good one son!
9. Marouane Fellaini’s hair
Alan Pardew’s interesting thoughts on Michael Essien’s football skills mean that he won’t be invited back to the MOTD sofa in a hurry. Good news, because it leaves more room for Gazza.
5. Macheda arrives Who are ya? A question nobody asks Federico Macheda any more after the boyman’s incredible last minute curler to beat Villa at Old Trafford.
4. 4-4s A season of classics. Arsenal v Tottenham, Chelsea v Liverpool, Liverpool v Arsenal – great for the neutrals!
3. The freedom of Pompey Harry Redknapp received the Freedom of the City of Portsmouth in a ceremony on 28 October. Given that he’d left for Tottenham on 26 October, the reception he received from the Pompey faithful could best be described as “mixed”.
2. Rafa’s rant Footballer by day, extra from Shaft/Mighty Boosh by night
8. Berbatov pays the penalty Weak doesn’t even begin to describe the penalty Dimitar Berbatov took in the FA Cup semi final against Everton. Shocker.
7. Fuller goes all Ricky Hatton
Anyone who says that Fergie’s mind games don’t work just needs to read the transcript of Rafa’s mid-season rant. “I want to talk about facts. I want to be clear, I do not want to play mind games too early”.You tell ‘em Rafa.
1. Chelsea v Barcelona Three words: Tom Henning Ovrebo. Classic! Calm down Didier, it’s only a commercial...
When West Ham equalised against Stoke, Ricardo Fuller’s response was to slap team 17
illustration by Matt Dent
“what we have in mind is breakfast for 400,000� wavy gravy at woodstock 1969
For most of the rest of this Wychwood Festival Cheltenham Racecourse – 29-31 May edition we decided to get our fix of all things festival. Previews This quaint Cheltenham festival is a mixture of great folk, world, roots and rock music of some of our favourites and with family entertainment and workshops. some of our not so favourite. Around eighty acts are set to play this year’s We found people who had been intimate edition with good beers, ciders and to them all. From canooing food completing a great weekend getaway. in the rain to singing along to Isle of Wight Festival Radiohead back around to Seaclose Park, Newport, IOW – 12-14 June eating something they wish Historically housing greats like Dylan, they hadn’t, we even spoke to Hendrix and, erm, Kubb in the past, the somebody about an incident Isle Of Wight Festival is only topped by involving John Peel at Reading Glastonbury in terms of festival history. Like a rural taxi driver, the three-day festival in 1973...but we promised unashamedly mixes dad rock and pop to keep that between us and between a main stage and a big top with The them. Over the next few pages Prodigy, Neil Young and Stereophonics set for we’ve put together, with the 2009. help of Virtual Festivals, a quick Download guide to the best UK fests this Donington Park – 12-14 June summer and then we get all After taking the chalice from Monsters detailed and take you to the Of Rock, Download Festival is the latest places you should definitely be historic metal and rock event to take place at the Donington Park raceway. The threeat this year. We hope you enjoy it. T.O.S
day behemoth boasts two outdoor stages and a tent of live music with the reformed Faith No More, Slipknot and Def Leppard all lined-up to tear your eardrums in 2009. The festival also has extreme sports displays, a five-a-side football pitch, a signing tent and a chill out area, if all the moshing gets too much.
“The sign of a good weekend!”
Glastonbury
T In The Park
When Michael Eavis invited some hippies onto his farm in the 70’s, he could’ve never envisioned the sprawling city of music, art, theatre, poetry and mud that now churns his pastures annually. Musically Glastonbury has something for everyone from dubstep and reggae to jazz to hop hop, while remaining culturally enlightening and politically active. Rolling green fields, hidden holistic therapies and mystical enlightenment, Glasto is impossible to describe – it just has to be seen.
Scotland’s biggest and most renowned festival has twice been honoured with the Best Major Festival gong at the UK Festival Awards and it’s easy to see why: world class bands, an unbeatable atmosphere and plenty of Tennants lager. Blur, Kings Of Leon, Snow Patrol and The Killers are set to headline in 2009 while the traditional ceilidh tent will make sure the Scottish heritage is accounted for too. T also has a Healthy T area, which allows revellers to eat well over the weekend – no deep fried Mars bars here.
Blissfields Festival
Lounge On The Farm
A former Best Small Festival winner at the UK Festival Awards, this Hampshire event is set to return after a year hiatus in 2008. Laura Marling has been given her first headline slot alongside Super Furry Animals and one lucky punter will be voted as President of the festival, which means getting the VIP treatment all weekend.
The best boutique bash in the Canterbury area, Lounge On The Farm sticks close to its roots by showcasing regional acts alongside locally sourced food, beers and ciders. An intimate crowd of just 5,000 will enjoy performances from the likes of Edwyn Collins, The Aliens and The Horrors.
A Hop At The Farm
Various, Brighton – 11-12 July
Worthy Farm, Pilton, Somerset - 24-28 June
Bradley Farm, Hampshire - 3-5 July
Hop Farm, Kent – 3-5 July
Going back to the days of yore, A Hop At The Farm festival is moulded on the festivals of the 70’s with no advertising, no sponsorship and no VIP area. Expanding into a two-day event after the success of last year’s debut, you may just think you’re at Woodstock, if The Fratellis weren’t headlining.
Balado Airfield, Kinross-shire – 10-12 July
Merton Farm, Kent – 10-12 July
Loop Festival
Readying the third edition of Loop, organisers will give Brighton another abundance of cutting edge and digital art as well as acts like Esser, Casiokids and Squarepusher. The event is split into two halves: LoopLive with live acts in the day and LoopLate – DJs that spin tunes into the early hours.
Larmer Tree Festival
Larmer Tree Gardens, Dorset – 15-19 July Voted Best Family Festival in 2008, Larmer Tree is a five-day event that can quite easily be stretched into a mini holiday. An eclectic line-up of funk, world, jazz and dance are the perfect soundtrack to this slow-paced, culturally absorbing soiree. Holistic therapies, secret gardens and eccentric street theatre will make sure this is an event not to forget, whether you’re four or 45.
Glade
Matterley Bowl,Winchester – 16-19 July Some brilliant things have come out of Glastonbury (canoes, sofas and Amy Winehouse are said to have been pulled from the post-event mud), but Glade, which started off as the renegade dance tent at the festival, is definitely one of the best. Now a festival in its own right, the bash has an unquenchable thirst for breaks, psytrance, techno, jungle and other dance off-shoots as well as world and chill out music. Celebrating 21 years of acid house this summer, Glade has moved to Winchester so it can be louder and go on longer.
Latitude
Henham Park, Suffolk – 16-19 July Every culture vulture’s favourite summer retreat, Latitude is for the art inquisitive rather than just the music lovers. From the Pet Shop Boys to Passion Pit, established bands and exciting emerging artists are both in full supply. Festival-goers can also immerse themselves in art, comedy, literature, poetry, theatre, dance, sculpture, film and performance art - there’s even a BBC Radio 4 arena!
Secret Garden Party
Secret location, near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire - 23-26 July Officially the Best Small Festival in the country, Secret Garden Party isn’t going to be staying secret for that much longer. Not that it’s going to turn into one of your Nan’s garden parties with its lace place mats, tea and cucumber sandwiches. Every year the organisers push the boundaries of what a festival is, this year they’re building two cities - Babylon and Eden both sides of a lake with a line-up of indie, funk, reggae and dance.
Global Gathering
Long Marston Airfield - 24-25 July This dance behemoth is showing no sign of slowing down. With The Prodigy, Pendulum and Orbital already confirmed as headliners it’s enough to whet the appetite of any raver (along with the mandatory bottle of water too) but it’s the strength and depth of the line-up that makes 50,000 return to Stratford Upon Avon each year.
Camp Bestival
Lulworth Castle, Dorset – 24-26 July A family-orientated version of Rob da Bank’s ever popular Bestival, Camp Bestival is the modern version of a 1950’s holiday camp: blue coat entertainers, music and WI tea ladies. There will also be a sports day, jousting, story telling and an extensive children’s entertainment programme as well as some of the hottest live acts and DJs around, no wonder Wayne Coyne from The Flaming Lips described it as “perfect.”
Hard Rock Calling Hyde Park, London 26-28 July
London’s dad rock excursion extends to three days for 2009 with Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young and The Killers set to get middleaged gents grooving in Hyde Park. Away from the music there is little else in the way of entertainment, so expect bars to be manned by men in mid-life crisis leather.
Cambridge Folk Festival
Cherry Hall, Cambridge – 30 July – 2 August One of the oldest festivals in the country, Cambridge Folk regularly sells out on reputation alone with organisers building a line-up of emerging and established acts from the scenes as well as a few non-folk favourites. The Zutons, Bellowhead and the reformed Edward II are among this year’s acts.
Standon Calling
Standon, Hertforshire – 31 July – 2 August Held in the grounds of a 16th century home, Standon Calling is a three-day party that boasts everything from Femi Kuti to Tony Christie musically as well an underwater rave – yes, DJs in a swimming pool!
Field Day
Victoria Park, London – 1 August London’s ‘psychedelic summer fete’ takes its inspiration from village fairs of old with sack races and whack-the-rat style games accompanying music from the likes of Mogwai, Erol Alkan and more indie offerings.
"find the bands with the keytars. You can't beat a good keytar."
Sonisphere
Knebworth House – 1-2 August Nothing will ever top Robbie Williams’ residency at Knebworth House – he had Kelly Osbourne in support for goodness sake – but the inaugural Sonisphere is certainly going to test the sturdiness of the stately home’s stained-glass windows. Headliners Metallica and Linkin Park will be turning the volume up to 11 with DJs, walkabouts, freak shows and VIP packages making sure revellers crawl away from the event feeling like they’ve spent the weekend partying with Motley Crue.
