[SERIOUS] Festival tips?

[Valleysboy1978]

Good to be back on VBForums after quite a substantial hiatus.
In a couple of weeks I'll be attending The Download Festival so need some tips from peeps that have been to a festival before.

Just little things like how to keep the beers cold. What other stuff to take, and so on.

Oh, and for those outside of the UK that might not have heard of The Download Festival this is not the festival for some tacky pop acts.
Highlights include Korn, Slipknot, Prodigy and the newly reformed Faith No More!!

Cheers peeps

[si_the_geek]

Food and drink is expensive, and queues will probably be huge - so take a reasonable amount in with you each day (preferably in light coloured rucksacks to keep it cool), but not so much that you can't carry it all day.

Expect some rain, even on a sunny day. Avoid wearing jeans, as they are a nightmare when wet.

Use sun cream if you are prone to burning.

I'm guessing you'll be there for the 3 days, so keeping beers cold will be hard (especially as you can't really go to a local shop, like I used to for Reading). Cool bags etc are good (especially ones you can fold up), but unless you've got a generator and fridge you won't be able to have "cold" beers unless you buy them site (or from the locals who walk around the camp sites at night).

Hot food/drinks in camp are easy, you just need a fire and a pan or two; tinned food is good, as you don't need to keep it cool.

Don't take anything of significant value - the chances of things getting lost or stolen is very high (even if you lock it in a car).

You will get separated from your group at times, and it's very hard to find them again. If you want to meet up, arrange a specific place (like just outside a certain stall) and time ranges. Mobile phones help, but due to the noise (and huge network traffic) aren't too much use - text messages are the best option.

Soon after arriving find out where the first aid is - you probably wont need it, but if you do then knowing where to go reduces the hassle.

[FunkyDexter]

Hey, VB, long time no see.

Avoid wearing jeans

Equally, avoid wearing shorts. If you spend any length of time down the front peoples size sixteens are going to be scraped repeatedly down your shins and calfs. If the organisers helpfully decide to spread sand around the area in front of the stage, as they did at Donnington the year I learned this lesson, your legs end up looking like the opening scene from Saving Private Ryan.

Take a toilet roll (it sounds obvious but it's easy to forget and, erm, important). Keep it sealed in a plastic bag, except when you're actually using it, obviously.

If heavy metal festivals are anything like they were in my day, do not try to catch any bottles of apple juice that are arcing through the air. It turns out that it's not apple juice and the organisers are not distributing complimentary refreshments.

[si_the_geek]

Ah yes, the magic bottles... one time I noticed one over my shoulder coming in to land, and it hit one of the people I was with on the back of the head - but as she'd been rather rude that day, the rest of us were almost happy about it!

[wossname]

The Download Festival[/URL] this is not the festival for some tacky pop acts.
Highlights include Korn, Slipknot, Prodigy and the newly reformed Faith No More!

....

And THAT is IRONY!

Seriously though. Take a cheapo digital camera and a transparent waterproof bag to keep it in at all times, even when shooting.

[demotivater]

Faith No More?!? I'm out of the loop, hadn't heard they reforming - unless I did and forgot, a distinct possibility.

[Atheist]

Dream Theater are performing!! My tip for you: see them. (or rather, hear them..)

[Valleysboy1978]

Cheers fellas, some good tips there
Definitely looking forward to seeing Korn, and guilty pleasure is ZZ Top

Don't worry, will be keeping away from the magic bottles