22 replies to this topic

[boudacier]

Hi Everyone,

Ive always wanted to go to Glastonbury & im actually going this year (whoo hoo) and im getting so excited but im also gettin more nervous as it comes closer, mainly because ive never camped b4, and im worryin bout things like will i stick the tent up right,in the right place etc, and also how am i gonna find my tent, esp in the dark.I have a terrible sense of direction and out off everyone i know im always the one gettin lost. I just wondered if anyon else is feeling like me or am i just a total saddo worryin for nothin lol. I can imgine me after a few beers gettin totaly lost and gettin in the wrong tent (problay not fun for who evers tent it is that i think is mine) lol.

Any tips or anyone feelin the same as me would be great to hear from you

Donna x

[___S_o_m_a__]

Be brave.

[gillmacca]

Tip for finding your tent.
If you have gprs on your phone, then set it up where your tent is. Take a torch, and mind the guy ropes

[Gnomicide]

When you leave your tent, tie one end of a very long piece of string to your tent and the other end to your ankle.

Can't go wrong.

[Joshuwarr]

Firstly, DON'T WORRY! I was a little nervous about going to my first festival a few years back but all was completely fine Just make sure after you have put up you're tent you look out for any obvious points where you can spot you're tent (ie flags, certain food stalls, signs etc). What I'd do if you're really nervous is try walking places on you're own a couple of times (not too far away) then walking back so you can become more and more familiar with where your tent is. If worst comes to worst you can always put your tent up near to the path so its easier to spot.

[indieheart]

almost wish it was my first time - so much to discover!  you'll be fine hon. Orient yourself well before going by getting used to the site layout. Once you've pitched your tent, take a good note of everything around you, especially the nearest tall flag, which will be your best guide home.

Have you seen the Red Triangle camping thread? Be lots of experienced Glato goers camping there and you'd be welcome to join us.

[Savy]

Hi Donna. You're not alone, I always get kinda nervous excitedness about this time each year. I just take it as part of the whole experience!

As for getting lost don't worry about it, I always lose my bearings (after too many beers etc) but always seem to find my way to where I want to be. And if you don't you'll always stumble upon something else just as good.

When you get there and have the tent set up I'd say to go on a walk to familiarise yourself with your immediate surroundings. Also there's bound to be people with flags up around the campsite so pick a few of them to be your landmarks. Probably best to find a few rather than just your nearest in case they take it round the fesitval with them!

Don't worry about problems puttiing up your tent. If you can't do it just ask one of your neighbours for help, although I'd be surprised if they haven't already offered it without you needing to ask. Most are a good bunch more than willing to lend a hand, especially at the offering of a can of brew in return!

Have fun. Remember if you get lost don't worry, you will find something as enjoyable wherever you end up! Just go with it  

[ukslim]

boudacier, on 14 June 2010 - 10:52 AM, said:

Any tips or anyone feelin the same as me would be great to hear from you

Since you've identified a couple of things you're worried about, you can do what's necessary to calm your nerves.

Worried about putting the tent up: have a practice run in the garden or the park, sometime between now and the festival.

Worried about not finding your tent: make a deliberate point of identifying some landmarks, once you've set up camp. Landmarks that'll be visible in the dark. E.g. "We're just downhill from the line between that lamp post and that flag".

I'm slightly worried about forgetting where I parked. I'm taking my own car for the very first time -- usually I just follow someone else back to the car, not really knowing how they're finding their way. I'll just take extra care of noting where the car is, when I leave it.

Have fun!

[whatmidlifecrisis?]

ukslim, on 14 June 2010 - 11:02 AM, said:

Since you've identified a couple of things you're worried about, you can do what's necessary to calm your nerves.

Worried about putting the tent up: have a practice run in the garden or the park, sometime between now and the festival.

Worried about not finding your tent: make a deliberate point of identifying some landmarks, once you've set up camp. Landmarks that'll be visible in the dark. E.g. "We're just downhill from the line between that lamp post and that flag".

I'm slightly worried about forgetting where I parked. I'm taking my own car for the very first time -- usually I just follow someone else back to the car, not really knowing how they're finding their way. I'll just take extra care of noting where the car is, when I leave it.

Have fun!

We do this every year - it is part of our build up. Stereo on, a few cold beers and a BBQ.