The Big Chill
Eastnor Castle - 6-9 August The daddy of the boutique festival, The Big Chill has spawned many copycats and lookalikes but its reputation and variety mean it is still one of the best out there. The diversity of the musical acts means that you’re guaranteed to see someone you’ve never heard of, while the infamous arts and crafts hill means if you don’t want to do anything but chill, well that’s fine too.
Green Man Festival
V Festival
Hylands Park, Chelmsford & Weston Park, Staffordshire – 22-23 August. Like your loaded best mate who always had the Nike Airs instead of the Hi-Tecs,V Festival is the D-list celebrity getaway that has the cash to flash which allows them to book whoever they want - plus 30 something crowd pleasers: Alesha Dixon, Lady Ga Ga etc. Held over two sites, one in Essex, one in Staffordshire, over the same weekend,V gives festival-goers two chances to be bombarded by onsite advertising while watching bands there isn’t much else on offer entertainmentwise.
Beachdown Festival
Devil’s Dyke, East Sussex – 22-25 August Back for its 2nd year, Beachdown Festival is the ideal Bank Holiday getaway. Nestled in an Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the event has 4 stages of eclectic music as well as film and comedy from nearby Brighton and around the globe. Grace Jones, The Zutons and Norman Jay are set to play this year, with festival chiefs encouraging DJs to spin sets that are out of their usual comfort zone.
Glanusk Park,Wales - 21-23 August
South West Four
You fancy a holiday this summer don’t you? What? You want to squeeze in a festival too? Not with a credit crunch on you won’t! Or maybe you will, Green Man is held in the spectacular Brecon Beacons and this year for an extra £30 you can extend your stay for a further three days. Bon Iver and Four Tet are among the acts appearing with plenty of folk, Americana and more to round off the week.
London’s premier dance festival is back with the return of legendary DJ pairing Sasha And Digweed taking to the decks for some exclusive headlining duties. The Clapham event will have four stages of pumping music from some of the world’s best mixologists before an official after party will take punters through until the early hours.
Clapham Common – 29 August
Reading and Leeds Festivals Little Johns Farm, Reading & Branham Park, Leeds – 28-30 August
The biggest rock weekenders in the country, Reading and Leeds are the infamous teenage testosterone-fuelled riots that are set to be headlined by NME cover stars Arctic Monkeys, Kings Of Leon and Radiohead this summer. Musically driven, the festivals will feature established, emerging and legendary acts from rock, indie and metal with a comedy and alternative entertainment tent onsite too. The event however is notorious for the after hour parties in the campsites – no sleep til Branham.
Creamfields
Daresbury, Cheshire – 29-30 August Originally a dance-orientated affair, Creamfields diversified its line-up to coincide with its 10th birthday and it has since become one of the only successful danceindie hybrid events in existence. Tiesto, Basement Jaxx, Dizzee Rascal and Friendly Fires are among this year’s acts with club nights like Bugged Out, Tidy and Ape all hosting arenas.
Get Loaded In The Park Clapham Common – 30 August
One of the only reasons to get up early on a Sunday morning, Get Loaded In The Park is the festival alarm clock for London’s music lovers. 20,000 fans regularly make this a sell out and with Orbital lining up their only London festival date of 2009, things don’t look like they’re going to change.
Bestival
Robin Hill, Newport, IOW – 11-13 September Rob da Bank’s hedonistic escape on the Isle of Wight has quickly cemented itself as one of the hottest tickets of the festival season. Fans have an unrivalled enthusiasm for fancy dress while bosses handpick an eclectic lineup of legends (Kraftwerk), DJs (2 Many DJs), bands (Elbow) and emerging stars (Passion Pit). Bestival is a true weekend of tomfoolery and nonsense, nestled in a quaint country park – bliss.
End Of The Road
Larmer Tree Gardens, Dorset - 11-13 September The last summer soiree, End Of The Road is well worth the wait. The Dorset getaway, which is nestled in the quaint,Victorian Larmer Tree Gardens, is an explosion of folk, Americana and the odd wandering peacock. Organisers encourage artists to try new things and play longer sets, while the audience relax and enjoy the array of organic, local and fair trade food and beers. Words: Dan Fahey
festival fashion
how to look good with dirty hair and wellies orget toning up for beach bodies – you want to start thinking about festival legs. There are far too many attractive legs at festivals; it's like a gigantic pit of octopuses and if your pins aren't up to scratch – you may as well ebay your tickets now. Kate Moss, that old gal started off the stressful trend of tiny hot pants with wellies, which has since, frankly, spiralled out of control. There's not one modest woman on the field. So you arrive on site with all the gear and no idea, hair with just the right amount of wave, fresh faced and donning your most 'rock' band t–shirt and those dreaded hot pants. Day One yes, is a joy, but what about Day Three? Day Four? When you're about to crack an egg on your head of grease. Fear not, for amidst the mud, sweat and tears, there are methods of damage control. Your tent is your refuge. A home from home. Those zipped flaps are your very own Stars in Their Eyes puff of smoke, from which you emerge transformed. You can do the festival thing and not care what you look
like bla bla bla, or you can be strategic and realise that evidence will be posted all over facebook, irrevocable records that will come back to haunt you. Here are some tips from head to toe on keeping up the festival chic and avoiding the fashion faux pas: To hat or not to hat is the question that plagues the fashionista's existence, because although they look great in the shop, the only people who can, in actuality pull them off without the circus connotation, are Keira Knightly and Sienna Miller. Festivals however, present the delightful opportunity to wear hats without looking like an absolute try hard. Festivals are a poor man's Ascot and the possibilities are endless: straw, bowler, trilby, visor, ironic rude boy cap for the boys. Daisy chains, flowers and plaits around the head are another festival privilege; outside the field you'd be a weirdo who probably worships Stone Henge, but inside is hippy heaven where daisies, daffodils, heck, weeds if they tickle your fancy, are all
By Sarah Raphael
glorified and appreciated forms of headdress. If I could offer you one piece of advice for the future, cordless hair straighteners would be it. It's about premeditated messy hair, not actual messy hair. The difference is colossal. I would go so far as to compare it to the difference between Bush and Obama. Because it's all very well embracing festival nonchalance if you have naturally gorgeous hair that only gets more gorgeous in the rain and mud, but for most of us who turn into either drowned rats or Diana Ross – they are an essential. The sunglasses debate is really a two horse race; wayfarers or aviators. Not particularly original but if you can think»
‘‘Amidst the mud, sweat and tears, there are methods of damage control. Your tent is your refuge’’
festival fashion
of an alternative, like wearing your nan's light sensitive specs, feel free. Festivals are one of the only places left on the earth where nu rave is still acceptable, so neon variants of wayfarers and aviators are rife. A big trend this year will inevitably be geek chic plastic glasses, a useful prop to conceal your filthy mug. Beneath Clark Kent's geek chic glasses is Superman, beneath yours will be Superminger, but no one would
30
ever suspect. Now down to the nitty gritty: Waterproofs are a necessary evil, but a stylish alternative is a Barbour jacket, with the sleeves rolled up a notch. Denim is none too practical, but when the sun is shining, a denim jacket or waistcoat over bold print or floral dresses are on the right side of the 1990s. Old school band t–shirts are only allowed if you've at least heard of the band you're promoting on your bosom. If you're really tuned into trend, show a bit of midriff if you can stomach it, with high–waisted denim shorts and a Spice Girls crop top, the kind you used to get at Tammy Girl when you were 12. Tartan shirts, hoodies pulled up, scarves and nautical mini dresses are good staples. Accessorise with lots of bracelets and weird rings that may or may not be capable of magic. If you're unsure on how to put it all together, take a look at Alexa Chung's festival ensembles; she may be a demi–god who'd look
good in a bin bag, but the girl's got style – steal it shamelessly. You may end up looking so hot that you fall in love with your reflection in a mud puddle. If you buy one festival specific thing this year – for God's sake make it a bum bag. The question is not, 'why on earth would I buy a bum bag?' The question is why wouldn't you? It's practical, it's unstealable, it's got compartments, it sits around your waist like a loyal friend and it's about the only retro thing that hasn't already been done to death. Mark my words; bum bags will reign again for sure. To complete the look, rock out your dad's Addidas shell suit jacket, stripes a plenty. Just be aware around campfires. But don't team this look with short shorts or hi–tops and socks. Bring some good solid undies. None of this silky, sexy malarkey; real nana pants in case you wee a bit when Kings of Leon come on. At any event, big white pants are a good grounder, you can rely on them like a good friend.
If your wellies are a bit roomy, whack on some knee high socks underneath. Slightly oversized wellies are also quite useful for smuggling alcohol. Word of advice though, don't go mental on flower or heart printed ones, it ain't impressin' no one. Act your age in decent bottle green, black, grey or brown Florescent face paint on the other hand, is a great way to relive your youth and recognise your clan by their markings in the darkness. Slightly more edgy footwear are Dr Martens; they'll look their best with the floral dress and a denim jacket. The boys are always scruffy, dirty and a bit smelly, but that's their charm, all they need is a bullet Lynx. They will not show you the same mercy. Yes festivals are all about looking like you don't give a damn, it's all about living in the moment, giving yourself to an epic journey through musical creation. All I'm saying is: enjoy that journey all the more with decent hair and flattering attire. It might all be an acid induced haze, you might not have the foggiest memory of what you looked like, but facebook will.
