Personal Blogs

Well.  4.45am I crawled into bed.  Kent is a long, long drive from here!  I spent much of the festival on my own.  It was nice to sit in my own space, with a beer, and not be answerable to anyone.  With my phone switched off it was even better.  My mother was good company for the first day and evening, not so great on Saturday and horrendous on Sunday.  Though there were still good bits.  She's a bit too controlling for a long stretch at a festival.  Making rules that don't exist, like the time of day that you can eat and drink, sleep or even talk.  I saw some great bands though, and I was pleased to find I had no problem watching them on my own.  So I will definitely be doing a few solo festivals over the next few months.  Highlights?  For me, watching the Eagles.  Iggy Pop I was expecting to enjoy, but I was blown away by the Eagles.  The Bluetones and Imelda May were also excellent.  I had the perfect number of people approach me for random chats, who stayed for the perfect amount of time.  I'm not a Prince fan, but it was pretty cool to see the crowd going so crazy, and the female singers were incredible.  Very strict security which I found a bit out of keeping with the normal festival vibe.  Had to show a wristband every time you went to the campsite or the main stage.  And although they allowed cans at the campsite, they would not allow anything to be brought through.  A tactic to ensure that everyone pays for their beer.  Also on entry to the main stage there were continual bag checks.  I hate bag checks.  They really stress me out!  Once, on the way in, I understand, but I must have been searched over fifty times over the weekend, which I consider unreasonable, and it did take away from the relaxation aspect, for me.  So a mixed bag really; I'm glad that I went for the bands, and that I met some cool people, but I think it's best left as an isolated, but overall good experience.