When you’re new to festivals they can be daunting but the key is to embrace it all and focus on having a good time. When you get past the grim toilets and inevitable mud and just accept the fact that your hair is not going to look like the Coachella tumblr pictures, you will be 10 times happier and have the most memorable weekend that you can(not) remember!
Festival survival kit:
Loo paper: by day two (if you’re lucky) the portaloos will not be pleasant and the worst thing is queueing for the loos and realising there is no paper…
Glitter and vaseline: this is a must have when you need to cover 3 days of grime and can’t face real makeup. Instant festival pick up for guys and girls.
Bin bags: you never know when they’ll come in handy and when you forget your mac… stylish poncho anyone?
Hat: dry shampoo can only go so far…
Headtorch: tried and tested – the perfect friend-finder/maker.
Sun cream and rain mac: you never know with the British weather.
(4)Reading: Surviving and thriving.
If you like pot noodle, you’re in for a treat. Because unless you’re willing to spend seven pounds on a miniscule pulled-pork sandwich every night you will need to take some ready-meals! It is also advised that you prepare for the inevitable body odour that will stick with you wherever you go and likely leave a visible green trail of gas. But never fear, everyone there stinks like a cesspool, other than the elitist and likely smug people that payed for the showers.
Acts: Consistently amazing
Atmosphere: Hazy
Loo Rating: 1/10 Gag worthy
Food: Dig your wallet’s grave now. It’s nice though.
Weather: August
Opinions from festival-goers:
Sienna Wells, a 5’1 person – “My favourite act has got to be Biffy Clyro; the atmosphere was amazing and actually being able to see the stage for once was a bonus too. Nutella wraps for breakfast are the way to go.”
(2)Edinburgh Fringe: No cutting back on the culture.
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the largest arts festival in the world and takes place every August for three weeks across Edinburgh. People flock from all over the country and from around the rest of the world. The locals make you feel extremely welcome and the huge range provides so much to see and do. The only thing you can do wrong is stay within your comfort zone.
Acts: There are thousands of acts on hundreds of stages, covering the weird and wonderful of all aspects of art you can imagine. Camera Obscura is also worth checking out.
Atmosphere: Buzzing and constantly friendly.
Loo Rating: 10/10 Not a smelly portaloo in sight as there are toilets in popup bars which are clean, have toilet roll and won’t make you gag- next level sophistication
Food: Plenty of choice – haggis bonbons were a personal fave of mine with sweet chilli sauce.
Weather: Edinburgh is well known for its four seasons in one day, but luckily we had plenty of sunshine!
Opinions from festival-goers:
‘Edinburgh is a great place to be at any time of the year but there’s something special about the city’s atmosphere during the Fringe.’ – Annabel Steel
(3)Isle of Wight: All festival dreams made.
Isle of Wight was an experience of a lifetime and something truly unforgettable. From Queen to Iggy Pop, to Faithless to Sigma, we enjoyed it all. My friends and I could not have asked for a more perfect first festival together!
Acts: Queen and Sigma were definite highlights as there was an amazing atmosphere from start to finish. The dance tents were always active and such a laugh.
Atmosphere: Out of this world and one of the friendliest environments.
Loo Rating: 7/10 because we got posh loos but even the normal loos weren’t too bad, long queues aren’t great when you’re desperate though…
Food: All very expensive but basically lived off churros all weekend!
Weather: Surprisingly good as it only rained at night, so it wasn’t too muddy. Only wore my wellies once!
Opinions from festival-goers:
“An incredible experience where many cherished memories were made – the highlight of my year!”- Hannah Hughes
(1)Blissfields: Crazy mud, crazy atmosphere.
Blissfields is a local music festival which started as a party for friends in 2001. It’s got an intimate vibe with some amazing up and coming artists. You’ll meet a load of nutters and love every minute of it. Top Tip: Don’t be stingy; spend the extra tenner on posh wash, also get the Thursday pass – who wouldn’t want an extra day partying? YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT.
Acts: Dizzee Rascal? Absolutely bonkers. Sundara Karma? “mad good” Everything Everything? EVERYTHING! Honne? love love love
Atmosphere: Energetic and welcoming.
Loo Rating: Posh Wash? A solid effort. 7/10. Portaloos? I’d rather use a bucket.
Food: BURRITOS. CHURROS. NEED I SAY MORE?!
Weather: Very British
Opinion from festival-goer: “If you don’t love it here then you’re doing something wrong. The music is insane and the food is lush. Hidden Hedge is the place to be.” – Hannah Seeckts
(5)V Fest: Bucket hats and metallic coloured macs at the ready.
The best way to enjoy one of the UK’s biggest (and most corporate) pop festivals is to swallow your pride and embrace all it’s got to offer. By the time the post-results day weekend has come around, you’ll be ready to see some of the biggest names in pop, who realistically you would never see at their own shows. Justin Bieber and Rihanna headlined, Bieber being a hungover-lip-syncing-half-hearted-dancing-so-bad-he-needed-his-own-hype-man disappointment while Rihanna stole the show.
Acts: Bastille, MNEK, Zak Abel and Eliza and the Bear were highlights and it’s definitely worth checking out the smaller stages if you want to escape the masses and see some new talent.
Atmosphere: Mainstream but you grow to love it.
Loo rating: 8.5/10. Went with very low expectations and came away pleasantly surprised
Food: Hit and miss and next level overpriced.
Weather: Sporadic (need the mac and the suncream)
Opinion from festival goers: ‘The level of roadman was unreal but RiRi made my life.’- Alice Farrington
Contributions from: Alice Farrington, Abbie Preston, Bronwyn Ford, Oscar Sutherland-Dee, Hannah Seeckts
the alternative 