31
The Other Side guide to the smaller festivals: Had enough of losing your friends, your mobile and your mind in a muddy swamp of drug-fuelled despair? Check out some of these smaller festivals for a more manageable time…
sdfghjmvczxblarewuon
Otra Vida Oxford South Parks, Oxford - Sat 6th June 12pm-7pm www.otravidaoxford.co.uk This one-off South-American themed fiesta is giving all profits from its ticket sales to a Peruvian charity to build an orphanage in 2010. Considering this is its first and only year, the event is packed with some pretty impressive performers from Oxford and beyond. Listen to Gentleman’s Dub Club and The Molotovs on the main stage as you look out over Oxford’s spires, dance to the Foreign Beggars in the Day of the Dead tent, or chill out and listen to some storytelling from Spoken Ink between the trees in the Rainforest Area.
Mad Ferret Festival Platt Fields Park, Fallowfield, Manchester Fri 12th June: 5-11pm & Sat 13th June: 12-11pm www.madferretfestival.com This festival was started in 2007 by a group of students in Manchester inspired by their experiences at festivals across Europe. The name is a play on the ‘mad for it’ motto of the Manchester music scene, which they have very quickly become a pretty important part of. For such a small festival, their line-up is massive. Last year saw the weird and wonderful Lee Scratch Perry and this time around they have managed to muster Roots Manuva with a ten-piece live band, The Streets and Finley Quaye.
Out to Graze Festival
2000 Trees
Ickford Rd, Shabbington, Nr.Thame, Oxfordshire Fri 12-Sun 14th June
Upcote Farm,Withington, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire - Fri 17th and Sat18th July
www.outtograze.co.uk
www.twothousandtreesfestival.co.uk
Although 2009 is the fourth year running for this Oxfordshire dance festival, it has only recently poked its head up from out of the underground. Found near the lovely village of Thame, about 12 miles outside of Oxford, its individual stages and areas are curated by successful promoters like Simple & Slide and Bassmentality. This year will see the festival branch out a bit from a straightforward dance party, as it invites its visitors to win booze and free entry to club nights bobbing for apples, limbo dancing and sack racing at the Out to Graze Olympics.
This is an ethical and ecological festival set up by six friends determined to counteract the corporate and wasteful attitude they encountered at other larger scale events. From the bio-diesel to the bands, everything at 2000 Trees will be as locally sourced as possible, and the limit of 2,500 tickets should make for an intimate way to see great bands like British Sea Power, Six Nation State and Blood Red Shoes. The ticket price also puts other festivals to shame at only ÂŁ47 for a weekend with camping, and a bargainous ÂŁ75 for a joint ticket to this event and its sister, Y-Not festival in the Peak District.
Truck Festival Hill Farm, Oxfordshire - July 25th and 26th www.thisistruck.com Now in its twelfth year, Truck is one of the more established small festivals, but it still manages to retain a chilled out and local feel. The event is still family run and the food is provided by the Rotary Club, with the neighbouring Vicar selling ice cream. This year local heroes Supergrass will be headlining, but, as usual, the joy of Truck will be discovering a host of great new bands you had never heard of before.
JUNE Time for an ice cream and all those conversations about which festival you are going to. What you didn’t get tickets? Fear not, plenty to do and plenty of tickets left. We are in a crunch at the moment Isle of Wight Downlaod Rockness Sonar Hurricaine Glasto On the Cheap
www.theothersidemag.co.uk
Isle of wight 12 - 14 June
12-14 June
Like your lineups bland and obvious, your lager tasteless and your entire festival branded by a corporation you hate? Then this is the one for you. The Isle of Wight festival is up there with the V festivals in terms of colourless, corporate dogshite, the Leicester Square of festivals, organised by uncaring fuckwits who don’t seem to possess a love of the phenomena at all. Everything artsy and wonderful about a festival – a door standing alone in the middle of a field at Secret Garden Party; a lush Berber tea tent at Bestival with purple velvet chairs and rugs on the floor; six foot high letters spelling out LOVE at Glastonbury – are stripped from the experience, so that it barely resembles an experience at all, just some bands playing on a stage in a field. The magic and wonder, too, of unexpected happenings, like hidden discos or campfires or a spontaneous jam from assembled musicians in the small hours, are totally absent. The punters are an unfortunate collection of idiots who realised a few years ago that hippies had it right and gathering outdoors to camp, listen to music and drink beer in the sunshine
was A Fun Thing To Do. You get proper festival hedonists – pill popping, hardcore ravers – then you get these chumps, who think it’s fun to drink a case of beer, shout lairily at passing women then fall asleep in the sun. By 2am, the entire festival is silent, sleeping off their beer binges.
Getting there It’s a mission, but a relatively fun one. Getting on a boat to go to a festival makes it much more exciting, and the chintzy seaside town feel to the place feels very English. You can get across the water from either Southhampton or Portsmouth – the latter preferable because the station is right next to the port. Once you’re in Newport there are buses to take you to Seaclose Park.
Insider Tip Maybe just don’t go. Or escape to the nearby town for a pint of proper beer (15 minute walk or there is a shuttle bus) and a respite from the sanitised dystopia that is the Isle of Wight festival words: Chloe George
the bands Maximo Park, The Prodigy, Stereophonics, Razorlight, White Lies, Neil Young and Pixies
june > isle of wight
The festival is held in a park that resembles a sportsground, so you don’t get that fantastic feeling of being out in the proper countryside that you get at Glastonbury or the lake at Secret Garden Party or the beautiful Brecon Beacons, where the Green Man festival is held. Also, festivals should smell of cannabis (as well as portaloos). Here Stella Artois and the stench of corporate soul-suckage is the order of the day. Plus sides? Ahem. They boast an impressive meteorological record; whether it’s just luck or the time of year, the festival is almost always a sunny weekend. The park it’s held in has a very well manicured lawn, which is nice. And then, there is the music. Not surprisingly the line-up at this corporate-fest tends to be pretty mainstream, but its corporate nature means they can pull some big old bands. Richard Ashcroft, Coldplay and the mighty Foo Fighters have played previously, and this year boasts Maximo Park, The Prodigy, Stereophonics, Razorlight, White Lies, Neil Young and the Pixies. You can also see Paolo Nutini and Beverley Knight – if you get this far you’ll be an expert at putting your head in your hands and muttering ‘Christ alive’ anyway.
download 12-14 JUNE If Download was a superhero it would be a leather-clad veteran rock broad with supersonic powers to transmit kaleidoscopic visions into the most hardened of scowlers. Allow yourself to be piloted to the spiritual homeland of rock meets death-and-black-metal, otherwise known as Donington Park, Derby, for three enduring days, come torrential rain or blistering sunshine. Renowned for its monstrous line-ups, any band worth their salt has rocked out to Download festivalgoers. The quality this year will no different, with Pendulum, Limp Bizkit, Slipknot and The Prodigy among the number of baking hot acts confirmed. If all that hasn’t at least whetted your appetite, this just might give you heartburn (the good kind, the kind you get after a real good slap-up, gut-lurching feast) – a newly reunited Faith No More have been
the bands The Prodigy Slipknot Limp Bizkit announced as a headliner and Download will be their only UK gig in 2009. Hazy Memory Something unexpected always happens at Download. Whether it is the announcement that Korn vocalist Jonathan Davis has been hospitalised, Limp Bizkit pulling out suddenly or Soil getting lost on route to Donington and missing their main stage performance. All this unforeseen array of drama and let downs may seem to enter into the realms negativity but hey it’s rock’n’roll and the hardcore grandaddy’s always make up for it. Insider Tip Start practicing your camping skills now. Knowing how to put up a tent when your sober is a hell of a lot different than knowing how to when your plastered. words: Danielle Clark
the bands Placebo, The Flaming Lips, Super Furry Animals
With bands like The Flaming Lips, Basement Jaxx, The Prodigy, Super Furry Animals and Placebo on the bill, and that’s before the sun settles behind the highlands, there is also a delightful array of parties planned. On Friday, Soma Records leads the way with what may just be the most anticipated bash of the weekend, featuring the likes of Funk D’Void, The Black Dog, Mark Henning , Octogen, Mr Copy, Harvey McKay and Decimal.
Hazy Memory The wedding season is alive and well at Rock Ness, last year the ‘Big Love’ inflatable church that was located on site at Dores, opened its doors for the weekend with mock minister ‘the Rev Duncan Pritchard’ conducting makebelieve weddings. Thus, what happens at Rock Ness can truly stay at Rock Ness.
june > download/rockness
Deep in the cosmic Dores on the banks of Loch Ness, Scotland, the new kid on Britain’s music festival block will be hosting one eyeball popping, mindaltering event, and for the first time in their four year reign they’ll be spreading their certified fabulousness over three days. Fusing superstar DJ’s, class indie acts and electronica – summer has ever looked so bright, (this is meant in a metaphorically sense only. It is advised that you pack your anorak, wellies, suncream and shades. The phrase “never trust the weatherman” has never rung so true when it comes to Rock Ness).
Insider Tip This year Rock Ness is forcing us to put on our decisive hats on. Yes, they have decided to have The Prodigy and Placebo play at the same time. Those mean festival organisers. So discuss with your mates who you all want to see more – flip a coin, arm wrestle, it really doesn’t matter, just make a decision and stick to it because petty squabbles is a definite buzz killer. Let the wars begin.
rock ness 12-14 JUNE
S
onar is always one of the highlights of the festival calendar. Not just a great selection of electronic music but sun, sea and a magical city. Escape the clutches of the beaches and you’ll find a music and digital art festival held in the heart of Barcelona. Sonar is a melting pot of professionals wanting to share their new ideas and an audience who are seeking new sounds, and imagery, whilst being able to enjoy some of the top names in the electronic music world. Getting there Fly or if you can be bothered it’s a nice drive through France. Insider Tip Stay up all night and first thing in the morning head to Guadi’s Sagrada Família (C/Mallorca 401), when there’s hardly anybody there it is quite incredible. This year the festival will take place on 18, 19 and 20 June.
pull quote here xxx xxxx xx
so na r THE BANDS Orbital, Grace Jones, Animal Collective & Little Boots
hurricaine Around 60,000 people gather to celebrate one of the biggest events in Germany’s music scene, yes there is more to Deutschland’s music than Kraftwerk and Beethoven! When? The Hurricane Festival 2008 takes place from June the 20th to the 22nd Where? The festival takes place in rural Lower Saxony Niedersachsen, located in the midst between Hamburg, Hanover and Bremen. How much? Tickets cost 115 €– including 5 € for a rubbish bag and a chipMüllpfand (yeah, me too?).
