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Earlier this week I had a job interview for a part-time post with an organisation I've volunteered with for six years. I couldn't offer the 18 hours as advertised, but explained I was already in the process of on condensing my full-time job into four days, to free up time for volunteering anyway, and so I could offer a day to them. Today they called and offered me the position as a full-time post. I'm utterly overwhelmed.. I genuinely didn't believe I had a sniff at the job as it was anyway. And best of all I get to leave my entirely unrelated, completely meaningless work that has been destroying my soul, and do something I've been training for and working towards for over four years! Yay!

I want to add a post here to mourn the sudden passing of Jeffie this last Sunday, and pass the news on to other eFesters. He was in my ticket group, and was the one who got through in 2019 to get us tickets for 2020-22, I'll be raising a glass in the fields next June. He introduced me to a lot of the festival before I even got tickets for the first time. @jeffie

I've heard it said that for those of us who go to both EOTR and GM that your preference will be for whichever of the 2 you first went to (and thus fell in love with first). I went to EOTR first. I'm with all the points above. I also like the way pretty much all the food outlets are in one place at EOTR with the tables in the middle, meaning I can quickly check queue lengths for my possible options and then sitting down I enjoy the random conversations with people I join at a table or that join me; this seems to happen far more for me at EOTR. That EOTR is significantly smaller helps too. I'm sure I could easily argue the case the other way, particularly having done GM Settlers for the first time this year, but first love wins.

my review is here: https://www.efestivals.co.uk/festivals/endoftheroad/2021/review.shtml if you have the time for what was a bit of a long worded piece this year, I'm rusty...

First time at EOTR and first festival with the wife and kids. Have been to different festivals before and gave up on all except for Glastonbury (been 10 times) How was it? A big wow for different reasons. First, hats off to the EOTR people for pulling off this event under the current conditions and making it seem like a normal world for a whole weekend. I haven’t felt like this in ages. Then the actual event. Not only did it work out well, this was one of the best festival experiences I’ve had. Everything was in its right place. My wife, who swore to never go to a festival - loved it. The kids had the time of their life. I took advantage of the post euphoric festival high and with her permission snapped tickets for next year. The music was awesome everywhere, I really liked the Sleaford Mods, Dry Cleaning, Billy Nomates, Warmduscher, Stereolab, Jane Weaver, Girl Band weather was great, food was great but the overall atmosphere of the festival and the people was the most important thing. See you all next year!

Been to Green Man and EOTR but tonight is my first gig in a club since February last year - Sea Power in the Craufurd Arms, MK. One of my favourite ever live bands, so looking forward to it.

Tear up the rulebook and give it to Simz imho

Thanks all! And thank you Quark, and @Zoo Music Girl, @gigpusher and @Avalon_Fields for your advice in the 'How do you feel' thread. It might not seem like much, but genuinely - by having already considered leaving my job entirely for the 18 hours, and identifying my "bottom line" finance wise, and really thinking about what I actually want to do, the stage was set to make it so easy to finally make this move. As I said, I'm a very cautious, very hesitant person - and yet, when they called to offer me the job, I said I'd think about it and let them know today but within two hours I'd called them back and said I'd take it. It really became that obvious. And I've woken up this morning without any trepidation or feeling of doubt that this is the right thing to do. It's a new feeling for me, and I like it!

You don't have to convince me, my friend - I'm already on board!

