Hard Rock Calling 2011 celebrates 40 years

Situated in an area where there were no trees, Hard Rock Calling 2011 was celebrating 40 years of opening chains of restaurants and hotels around the world.

Public transport to Hyde Park was excellent, but could do a bit better after Saturday had finished. Tube stations were closed to incoming passengers, a fear of overcrowding on the platforms must have been on their mind.

Things that I noticed was that stalls being situated tightly to the sides of the festival area, with the exception of the stall selling official merchandise of the main headliner of the day. A mixture of food and drinks stalls, also a place where to buy inflatable instruments, notably guitars, plus bars named from parts of Hyde Park, namely The Serpentine Bar, Speakers Bar and the Bayswater Bar which provided a waiter/ess service. Also, a tent for those wannabe models, courtesy of Elite magazine, shame I wasn't selected… wonder why… though I was tempted by their free offer for a new hairstyle, albeit, having to wait two hours for one put me off the idea

First aid areas were available, with the ambulance service standing by for those in need of urgent attention.

Friday was the start the Hard Rock Calling Festival 2011 weekend. Crowds started to mass after a couple of hours when they finished their work. No golden circle on Friday, but that was assembled overnight for Saturday. Crowds were close to seeing the likes of James, Kaiser Chiefs, and The Killers.

Ponchos were available for Friday, when the weather deteriorated for those who didn't bring proper waterproofs.

The Main stage, The Pepsi Max stage and the Bandstand stage (only Saturday and Sunday) offered mainly rock acts, though Rockabilly from Imelda May offered a pleasant early version of the predominant genre.

The site also offered a charging station for Vodaphone customers to get their mobile/smart phone(s) recharged. A smartphone app was also available from said provider to show times and playlist from the artists/bands. A grandstand view was available for VIP ticket holders and the disabled. A guest area for those who wanted to get away from the crowds until the artist they wanted to see with toilets also available for that area. However there wasn't much for kids to do, there was no carousel or areas where kids could be kept occupied which was a bit disappointing.

Saturday started off with cloudy skies threatening more rain, but thankfully, it never came, to makes things better, the sun came out. Sun factor cream was needed for those sensitive to the sun. Saturday also saw an increase in festival goers to see headliners Bon Jovi, which meant more stewards, and a more noticeable security presence.

Hard Rock Calling 2011 was a decent family day out offering a chance to see a few rock acts but there should be more facilities orientated for the people with children.

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