You can either rent a room in the nearby village (10km) or bring a tent Getting there Fly to Northern Germany. From there take the train, according to reports your car will be scratched, stolen or fall victim to heavy rainfall and you will be stuck in traffic that starts 200 km from the festival. Insider Tip The festival’s unofficial currency is beer (in cans – glass bottles are forbidden everywhere!). Always carry some of it with you, even if you detest drinking beer. At the checkpoints the security will relieve you of any fluid that is outside of your body or a paper carton (just one and no more than 1.5 litre).
June > Hurricaine
Line Up Radiohead, The Kooks, Elbow, Foo Fighters and The Chemical Brothers (sorry did I say Germany’s music scene earlier..I’m stumped at Kraftwerk)
glastonbury A hazy memory of glasto
G
lastonbury has become more than just another music festival; it’s an institution. We thought that the biggest greenfield festival in the world deserved its own timeline...
1994
Apparently some bands played this year, but more importantly, a new record was set when 826 people, juggling at least three objects each, kept 2,478 objects in the air.
1970
The first ever Glastonbury festival was held at Worthy Farm. Although back then it was known as the Pilton Festival, and only 1,500 people went along. It was headlined by Tyrannosaurus Rex…who later became T.Rex. Not a bad start.
1995
A lot of people got to enjoy performances from the likes of Oasis and Jeff Buckley this year, mainly due to the security fence being breached on the Friday. Estimates suggested there might have been enough fence-jumpers to double the size of the festival.
1981
A new Pyramid Stage was constructed from telegraph poles and metal sheeting this year, which handily doubled up as a hay barn and cowshed in the winter.
1985
glasto in numbers
This year was memorable for its rainfall amongst other things. Worthy Farm being a dairy farm > 2,300 most of the year, meant that it camper wasn’t just mud that washed down vans the hill… > 2,485
1990
1990 was a big one, but violence between the security guards and new age travellers led to the organisers taking a year off.
miles of toilet roll > 707 casualties
1997
Again, a muddy one I’m afraid. Many ‘festival goers’…well, didn’t ‘go’ in the end. Should’ve though, Radiohead gave one of the greatest ever Glasto performances on the Saturday.
2002
After years of fence jumping, they went and built a really really big one in 2002, and the lower attendance made for a much more relaxed atmosphere.
by nathan may
2003
Widely thought to be one of the most successful Glastonbury’s ever, revenue raised for good causes from ticket and commercial license sales topped £1 million, half of which went to Oxfam, Greenpeace and Water Aid.
2004
The tickets sold out in 24 hours this year, and the website managed to rack up two million attempted connections within the first five minutes of the tickets going on sale.
2005
Enter the silent disco. This idea was conceived by Emily Eavis, in an effort to keep the noise down for the locals, while the revellers can continue to ‘get on down’ late into the night.
2007
A crackdown on crime this year meant the number of arrests skyrocketed. One of the more unusual crimes was the impersonation of stewards, I’m not sure why.
2008
Michael Eavis questioned his motivation this year, after one of his cows died from ingesting a metal tent peg left in the soil after the previous years event. Lucky for us he got over it, and now offers biodegradable pegs to the happy campers.
2009
This year the festival takes place between 2428 June, and the tickets have sold out already. It promises to be a belter with headline performances from the reforming Blur and “The Boss” Bruce Springsteen.
2009 lineup (announced to date)
>Animal collective >Blur >Bruce Springsteen >Crosby,Stills and Nash >Doves >Echo And The Bunnymen >Emiliana Torrini >Florence And The Machine >Franz Ferdinand >Fleet Foxes >Kasabian >Lady GaGa >Lily Allen >Neil Young >The Ting Tings >white lies
Festivals on the Cheap The best way to secure a ticket is working at a larger event, so get online and start applying for onsite jobs. Now is the time to be contacting Oxfam for stewarding positions, which could be your ticket to Glastonbury, Glade, Latitude, Reading, Leeds, Bestival and more.
Volunteer’s roles include checking tickets, watching for fires and showing people where to camp, with workers expected to do three shifts. But some of the slots are likely to be out of the way before the festival even begins. Plus stewards are fed and watered while they work and given time to go and watch bands too. Otherwise you could put all that time spent in the bar to good use by pulling pints in return for a ticket or even turn your hand at litter picking. The latter isn’t exactly glamorous, but think of all the loot you could get your hands on after the festival has been drained of its inhabitants: mobiles, wallets and erm, empty beer cans. The Wombles made a living from finding the sweetcorn among the shit and you could do the same, plus you get a free ticket. Student discounts are also available for certain events, with festivals like Glade happy to knock off £25 to encourage attendance. Deposit schemes have also become popular and although it doesn’t actually mean getting money off a ticket price, it does mean you can secure a pass when you get paid and pay the remaining balance when the next one fills your account. If these are still out of your price range you might want to think about events like Godiva Festival in the Midlands or Strawberry Fair in Cambridge, where all the action is free.
With the ticket sorted, the next step is getting to the festival itself. The cheapest way is to share a car and, if you don’t drive yourself or can’t get a space in a mate’s car, try Liftshare.com - a site dedicated to carpooling to festivals. Other cheap ways to getting to the festival include coaches and trains with Mega Bus and Mega Train boasting inner-city travel from £1. Prices rise as seats get booked up, so get in there early. National Express can match the Mega Bus costs, but again it’s first come, first served. Rail tickets also become cheaper, the earlier they are booked, so get them as soon as you get your festival ticket. Students are also entitled to a 1/3 off with a rail card and it also means you can relax with a beer once you’ve got a seat. With the ticket and travel sorted, it’s all about surviving the weekend with little more than a stinking hangover on the Monday. So, essentials first: booze. Lager, cider and spirits are not cheap once onsite and bottles are a big no-no with security, even if you’ve lodged it under your gusset like an indiscrete erection. Canned beer offers are always a winner for the campsite but for wandering around the festival itself, boxed wine or a spirit decanted into a plastic bottle are the cheapest ways to get obliterated.
As for lining the stomach, forget the £7 tofu and chickpea pancakes on sale and pre-buy all of your grub when you’re stocking up on alcohol. You’re going to be drunk when you eat it anyway, so don’t try to be ambitious or gourmet when buying it. Pitta bread, crisps and chocolate will last the weekend, so think of other imperishable items like pasties, which if sealed, will keep until day two or three, even if your cash doesn’t. words: Samantha Merrydew
Watcha at Glastonbury Festival season, arguably the most anticipated (and the muddiest) event of the musical calendar and the countdown has just begun. Whether Glastonbury, V or T in the Park is your musical bag, get into the groove with watcha, the must have accessory for the savvy and fashion conscious festival goer. With watcha’s easy read LCD screen it’s guaranteed you will never miss your favourite band again. Plus, this funky wrist watch will fight off any amount of rain or mud that gets thrown your way, with its wipe clean and waterproof design. Pleasing festival goers of all ages, the electric bright silicone watch available in ten different shades (with some surprise limited edition colours on their way) is the only thing guaranteed to survive the season and exclusively available to buy at the Serendipity store at Glastonbury! www.watcha.me.uk £9.95
JULY Nobody works in July. Offices seem to go quiet, schools break up and everyone leaves the country for two weeks. Not going anywhere? Stay and go to a festival..or if you like bugger off and go to a festival. Garden Fest Roskilde The London Ones Festivals on the Blag Exit Latitude Benicassim The Big Chill SGP
www.theothersidemag.co.uk
Garden Festival 3 to 12 July 2009
Petrčane, a fishing village in Croatia Last year’s unexpected triumph arrived in the shape of an early evening performance from enigmatic disco-house act Crazy P. Despite an extremely hot afternoon, the band roused even the most lethargic attendees with their anthemic Sun Science. Its reprise of Sunshine makes me feel better / Sunshine makes me feel this way summed up the collective sentiment of those gathered at the main stage, old and new friends exchanging hugs and vowing never to bother with rainy UK festivals again. Later, there was a power cut affecting some of the stage lighting and – more worryingly – all of the sound. Unflustered, leading lady Danielle Moore joked and bantered with the crowd. With no fix in place some ten minutes later, the band continued their set without amplification. On paper, it should have been a disaster. In reality, it was a festival highlight. The band maintained the crowd’s energy such that when the sound was restored, the effect was akin to the serotonin-fuelled elation I expect is experienced by extreme sportsmen. Arm-flailing, beer-soaked magic. Who? A combination of internationally acclaimed DJs, including Gilles Peterson, Greg Wilson and Rainer Trüby and live acts, such as The Haggis Horns and Soil and “Pimp” Sessions. These acts are spread across a club, an outdoor stage, a terrace overlooking the beach and a boat which sets sail on the glistening Adriatic.