I'm being lazy here and quoting from 'another location' posting. But the cross refs with other festivals might be of interest (at a really dull moment). And I'm definitely of the opinion that Dry Cleaning have leapt forward this summer so much and are right, right up there. The set I saw at Latitude was amazing, but the Big Top set was off the scale. Immense. Here is my festival summer 'best of' list Lots of subjectivity (the time and place and all that) as it should be, but this is what 'felt' good to me. Latitude Top 3: Dry Cleaning, Luke la Volpe, Vlure Remainder of top ten (no order): Anna Meredith, Just Mustard, Goat Girl, Working Men’s Club [BitF might have 'words' with me that they aren't top 3 but hey ho..], CMAT, Black Honey, Los Bitchos Seen and liked: Supergrass, Villagers, Goa Express, Snuts, Stephen Fretwell, Sinead O’Brien, Wet Leg, Stephen Fretwell, Self Esteem, Kyanos, Big Joanie Seen and not bothered: Cool Greenhouse, Kawala, Sea Girls, Weird Milk, Tim Burgess [note: did not see Sunday eve] Green Man [this was almost impossible to cull] Top 3: Lump, King Hannah, Lazarus Kane Remainder of top ten (no order): Mogwai, Shame, Fontaines, Wet Leg, Lounge Society, Liz Lawrence, Goa Express Seen and liked: PVA, Yard Act, Working Men’s Club, Hanya, Home Counties, Surfing Magazines, Nadine Shah, Egyptian Blue, Django, Django, Caribou, Katrin Finch/ Seckou Keita, Emma-Jean Thackray, Newdad, Duski, Crack Cloud, Panic Shack, Golden Dregs, Dream Wife, Seen and not bothered: Lynks, Jockstrap, Nuha Ruby Ra, Boy Azooga (reluctantly), Billie Marten EOTR [pretty tricky here too] Top 3: Lazarus Kane, Dry Cleaning, Anna B Savage Remainder of top ten (no order): John Grant, Anna B Savage/William Doyle/ Laurie (piano), Katy J (tipi set), Caroline, Jonny Greenwood, WH Lung, Squid Seen and liked: Goa Express, Katy J, Sleep Eaters, Just Mustard, CMAT, Bdrmm, Arlo Parks, Lazarus Kane (piano), Anteloper, Anna Meredith, Broadside Hacks (piano), William Doyle, PVA, Crack Cloud, Yard Act Seen and not bothered: nobody in this category That's not a bad haul from chiefly UK / Ireland acts? Roll on 2022....

Woop! Woop! It’s the sound of…

GM vs EOTR.... I agree with BitF, whichever grabs you first won't ever let you go. But the other gets you eventually so you want both! Have now done x11 EOTRs since 2009 (and those saying Garden Stage is still the headline stage are spot on btw) and now x3 GMs. I wouldn't miss EOTR for all the world, something about heading through the ancient lands at end of harvest round Salisbury to my special place. It also feels as if, maybe, the idea that it was a bit competitive between the two has diminished a bit? Simon Taffe's interview on how hard it was to put on EOTR through COVID mentions just how closely the (truly) indie festivals worked together through the pandemic, and he mentions notably working with GM. So actually, don't they complement each other rather beautifully?

Certainly no difference in quality of music available but can’t agree that the Rising Stage being not that exciting.

🙃

MrsHew's response to BCNR. 'I nearly like it, but actually I think it's probably just pretentious twaddle'

@ian the worm I gave it the full treatment.

Set times: 17:30-18:30 Working Mens Club 19:00-20:05 Hot Chip 20:45-22:45 New Order DJ Tin Tin is opening from 4 and presumably playing between bands too

Just watched this!! Beautiful!!

This is a bit dramatic. The idea that Green Man is somehow ~purer~ than other festivals because of the lack of sponsorship is rose-tinted mythologising – it's entirely possible to go to multiple brilliant festivals across the summer and not even notice their sponsorship because it simply becomes background noise. We're living in the 21st century and branding is everywhere, all day. If it's a case of the festival continuing to book decent acts and have to put a few small logos on the poster and around the site, or one of the tents being renamed, then fine by me. I wouldn't even be thinking of running a festival nowadays without some money guaranteed from elsewhere.

It's tough. I love the Rising Stage at GM and the Far Out is way better than the stuffy Big Top. The mountain backdrop is also something spectacular. EOTR on the other hand has the Garden Stage which is my favourite festival stage anywhere and the wooded areas are so beautiful. We really are blessed to have 2 incredible, independent festivals like them.

Consider it done!

Condolences there @carlosj, never a good time when someone you know passes, especially when sudden. Jun 22, sat in a field, sun setting, will no doubt be emotional, many glasses tins will be raised I reckon

Sad times. Was a pleasure meeting Jeff at the fest and having a natter. Gutted that he didn't get the chance to make use of that last magic ticket. RIP pal x