You'll be fine and after about an hour on site you'll wonder what all the fuss was about. Nearly everyone you meet will be helpful, you will get the beer taxi home to your tent every night without fail, some nights it will take you ten minutes, some nights it'll take you hours but you will get there. [Someone near your tent will have a recognisable flag - I guarantee it.]. One small tip - if you arrive early, pitch up and then do the decent thing and go and sample the delights of the numerous beer outlets be prepared for your camping spot to look very different when you return - it is amazing how quickly the site fills up and the landscape changes - so landmarks are a must (there are lots of sign posts, bins, pilons, trees, toilets (although do not camp to close to these for obvious reasons), etc to mark you way back.

I would say "Enjoy the Festival" but that part is a given.

[MilkyJoe]

You're most definately not alone (my girlfriends first glasto and my first for 15 years! both a little nervous but getting giddy as hell now) You will be fine but one good piece of advice has already been mentioned. Have a couple of practices putting the tent up in the garden. It is probably easy but you need to be familiar with it in case you have to do it in windy/wet conditions.

[Pinhead]

This will be my 14th and I'm feeling nervous!

Actually, more to do with the annual, "will I get a pitch where I usually camp", "will I be stuck in a long queue", "will I find other mates etc." paranoia really.

[xena1981]

ohhhhh you will be fine

its like being drunk on holiday - somehow you all ways home in.........

Are you going alone?

[cejx]

ukslim, on 14 June 2010 - 11:02 AM, said:

Since you've identified a couple of things you're worried about, you can do what's necessary to calm your nerves.

Worried about putting the tent up: have a practice run in the garden or the park, sometime between now and the festival.

Worried about not finding your tent: make a deliberate point of identifying some landmarks, once you've set up camp. Landmarks that'll be visible in the dark. E.g. "We're just downhill from the line between that lamp post and that flag".

I'm slightly worried about forgetting where I parked. I'm taking my own car for the very first time -- usually I just follow someone else back to the car, not really knowing how they're finding their way. I'll just take extra care of noting where the car is, when I leave it.

Have fun!

A very very nice man from the AA gave us a ticket with the carpark number on it - most useful - well it was before we lost it!

Finding your tent in the city of tents is surprisingly easy.  Your homing instinct will kick in and you'll be there in no time!

[Late]

I still get a little nervous excitment even after many festivals so dont worry. Get your tent sorted, put it up at home if you get chance to practice. If it is old get some Fabsil (tent re-waterproofer) and spray that on it for peice of mind. If you cant do that there will probably be a few people around when you setup. Ask for help if you need to, offer beer in exchange for help, people are nice.

You will get lost at the festival, but remember as long as you dont go out of any of the gates or jump over the fence you will only be a mile or so from your tent at worst :-) There are signs and maps and people to ask, but to be honest part of the fun of Glasto is getting a little lost and seeing things you probably will never find again. For example i have been far too many times and i have only once ever seen the tunnel under the railway and i could not point to it on a map now?!? All part of the fun.

[psychology]

drink plenty of festival strength cider and use any tent you want. If you find anyone in the tent just say "oh sorry wrong tent". They will be most understanding!  

[Porcelina]

It's my first time at Glastonbury too but I've had three years at Leeds so I'm half-prepared.

I'm actually looking forward to the getting lost, it'll be an adventure and it's the best way to explore.

I'm going to predict it'll be like moving from a town to a city.

[donthaveacoolname]

ukslim, on 14 June 2010 - 11:02 AM, said:

Worried about putting the tent up: have a practice run in the garden or the park, sometime between now and the festival.

+1 Defo a good idea

As for finding your way home we always take a flag with us and put it up beside our tent so you can see it a long way off, then all you have to do is get to the right field and you can see where you have to go. if you not bringing a flag lots of other people will have them so just pick one near you and follow it home.

Have fun, it will be a great weekend  

[Serj Trouserdale]

Create or buy a large flag for your site or use other peoples as a land mark.

Edited by Serj Trouserdale, 14 June 2010 - 02:47 PM.

[fdc]

If you're worried about losing your tent, take it with you to the stage, no one will mind. If you decide to pitch it in the usual way, make sure you ingest a genorous amount of psychedelics before trying to find your way back - I can't stress how important that is. If the unthinkable happens and you still can't find it, get your head down somewhere comfortable like a public footpath.

[Martin Ashford]

You sound like you're going on your own. If so don't worry. Glastonbury is one of the safest places in the uk considering 175,000 people are living together for a long weekend. The advice about marker points is very, very important indeed and you will learn to navigate around the entire site quite quickly. Get hold of a site map when you are there and mark your campsite on it. If you really come unstuck someone will always be able to help you  - there are Oxfam stewards and campsite crews all over the place as well as the official Information points. You are absolutely going to love it so dive in and enjoy.