48
Insider tip Your general pass gets you access to the main festival site, comprising the main stage, a dancefloor terrace by the beach and plenty of stalls, bars and seating areas. Tickets for the afterparties at the Barbarella’s Discotheque club and for the Argonaughty boat parties are sold separately and sell out quickly, well in advance of the start of the festival itself. Book plenty of these now before it’s too late. The boat parties are a fantastically successful, albeit unlikely, combination of pounding dance music and stunning scenery – most make friends for the festival and beyond whilst onboard the Argonaughty. Similarly, the afterparties continue well into the small hours and attract DJs you won’t otherwise see as part of the main festival programme. If you purchase extra tickets and change your mind on the day, they’ll almost certainly be snapped up at face value (or more) by those with less foresight than yourself. Once you’ve been to one of these addtional parties, though, it’s unlikely you’ll surpass any opportunity to attend another. words: Sarah Chapman images: Kayleigh Ann Witt
July > garden festival
Getting there The nearest airport is Zadar (20 minutes by car), followed by Split (90 minutes) or Zagreb (3 hours). The festival organisers offer airport transfers, subject to demand – visit their website for more information. Many choose to start their holiday elsewhere in Eastern Europe – train travel and car hire are both reasonably priced in this area.
roskilde There was just something about the bands Roskilde Festival. Perhaps it was the fact that there were only 3,000 Brits Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, there, perhaps it was the amazing Coldplay, Fleet Foxes, Friendly music, mind blowing food (a whole Fires, Madness, Oasis, Kanye cow being barbequed was especially wonderful) and general good times West and Yeah Yeah Yeahs feeling that was blowing around the camp. It’s more than your standard festival. The campsite opens up about The gates to the festival open on four days before the music starts and Sunday 28 June 2009 at 8.00am and there’s enough to do while you wait but the music doesn’t start until the for the big guns to come out. Thursday. There’s a stage (Pavilion Junior) for up and coming Nordic bands – think Insider Tip Sondre Lerche, Kings of Convenience Recycle your glass bottles to get and Royksopp. Add a cinema, stalls money off your next drinks. Better and plenty of food, a swimming lake, still save the ones up your have at a fishing lake and hot weather you your tent and sell them to can see why it’s worth turning kids running around up early. Also, arrive late and the festival trying be sure to miss out on to make a the good spots in the buck at a camp sites. lower rate Getting there Fly or take the ferry. Roskilde is about an hour away from than Copenhagen and you can you would if take a train straight to the you bothered to Roskilde Festival station from the carry them to the bar yourself. airport.
Win tickets to Roskilde We’ve got four pairs to give away at our Event on Friday May 29th. Be at Bloomsbury bowl from 7.30pm to be in with a chance of winning.
July > roskilde
”Better still save the ones up your have at your tent and sell them to kids running around the festival trying to make a buck”
The London ones.... Don’t want to extend your Oyster past a one day travelcard? The perfect answer is staying close to home for a days worth of music. London has a plethora of parks, all of which seem to have been invaded by festivals these days. Choose wisely some of the London festivals are a sham and overcrowded rip offs. Others are worth checking out.
Wireless Festival
Hyde Park London, 4-5 July Love standing in Hyde Park surrounded by city boys and girls an O2 truck and a bunch of chavs blurting out Katy Perry on the Karaoke machine? Then the Wireless Festival is for you. This year Basement Jaxx, Dizzee Rascal and The Streets are headlining so get ready for lairy blokes downing pints of Carling and pushing past you to get closer to their boy Mike Skinner. Recent additions to the bill include Lady Sovereign and N-Dubz. Sounds like a field day for Simon Amstell. Our advice. Stay away. Sit in your garden, put on some decent music and relax with a BBQ, don’t say we didn’t warn you!
Field Day
Victoria Park, Sat 1st August The heart of East London will be transformed into a Village Fete; ‘Village Mentality’, a Village Green area within the festival will supply the masses with some countrified fun and games away from sound systems and stages. Try your luck on the tombola, crack a few nuts on the coconut shy - or just sit on some haybales and stuff your face with homemade cake. Plus there’s music too from the likes of Mogwai, Mystery Jets and Little Boots. It’s a whole lot nicer than being squashed at Hyde Park.
Lovebox
Victoria Park, 18-19 July Born from Groove Armada’s London nightclub residency of the same name, Lovebox Weekender has sprung from a one-day affair into a two-day party in East London’s Victoria Park. This year the line up is formidable with Duran Duran, NERD, Doves and the unmissable Fat Freddy’s Drop. There’s even space for Mighty Boosh favourite Gary Numan. Plus an outdoor bowling championships!
Hard Rock Calling Hyde Park 26-28 June
It’s time for a ho-down in Hyde Park, put on your check shirt and cowboy hat and get dancing to Springsteen, Neil Young and The Killers. Plus ex-hobo Seasick Steve and wannabee hobo’s The Kooks. A word of advice, you can’t take drinks into the festival and it’s a good four quid for a pint in there. So do as the family does and take a picnic, M & S freshly squeezed OJ is the perfect hideout for your spirit and doesn’t look out of place next to the houmous and sliced carrots.
Exit Novi Sad, Serbia What? A dance-heavy annual summer music festival set in an 18th Century Fort Gigantic, world dominating-sized big ideas are not uncommon among students – they just normally fall by the wayside as soon as Neighbours starts. Which is why it is particularly impressive that, in 2000, three Serbian students grabbed their idea of holding a massive music festival in an 18th century fort by the short an curlies, took it off the couch, out the front door, and actually turned it into one of Europe’s most popular annual music events. Daytime Australian soap opera’s clearly haven’t made it to Southeastern Europe. These three precocious young folk created EXIT: a fourday extravaganza in the hot Serbian summer, which has, over the past decade, topped various polls as the best festival in the continent, and seen world class acts like Paul Weller and Primal Scream play to throngs of loved-up sun-burnt revellers. For band-fans, the line-up is certainly lacking by Glasto or Rock Werchter standards; think a couple of US/UK rock/indie chart toppers, perhaps the odd punk legend, and the rest a mix of international house DJ’s and drum and bass heavyweights. But with temperatures in Serbia in July soaring, and the breathtaking backdrop of the Petrovaradin Fortress by the Danube, EXIT is an attractive prospect for a sunny hedonistic break. This year
9-12 July
marks the event’s 10th anniversary and organisers are promising several surprises, so get in their first and grab one of the Early Bird festival passes that are currently going for £72. If you fancy a break from sodden fields and wellies that seem to unfortunately go hand in hand with UK festivalling, then Exit is a top option for a unique festival experience. Getting there For a return flight from London to Belgrade you’re looking at the best part of £300. A taxi from Belgrade airport to Novi Sad, costs around 50-80 Euros and takes about an hour. Those looking to take public transport need to get a bus from the airport to Belgrade centre (15km away) – there is a bus stop is next to Terminal 1 and another in front of the Arrivals entrance. And then get a bus from Belgrade centre to Novi Sad. A Hazy Memory Realising that the first aid tent was much busier than the bar: masses of Brits had got so inebriated that they couldn’t feel the scorchingly hot sand burning their feet until they all needed medical attention. Insider Tip Invest in some good flip flops words: Ruth Ellen Davis
The Bands
“Gigantic, world dominating-sized big ideas are not uncommon among students”
july > exit
Andy C & MC GQ, Arctic Monkeys, Chase & Status (Drum n Bass/Dub), Fabio & Grooverider & MC Rage (Drum n Bass), KoRn Kraftwerk,Madness, Manic Street Preachers, Carl Cox (Techno/House), John Digweed (Progressive house), Richie Hawtin (Techno)
Festivals on the Blag. Believe it or not, but there are only a few degrees of separation between you and Kings Of Leon bonding over a warm cardboard cup of lager backstage at this year’s biggest festivals.
Of course, everyone knows that models and rock stars go together like Michael Jackson and nose jobs, but this isn't about flaunting your assets to get a sticky pass. Having the face and body of a Playboy model will only get you part of the way, unless, of course, Motley Crue are headlining. So read on for some fast track tips on how to blag your way back to the VIP area to enjoy the luxury of gold toilet seats, free champagne and butlers. Now for the sneaky approach - befriending a band further down the bill. Most of the time lesser known acts have to carry their own gear around, so offer to be their roadie or give them a cheeky toke in exchange for a spare pass. If the bunny boiler route is more your style, you could even get to the festival site a couple of days before the event starts and stow yourself away in the specially built mobile areas for the media. Bring along a six-pack, sit tight and wait to conveniently bump into Arctic Monkeys, as you emerge incognito, acting like you belong. Another crafty classic is making your own ticket. But be warned, there is no room for rookie errors here. Get a computer geek onside to find the right kind of paper, then copy and scan the exact design and even cut to shape a perforated edge. This move relies on sheer bravado and bluff, so if you can’t convince yourself that you are the complete and utter dog’s bollocks, you won't be fooling anyone on the gate. Confidence is everything. For a less risky direct entry to the weekend of your dreams, stewarding is a great option.
