As Glastonbury 2013 sells out in record time, Opinion writer Beth Gregory looks at why festivals are such a big deal.
Sunday 7th October. 8.30am. IÔÇÖm sat, still half asleep, on the sofa, staring at my laptop, wishing IÔÇÖd got up earlier because the server is already too busy. ThatÔÇÖs right, this is the morning Glastonbury tickets go on sale. And it would seem like the whole world wants one.
This year Glastonbury tickets sold out in record time: 1 hour and 40 minutes. The fact that Glastonbury wasnÔÇÖt on last year only added to peopleÔÇÖs desires to attend, knowing that there was a strong possibility the line up could be bigger and better than ever before. While thousands of people will have missed out on the opportunity of tickets, many people, including myself, succeeded. The UK now has hundreds of festivals, big and small, but itÔÇÖs fair to say that Glastonbury is the biggest, not just in the UK but in the world. There is a capacity of around 180,000 people, tickets are viewed as gold dust, and unlike many festivals, Glasto caters for all manners of taste, musically and otherwise. There are big bands and there are smaller acts that will appeal to a certain niche. Due to this, despite the fact that it is now pretty much winter, the hype that surrounded Glastonbury ticket sales has got everyone planning next summer’s festivals.
I donÔÇÖt feel like IÔÇÖm exaggerating when I say that festivals are a different world. ItÔÇÖs like being in a bubble, separate from the outside, where anything can happen. The impossibilities and the boundaries are broken down. I have heard friends refer to some festivals as being ÔÇÿmagicalÔÇÖ, and there are so many festivals now that everyone’s tastes can be catered for. My best mate loves dubstep, so she would never come with me to Reading Festival, but loves what Global Gathering and Creamfields can offer. And I probably wouldnÔÇÖt want to go to Download (too heavy) or V (too generic) but the likes of Bestival, Glastonbury and Reading & Leeds are festivals I will always be keen for. People arenÔÇÖt just staying inside the constraints of the UK either. Many are getting on a plane, or taking road trips to European festivals. Benicassim┬áin Spain, Exit in Serbia, and Outlook in Croatia, are just a few of the festivals across Europe that are making a name for themselves and attracting people from the UK to pick up their backpacks and head a little further south than the Isle-of-Wight.
IÔÇÖve met many people who claim they hate the idea of festivals because of the whole camping element. I can see how some people might not enjoy this. ItÔÇÖs muddy, youÔÇÖre outside, you have to set up a tent, the showers are probably more gross than not bothering to shower, and festival toilets arenÔÇÖt exactly pleasant. But nowadays, people can still enjoy festivals even if the thought of camping makes them shudder, with the option to ÔÇÿglampÔÇÖ for an extra fee at many festivals, where you can stay in tipis or luxury huts. There is also the rise of one day festivals such as Slam Dunk, or simply one day tickets to some festivals, so people can enjoy some of the festival experience without having to camp. Personally though, I think camping at a festival is half the fun. Yes it can be disgusting, but without wanting to sound more disgusting, you get to a point where you donÔÇÖt even care. You have fun with friends and make many more. IÔÇÖve met people I consider good friends through camping at a festival. Festival Camping is like a separate experience in itself and people usually come away with funny and happy memories they wouldnÔÇÖt of had if they hadnÔÇÖt been camping.
Nowadays, festivals are about more than just the music. While many festivals are centered around the music, other dimensions have been added to give festivals an extra flavour. Many have fairs. Some have silent discos at night. Glastonbury has pretty much everything, with bars, clubs, and all sorts to do after hours, or during the day when you want a break from watching all the bands. Theres also loads of variety when it comes to food. ItÔÇÖs no longer just a chip van. You can get pizzas, Mexican, and vegetarian and vegan foods at festivals. Because of all the different goings on at festivals now, I think itÔÇÖs pretty much impossible to not have a good time. Even when something bad happens, like losing your friends in a crowd, it normally all comes together and doesnÔÇÖt alter the festival experience.
Festivals are unlike anything else. ItÔÇÖs like the best bits of life put in to a massive field. You have the option to see loads of bands, some you will know, some you may not. You get to drink as much as you want without any judgement. And everyone is so laid-back, that making new friends is an inevitable part of any festival. Glastonbury say on their website that ÔÇÿthe rules of society are a bit different, a little bit freerÔÇÖ and that Glastonbury is a place capable of giving you ÔÇÿenlightenmentsÔÇÖ and ÔÇÿawakeningsÔÇÖ, and I think this is true of all festivals. Festivals can make you see the world around you in a totally different light, because it really is so different from ÔÇÿreal lifeÔÇÖ. A lot of the time at festivals, I find myself questioning why life canÔÇÖt be like a festival every day. At festivals you come away with so many amazing memories that will stay with you for life, as well as new friends, and a new sense of perspective. And you will often annoy anyone who didnÔÇÖt go by telling them your tales for weeks on end afterwards, as you try to battle your way through post-festival blues. To me, festivals are a necessary escapism to get away from the hectic realities of life, and to experience something you canÔÇÖt find anywhere else other than in a festival field.
Beth Gregory
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