Sure you'll have to wear a ridiculous orange uniform and be on hand to look after the kids that eat one too many space cakes, but in return you'll have access to hospitality areas and get to be really close to the stage. Bar work at festivals will certainly keep you busy, but you'll get paid actual money while you serve drinks to beautiful people in the sun to the soundtrack of Blur battering away on the main stage. Oxfam also give great opportunities to help festival sites stay as clean and safe as possible with volunteers mopping in with litter picking, ticket tearing and helping out the welfare tents. Glastonbury, Reading, Leeds and many more are happy to reward you with a ticket in return for a couple of shifts over the weekend, so muck in. If you study photography or journalism you could always try contacting your local paper for any reviewing opportunities that may be available.You will be expected to work at a fast pace and be on hand to grab last minute interviews, as well as reporting on all the gossip as it happens. It's definitely not for the faint hearted but it can be very rewarding both personally and professionally. More outlandish blagging has produced some miraculous results in the past, so if all else fails there are a few last ditch tricks that could get you over the fence, but first you’re going to need a very reliable mate. Boldly stroll up to the guest entrance and allow said friend to demand his ticket, which is on the list. At this point you sneak around to look at the clipboard and memorise a genuine printed name, which you can use, as
your friend is swiftly kicked out. Bingo. Hello Glastonbury. You could also pretend you're in a band. Have charisma and a silly haircut and feign that you’ve lost all the other members when travelling down to the event – yes it has fail stamped all across it, but if you don’t try, you’ll never know. And finally, should all else fail, jump the fence, hope for the best and run like hell… words: Hollie Garraway
58
Latitude is the ideal place to unwind, the words 'idyllic' and 'serene' spring to mind. The slogan; 'It's more than just a music festival' is one they actually do live up to. You can wander through the literary, poetry and comedy tents for half the day before you even get to the bands! Latitude are also known for going the extra mile when it comes to taking care of its residents. Maybe that's why its been labeled a quintessentially middle class festival, who knows? It's definitely a festival for people who want to go camping without the yob factor.
Pet Shop Boys, Doves, Grace Jones, Ed Byrne, Jo Brand and loads more
A typical day at Latitude might be similar to this... wake up in a field in the middle of an Alice in Wonderland story book. Starting the day with a nutritious breakfast of Bloody Marys and tasty vegie burgers with your neighbours. Wandering past a flock of multicoloured sheep. Being drawn up the hill to the Obelisk arena by Bat for Lashes' ethereal voice floating down towards you. Squeezing into the comedy tent to witness one of Mark Thomas’ inspired rants. Being hit in the head by a plastic cup during a swap-o-rama set, and having two lovely girls coming to your rescue with tissues for said injury. Rounding it all off by sitting at a wooden table in the sun with some new friends, casually fishing some grass out of a pint of cider. Getting there... To get there from London, grab a coach and get chummy with other Latitudites. You never know when you might need to borrow a cup of er..sugar or find yourself in need of some help setting up your tent. You could also consider liftsharing through sites like liftshare.com. By Dave and Dedee from House of Tracks Magazine
latitude
July > latitude
Since it first appeared in 2005, Latitude festival has earnt a reputation for being a glorious weekend away, boasting the best bands, theatre, comedy, culture, food and everything you could ask for, all nestled in the lush countryside setting of Suffolk.
59
Benicassim My lasting memories of Benicassim are the Pixies, sun, Morrissey, the crowd loving 2 many djs playing ‘we are your friends’, Mr Erol Alkan, sangria, Techno Hippies, platted hair, concrete, communal cold showers with naked Europeans and a post festival trip to Morocco. Sound like your cup of tea?
Thankfully, there is plenty of food in Benicassim. Lots of supermarkets means you can eat healthy food for a few euros, which leaves you feeling so much better than spending a small fortune at chip vans (yes the Spanish have these too!). However, Paella and tapas is reasily available.
Benicassim is a small town next to the sea near Valencia in Spain. Easy to get to from Barcelona by bus or train. Would I go again? Definitely. It’s like beach during the day and festival at night - all the way to the next morning.
Look out for the Techno Hippies, who apparently, travel round Europe in their big vans barbecuing meat for festival goers, playing techno, and speaking in nice Spanish accents. Like many other travelling communities, they have dogs*. They’ll happily sell you a can of European orange fanta at any time of the day and make you wonder whether life on the road is for you too.
Music is both bands and dance music, so all your friends will be happy. How good the music is this year is for you to decide: Oasis, Kings of Leon, Franz Feridand and The Killers are headlining. If you’re don’t like them, I wouldn’t worry because you’re always going to find something worth listening to. As usual at these things, you’ve got films, theatre and art going on for when you want to enjoy some air conditioning. Campsites are basic yet good, with lots of communal cold showers with the previously mentioned naked Europeans – the English wore swimwear. One problem is that you can’t sleep in your tent past 9am. So if you can’t go with out sleep, get yourself a hotel or apartment, or sleep in the shade during the day.
words: James Cook *note from the editor. We’re not sure how PC this is, but when you read it again it just sounds so funny.
Big Chill Having managed to miss some of the must-see bands on my list due to the wind blowing away our tent and the gazebo missing a leg we made the short journey to the rather picturesque deer park where the other 29,000 revellers were already bumbling along in the blowy on-off English sunshine. The gates didn’t have a whiff of the over bearing scumbag security that some of the other festivals have, it was pretty chilled, you could come and go as you please although the occasional bag was checked for booze. Unfortunately just when you think everything is ok you are reprimanded for taking plastic bottles in. The claim of it’s ginger ale was refused and with a swift opening of the bottle the delightful scent of Southern Comfort appeared in the air. Sorry you can’t take that in. Doesn’t this fuel binge drinking and people standing at the gates getting smashed because they drink their days worth of booze in five minutes? The problem is that once you’re in on top of the £129 ticket price it’s four quid for a tequila. Nevertheless, we were in and we had backup supplies and were drawn into the Rizla arena. Perhaps something that should be on every street corner. An Ibiza style
area with palm trees and a stage with perfect dancing music coming out of the bouncing speakers, constantly. We went back every day and spent at least an hour in there each time. There’s plenty to do at the festival for all ages, however someone needs to keep an eye on the youngsters as two 15 year olds approached us requesting ‘mushrooms.’ They could have spent their time in the rather delightful Enchanted Garden where there was a Cider Bus serving up a rather fine Minty Cider cocktail, not to mention the dip stand making tasty fresh dips, we especially enjoyed the plentiful salads served up at the quinoa salad stand. Venture deeper into the garden and you would find a Japanese restaurant, massages aplenty, a naked sauna and even a chocolate lounge where you could get a rum, hot chocolate and espresso drink. Lovely stuff. However, best of all in the garden was the PianoX, a deformed piano on which you could hit the strings to make all kinds of wonderful noises. It was the first time I had been to a festival not because of the music and it’s a highly enjoyable way to do it. There’s never any stress or mad rush to get from stage A to Stage B and with everything in such close proximity there is never a care to be had. The Big Chill Festival 2008 was a top notch festival and it seems a place that people go back to again and again and again. 2009 sees an art car boot sale (although keep your priceless artworks in your tent at your peril), Dylan Moran, Friendly Fires and the not to be missed Greg Wilson. words Sam Lassman Watts
July > Benicassim
It’s been a while since I’ve slummed it with the festival goers in this country. Over the last few years I’ve been enjoying the luxury of hot festivals in Europe. It only seemed appropriate to bring myself back to earth gently on the grounds of the 19th Century Eastnor Castle for the Big Chill Festival where camping is pleasant and rubbish is recycled.
Processed beats.
recommends...
Secret Garden Party 23–26 July ''
offers an unprecedented escape from the daily drudge of normality, the state of 2009's Britain, and invites you into the world of Babylon & Eden, a joyous romp through the light and dark of your soul...''
ÂŁ144
Huntingdon
line–up jarvis cocker fat freddy's drop rodrigo y gabriela emiliana torrini phoenix vv brown emmy the great those dancing days
EMF evil nine caribou golden silvers official secrets act chew lips the holloways dan black soko (and loads more)
AUGUST “Whilst August yet wears her golden crown, Ripening fields lush- bright with promise; Summer waxes long, then wanes, quietly passing Her fading green glory on to riotous Autumn.” Michelle L.Thieme, August’s Crown
Field Day Big Chill The Dance Ones First Timers Guide V Festival Reading Leeds
www.theothersidemag.co.uk
Field Day Victoria Park / words Lorna Donnelly Saturday 1 August Field Day 09 drops yet another A-list of performers. Cosmic synth pop chanteuse Little Boots plays a full live set, The Horrors and Mystery Jets both re-emerge with a brand new sound and dancehall queen Santigold plays one of just two exclusive UK dates all summer, the other being Field Day’s ‘little brother’ Underage Festival.
and country fetes - Field Day’s very own village green will host stalls and activities throughout the daytime, ranging from sackracing, to whack-the-rat, Bowling for Bacon and lots more to be announced. Come along, have fun, eat baked goods, and as the country saying goes - “be like an ant in the days of summer”
This year will hopefully be third time lucky for Field Day. The first year had the weather but also had shambolic organisation. The second was all set for success until headine act Mystery Jets pulled out and the heavens opened. The rain actually meant getting to see a lot of really good acts while sheltering in tents rather than being at the main stage. It did however mean missing out on all the village fete games that were on offer –
Insider Tip
Yes, not just bands but the heart of East London will be transformed into a Village Fete. Away from sound systems and stages the masses can indulged in some countrified fun and games on the Village Green area - ‘Village Mentality’ - within the festival. Try your luck on the tombola, crack a few nuts on the coconut shy - or just sit on some hay bales and stuff your face with homemade cake. Inspired by summer sports days
Both Field Days so far have lead to seeking sanctuary in a pub, so it is worth checking out some good ones before you get there. While drying off in the wonderfully atmospheric Royal Inn On the Park, one girl actually said she was having a great day until she went over to the festival. Another treat is the Myspace bus.You may have to queue outside for a little bit, but you get rewarded with your very own, almost private, acoustic set from any number of acts.
august > > reading field day& leeds august
Mogwai, Aeroplane, Apes and Androids, Erol Alkan, Arrors, Fake Blood, Fennesz, Final Fantasy, First Aid Kit, Four Tet, James Yorkston, Malcolm Middleton, Mystery Jets, S.C.U.M, Skream, Toumani Diabate
There is nothing like a proper Coloursfest Braehead Arena and Waterfront, Glasgow dance festival and those on Sat 6 June 18.00-04.00 offer in 2009 seem to promise The premiere dance festival in Scotland something a little bit special. Coloursfest - has sold out for the past 5 years. Let’s face it, things are tough and we need the opportunity Main Arena – Dutch superstar Ferry Corsten, Radio 1’s Judge Jules, and upcoming Italian dj to relax and unashamedly Giuseppe Ottaviani enjoy ourselves for a bit. Into the old school? Rozalla and Alison Limerick. There is no better way than Take something warm. It’s Scotland and gets to have a good dance. a bit chilly in the evening
These festivals are for all Escape Into The Park ages. There is no attitude, it’s Singleton Park in Swansea about feeling the music, having Sat 13 June 12.00-23.00 The largest dance music festival in Wales fun, dancing like no one is with 20,000 party-goers. watching, hopefully enjoying Main stage – Eric Prydz and Scratch Perverts the sun, and of course people / Godskitchen & Polysexual arena Lisa Lashes, Boys, Dave Pearce and much loved local watching. There will be plenty Tidy dj Big Al to look at from bikini-clad Even though it’s in Wales take Sunscreen – girls to bare chested guys to there is absolutely no shade ravers round the pushchair. This is a pick of some of the biggest dance festivals around the UK.
Global Gathering
Long Marston Airfield, Stratford upon Avon Fri 24 – Sat 25 July The big one - Global Gathering - attracts over 50,000 festival goers Clubbing institution The Prodigy are headlining following the release of their latest album – Invaders Must Die. With Orbital reuniting after a 5 year absence and using the event to kick-start a UK tour Try not to get lost in the biggest tent in Europe also check the weather forecast and dress appropriately. Think outward bound course rather than nightclub!
Glade The Matterly Bowl,Winchester, 16th-19th July Glade is a proper music festival with it’s big stages, little stages, healing tents, a circus, a pyrotechnic and plenty more. It’s more than just a dance festival. This year Underworld, Squarepusher and The Filthy Dukes will be making people pull shapes and look to the skies in amazement. Dan Slipper
THE DISCO SHED Stephanie Clive. Successful disc jockeys Peepshow Paddy and Count Skylarkin’ wowed the festival circuit last summer with a portable wooden party box they like to call the Disco Shed. Their mix of funky tunes and quirky visuals made the Shed a sure fire hit with festival goers around the country, and successfully introduced the concept of shedonism to the masses. The shed will be trundling its way to a festival near you this summer, but if you can’t wait for that then be sure to catch them on the decks at Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes on the 29th May for our Other Side Festival Times launch.
First Timers’ Guide
Getting there Save money and guarantee your festival ticket by working for it. Oxfam often approach student unions looking for volunteer stewards; otherwise try building fences, pouring pints or burger flipping. Don’t pay for over-priced public transport. Look on Gumtree and look for a lift share scheme - there’s almost always some Hooray Henry taking his Dad’s Land Rover to Reading, so blag a lift.
Not been to a festival before. If you’re one of Otherwise, sell off spaces for petrol money those who’d rather spend in your Vauxhall Nova. If nobody else is going to Trowbridge Village Pump Festival then sign their summer sitting on a up to Liftshare.com and open your search to beach with a cocktail then the outside world. Camping you might need this. Here’s the essential guide to surviving your first festival...
Tesco.com does a Value two-person dome tent for £3.99, but if you value (ahem) staying dry then go for the £12 version. An airbed or lilo will stop your sleeping bag absorbing sogginess from the ground beneath, but if that’s too expensive, jumpers for pillows will suffice. Stinge on the torch, but not the batteries. Falling face-first into someone else’s tent at 4am because you failed to see the guide ropes in the pitch black is never a good idea. Festival organisers rarely think to put Portaloos in a well-lit place, so if you need to take a slash at night, take the torch with you else you might be the star of your very own shit-covered apocryphal tale.
Health and hygiene Bring your own loo roll, wet wipes, industrial-strength deodorant, sun cream and a toothbrush as they are all vital. Don’t bother queueing for festival showers; it will result in you missing your favourite band. If you absolutely need a wash, take a deep breath and opt instead for a cool alfresco whore’s bath (top and tails) at the nearest tap. Never visit a water point in the morning; human life will have evolved by the time it’s your turn.
Sex, drugs n’ alcohol Taking your own alcohol will prove cheapest but most events - especially those sponsored by beer companies - won’t let you take it into the main arena. Drugs are just as illegal at festivals as they are in your local Wetherspoon’s, but if you do experiment there will be welfare and medical staff on hand if it all gets too much. Locate your nearest welfare tent at the beginning and remember; everything in moderation. Apart from sex. Have as much sex as you like.
Clothing and weather In the UK, wellies are indispensable and if you’re going to Glastonbury, make yours knee-highs. Get these before you go though, as stallholders will happily take a chunk of your beer money in return for a pair onsite. You’ll also need a waterproof jacket and loads of warm layers as it might be scorching in the afternoon (bring a sun hat), but it
won’t be at night (bring a woolly hat). A bag or secure pockets are essential for carrying around your valuables. The last thing you want to lose is that £10 your Gran gave you to spend on food.
Nourishment Eating at festivals is not only expensive, but food tastes just as bad as Asda Smart Price tinned curry, even if the stall sign reads: organic, locally sourced gourmet falafel. Preparation is vital and imperishable foods should be top of your shopping list. Crisps, chocolate, cereal bars and nuts (well healthy stuff that) are not only portable, but also inexpensive and will last all three days. Once you’ve got your snacks sorted, treat yourself to one big, hot, bought meal a day. You’ll probably end up having beer for breakfast, lunch and dinner anyway.
Leaving If it has been a rather heavy weekend, make sure your lift home is sober and alert enough to drive back and then start planning for the next year, when you’ll be doing it all over again.
Working at festivals websites: Oxfam volunteers / Oxfam.org.uk Workers Beer Compnay Workersbeer.thewebbureaus2.com Green Police / Savetheworldclub.org DC Site Services / Dcsiteservices.com words: Kae Karadelis
v festival words: Lorna Donaly
For all the bad press the V Festival gets, it does still hold a little bit of my heart. The fact that over the years it has seemed to become the after party for the lad’s holiday – I can imagine the tearful goodbyes after Ibiza Rocks with many folk’s parting words being: “See you at V.” But I guess that is what gives it its end of summer party feel. Ignore the what seem to be compulsory cowboy hats, the fact there is no longer anywhere to sit down due to the hike in capacity and lack of toilets to accommodate for this, and what you have is a pretty tight festival that always pulls a good - albeit wide ranging - line up. Some people may say the V line up is too wide ranging – the festival for everyone, that ends up being for no one. But I think there are a lot of people who went to previous V festivals who wouldn’t be ashamed of saying one of their favourite acts were the Sugarbabes or Girls Aloud. I’m not sure if The Saturdays will match up to girl bands gone before them, but I’m sure they’ll be a damn sight better than The Wombats.
Insider tip From past personal experience it is worth missing the encore of the headline act to avoid a two hour bus queue. I think the festival organisers have started to think people actually enjoy this, even in the rain, because they haven’t seemed to do anything about it for 10 years. The choruses of
“Come by car” to the tune if “Kumbaya” do not even make it worthwhile. Another top tip this the * cue magical music * “The Hidden Path”. I’m not sure if it has always been there, but at the right of the second stage (before last year main stage) there is a path that appears to lead out of the festival, but actually links round to the main stage. Before I, and all I know, would always hike up the hill to the toilets and down again.
Getting there? Chelmsford National Express East Anglia operates trains to Chelmsford station where you can pick up a shuttle bus to the site. Staffordshire The nearest rail stations are Stafford and Wolverhampton or Telford in Shropshire. There is a shuttle bus service from Wolverhampton Bus Station and Stafford Rail Station to Weston Park and back.
august > v festival
The Killers, Oasis, Razorlight, Happy Mondays, Snow Patrol, Seasick Steve, MGMT,, The Saturdays, Ocean Colour Scene, Katy Perry & Lady Gaga
Reading - Leeds
Reading and Leeds Festivals have been packing the August bank holiday weekend with a cacophonous mix of revelry, debauchery, and good ol’ rock and roll since time immemorial. Time, of course, having begun in 1961 at the ‘National Jazz Festival’ - an event that would eventually morph
This summer’s lineup is still safely under wraps at the time of going to press, with the juicy details expected to be released shortly before tickets go on sale on March 30th. If last years cadre of performers is anything to go by then it should be exciting and diverse collection. Main stage headliners Metallica, The Killers, and Rage Against the Machine appeased the masses, with smaller artists like Frank Turner, Gallows, MGMT, and Seasick Steve broadening horizons across the festival’s five other stages. Those on the look out for the next big thing should take a trip to the BBC Introducing tent. I owe one of my most bittersweet Reading memories to that hallowed expanse of tarpaulin. In 2005 an unknown band called ‘The Arctic Monkeys’ were due to play in what was then The Carling Tent. Intrigued, I made my way over to the stage to find the the crowds spilling out far beyond the boundaries of the tent. Far too busy for me, I thought, probably not worth the effort. A year and a debut album later they were back, this time on the main stage as one of the festival’s most prominent acts. Reading Festival has gifted me
with a host of more positive memories too: the bottling of 50-Cent, my friend being thrown off site for blowing up gas canisters, and the massive and inevitable riots that begin after the final day’s music has concluded. Stuffed into my cranium along with them are a wealth of useful tips. Pick a shop next to the main stage as a meeting point, use the shower’s at the nearby swimming pool rather than those on-site, and try to locate that belgian waffles van I can never find. Reading and Leeds are festivals that allow you to squeeze as much fun as is possible from 3 days. There’s enough on offer to suit all tastes: music fans will flit from stage to stage hoping to fit in the maximum number of bands, while ravers lie paralytic in the campsite, trying to remember why they’re dressed as a postman. It’s a tumultuous and hedonistic weekend that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. words: Joe Ewans
august > > reading reading/leeds august & leeds
Over the years Reading has changed, from a prog-rock dominated lineup in the 70’s, to a disastrous dalliance with mainstream pop in the late 80’s. While 1991 saw a return to form with Nirvana’s last UK gig and Kurt Cobain’s infamous wheelchair stunt. That year also marking the arrival of Reading’s symbiotic sibling, Leeds Festival.
Make sure you dress up for bestival or you’ll look sillier than if you dressed up like this to go to work.
oh. and smile.
SEPTEMBER “’Tis the last rose of summer, Left blooming alone; All her lovely companions Are faded and gone.” Thomas Moore,The Last Rose of Summer, 1830
Bestival
www.theothersidemag.co.uk
bestival Words: Boaz sachs
This leftfield celebration of music is to festivals what Obama is to politics: a breath of fresh air. Brought to you by Radio One DJ Rob da Bank and now approaching its sixth year, it is the cool new kid on the block that is upstaging the established scene. Bestival takes place at Robin Country Park on the Isle Of Wight over three days in September and this year revellers will be treated to an eclectic mix of artists including Kraftwerk, MGMT, Massive Attack, Klaxons, Soulwax, Florence And The Machine, Bat For Lashes and Friendly Fires to name a few. What sets Bestival apart from the more mainstream events of the summer is the unique atmosphere that surges throughout the camp. Rarely is such a collective effort put into having a good time and picking the ultimate costume. Indeed each year a theme is announced and the festivalgoers dress accordingly. For Bestival 2009 the theme is A Space Oddity – so expect everything from astronauts, Stormtroopers, and Ziggy-era David Bowies. To encourage as much dressing up as possible the organisers even provides a dressing up tent.
Aside from this, Bestival is refreshing in its independent-minded attitude to food and merchandise stalls. There is a diverse approach to catering (including, but not limited to, vegetarian foods and locally provided refreshments), and a heavy involvement in social, political and environmental causes, including aiming to be a carbon neutral festival, dedicated areas for breast-feeding mothers and young children. All contribute to the feeling that there is no place quite like it on the British festival circuit. What other festival provides its own inflatable wedding chapel? Weather: This year the forecast predicts blue skies and sunny weather so don’t forget to pack your sunscreen. A repeat of the mud and rain of Bestival 2008, which saw the stage collapse in the mud, is unlikely... but we’re just saying that aren’t we.
Doves Friendly Fires MGMT Kraftwerk
Win a pair of tickets to Bestival at our event at Bloomsbury Bowl on Friday 29th May
september > bestival
Despite its idyllic location Bestival is only 2 hours away from central London by train and easily accessible through frequent ferry rides both at day and night. Just make sure you get there on Thursday to avoid having to camp too close to the toilet facilities and don’t forget to get yourself a copy of the Bestival Bugle, the festival’s own daily newspaper dishing out timetables and tips. Finally, remember to keep your eyes open for the Secret Stage where some of the best acts may pop up at any time. Oh and if that’s not enough then why don’t you swim there!
“The theme is a Space Oddity”
this is who we are People are constantly asking who bothers to put together a magazine purely for the love. Well we do and hopefully one day all that love will turn into a real job! This is us.
Sam (or Sir to you!) Born and raised in the jungle of Archway (by wolves), Sam never slept under the advice of his South London bred father who suggested that sleeping would probably lead to the theft of young Sam’s favourite t-shirt. By the time Sam reached the tender age of 27 he moved north to Highgate via Finchley where he now resides in a rather splendid wonky flat with his lady Ruby. Sam got to the third interview stages of Masterchef goes Large only to be denied by the fact that “he didn’t really want to be a chef.” Too much hassle claimed the London based hearthrob. Since then he has spent the best part of two years making the Other Side happen - now with the help of a band of musketeers things are perking up and hopefully one day he’ll be able to have that Nathan Barley style office he’s always (well since that show first aired) dreamed of.
Adam Richmond From his self involved work of his teen years to the angry misanthropy of his late 20s, Adam has always used the written word to inflict both mirth and disgust. But how best to find the reader? Despite the cry that print was dead, Adam found his way to the world of magazine production and fell in love. The process of making a magazine. Learning his craft at a small B2B publisher, chancing his arm at tea making, moving on up to production, on to editing, subbing and design, the opportunity to be involved in a personal magazine such as The Other Side was everything he hoped for. Jumping on Sam’s bandwagon, Adam saw his chance to
R
get involved in something fresh, exciting and new. Writing, subbing and generally mucking about for the good of the mag, he hopes the fun times never end.
Josh King. ‘It all began in the mid-eighties, when the weather was windier and ipods didn’t exist. Born and raised in the countryside, Josh grew up the hard way. He didn’t own a TV till he was 3, a stereo till 6, and at one birthday party his mum didn’t supply party bags. Nobody would doubt that his life was tough, but he pulled through, and now boasts a portfolio of survival tricks that even Ray Mears would rub his eyes in awe it. However, since those glorious days a great deal has changed. Last year, in a feat much like Croc Dundee 2, Josh moved to the big city. Being a quick learner he was toilet trained in a week and riding escalators like they were Shropshire dapple greys. But realising that all work and no play is reasonably dull, he joined a football team where he met Sam, the Other Side dictator himself.
Nathan May Floundering in the depths of East London Nathan May is part man, part warewolf. Sporting a constant prickly beard that even Jesus would be proud of. His religious views don’t end there. Nathan was drawn to the Other Side in a similar vain to Josh, although his talent was spotted following a 30 yard looping goal. On that day the Other Side grew and the American Typewriter was born.
A Few more Rebecca Hall runs for a living. She is also a ‘sick’ (and we use that in the street way) designer and illustrator. She’s been at TOS since the heady 8 page B & W days. Steph Clive runs about writing, organising and doing very important stuff. She also does impossible crosswords. Dan Murdoch was last spotted travelling half way round the world in a Trabant. He now pleases everyone with his eloquent stories. Ed Herman aka OSOS eats drinks and sleeps football. A little like Coca-Cola. He is also the proud owner of twitter.com/dailyarniequote. Cardorowski slums it at the best of times with the pesky grey and scheming pigeon. He writes like a modern day Shakespeare and we love it! Nico Pico is in the top 1% of genius’ in the country. He also draws stick men for our back pages and plays the guitar on Sunday. Recentlly we have added some new faces to our team including illustrators Mika Tennekoon, Kayleigh Ann Witt and Matt Dent and to be perfectly honest they are the bees knees. Check out their business on our site and in our mag. Want to be part of a growing team of excitable twenty somethings. Well give us a shout info@tosmag.co.uk. We’d love to hear from you!
Become part of our network. The Other Side website is run through a platform called Webjam. The site is set up using modules that are easily connected such as blogs, photo streams, YouTube videos, widgets etc. It’s easy enough for anybody to use and to create their own website. Recently our site was upgraded and became what is known as a channel which allowed us to create a website that could be replicated by our readers. From here the idea is to create an entire Other Side community where readers interact with one and other. The site that is replicated has the potential to become more than just a website, but a social network in itself. It can be for personal use, for friends, family or maybe even your block of flats...it’s up to you.
It’s a new concept and may sound a little complicated to start with, but we’re here to get you through that first stage. Follow the simple steps below and before you know it will be a fully fledged TOSer. 1. Visit www.theothersidemag.co.uk/ artspace 2. Click START at the top and follow the onscreen instructions. 3. You will be taken to your new site where there are pages already set up for you to start writing. 4. That’s it – need any more help just give us a shout info@tosmag.co.uk. Good Luck!
So how does this work? We’ve set it up with the idea of creating a user generated content community, where people start writing blogs about music, film, art etc on their personal site. These blogs are linked to our homepage and also to our channel site where a community of likeminded individuals will start to grow. People who like to write, draw, sing or whatever can be part of the community and the best part is that once you start creating content you could get picked up by us and published in the magazine. There is a group of readers who have become involved in this way and have already been published.
www.webjam.com
SUBSCRIBE.
The credit crunch is a bit of a nightmare for independent magazines. We’re in a constant battle against goddam advertisers. We are trying something a bit different to the norm so that we can concentrate on creating this magazine each month. We’re pretty sure that with the help of some fine Londoners we can make it happen. All you gotta do to play your part is subscribe to the mag. We’ll post you a copy each time they are made in a nice envelope, making you feel special and loved. 100 subscribers per month would help us keep the adverts to a minimum and the adverts that we do have, well they’ve been specially selected, no estate agents or supermarkets in here thanks. Please fill in the form and return it with a cheque made payable to the Other Side Magazine or visit our site and subscribe by paypal!!
£12 for 6 Issues
Name:
£20 for 12 issues
Address:
Return to: The Other Side Magazine PO Box 39437 London, N10 3XH
Email:
Join our street team... We make the mag and we hand it out ourselves. We’re looking for some Other Siders to get their mitts dirty and hand out some magazines. We’ll reward you with whatever we can get our hands on, gig tickets, recipe books, hats, milk tokens.... maybe even some cold meats! email info@tosmag.co.uk for more info.
Goodbye We hope you liked our little mag. We’d love to hear your thoughts, send us an email info@tosmag.co.uk and then check out our website www.theothersidemag.co.uk
Think you have what it takes to write for us? Set up your own Other Side webpage through our website theothersidemag.co.uk/ artspace or email info@tosmag.co.uk