message from Gabi... Dear weekender, I am getting in touch with you to keep you up to date about the current situation of Primavera Weekender 2021. I know that you are concerned about the uncertainty that exists right now regarding the celebration of the festival in Benidorm on November 5th and 6th of this year. So are we. I want to be completely transparent and tell you the situation as it stands today. We at Primavera Sound are continuing to work so that the Weekender can be celebrated. We are also very happy with the line up that we have closed and are doing everything possible to be able to enjoy this adventure together again. At the time of writing these lines, the global health situation and the legal framework regarding live music events such as Weekender impose restrictions that cast doubt on whether the festival can be held or not. However, as we are in continuous contact with the administrative and health authorities, we also know that these conditions may change again and, if so, Primavera Weekender could go ahead. We know it is worth fighting for it as the weekender experience, as you well know (and if you don’t know, people have told you), deserves that we do everything we can and not throw in the towel until we have exhausted all possibilities, explored all routes, and used all our resources. Therefore, I ask for your understanding and patience for three more weeks. By then, we will know for sure if we can all live the Weekender experience together again or not. As soon as we have this certainty, we will contact you again. I know that all this implies that you give us a vote of confidence, but I am also aware of the inconvenience and nuisance that this uncertainty can cause you. Therefore, I can only recommend that you stay on stand-by for a few more days. Do not make alternative plans yet, do not book your trip or cancel any bookings you already have. And if, for whatever reasons, finally you can't or don't want to attend, don't worry: your ticket will be refunded in full. We thank you in advance for your loyalty, understanding and support. And we are very sorry for all the inconvenience and disappointment this may cause. That is exactly why, we will not give up either. With the Weekender it is all, or nothing. Take care.

Unable to make this now and rather them go to someone on here if possible instead of some people on Facebook who look like they will just chat through everything bar Sit Down. Great seats too but just unable to get there.

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2021/jul/vaccine-antibody-levels-start-wane-around-2-3-months

John Peel Tent Hot Chip 110 Doves 185 Jarvis Cocker 150 The Streets 105 Phoenix 115 MGMT 55 London Grammar 120 Sigur Ros 90 InterpoI 66 Jazzworld / West Holts Rodrigo y GabrieIa 110 Jimmy CIiff 100 Kool and the Gang 160 Chic ft. NiIe Rodgers 170 The Mothership Returns (George CIinton, ParIiament, Funkadelic and The FamiIy Stone) 115 Earth, Wind and Fire 160 Justice 590 JaneIIe Monáe 230 The Park Bon lver 170 The Horrors 90 (+10) Metronomy 45 Grimes 145

Ash are in the "let's just pay the mortgage and enjoy being in a band" stage of their career now like many of the B and C list bands on the festival circuit that burned bright back in the day, and that's perfectly fine and not at all shameful. They're still excellent live, have a bunch of great festival singalong bangers, and aren't struggling. Good for them.

I feel your pain. Starmer is a bit lacking, bit boring really, lacks the x factor, and I think afraid to take too many risks. I like Raynor also, no idea whether she would make a good leader or not, but why not give it a go. I thought same with Corbyn too. Labour are screwed for many reasons though, many mistakes made over the last couple of decades, and now a lot of people don't see them as relevant..but at same time back in the late 90s/early 00s the tories were being written off for good and now look at them. Labour have got to be better at defending their record...the whole austerity was needed because of labour mismanagement of the economy and over spending thing is maddening. And brexit should have been a killer for the tories but it's ended up killing labour. I can see what Starmer is trying to do, steer away from internal labour divisions and navel gazing and actually have a vision and say and do stuff that voters would like, better wages etc. But at moment tories just look like the party that gets stuff done, whilst labour bicker. Anyway, a lot of stuff to comne over next year, furlough ending, universal credit being cut, this new NI rise, and brexit/covid supply and job issues. If things go badly for the government this winter and into next year maybe labour can make some headway, maybe....

I do love how that worked out 🙂

Managed to bag myself 2 for the new London date. Happy with the seats too. Feels so great to have that "just bagged tickets" buzz again too!

Looks like you’re in luck

If I get past the resale I think I'll be thinking about Glastonbury 100% of the time!!

His last solo album - Who Built The Moon? - is, IMO, the best thing released by any act affiliated with Oasis since the Masterplan.

Don't get me started on smoking 😂

Halifax tonight was very, very good. We’re in for a treat at Heaton Park. Got everything crossed for World in Motion.

They’ll be as good as new … and that price is bloody good tbh … Apple models are very good at holding value too as long as they are kept in decent Nick … unfortunately I’m locked into Apple systems and love it 🙂

Sorry. Drinking wine in hot tub whilst listening 🤭

I cannot wait to hear what Thunder, Cherry Blossom and Nectar of the Gods (previously Wild on You/Colour Blue) sound like on the record. Loving Arcadia. And this has all happened on a day when I have received some wonderful news. Loving this era.

Vlure touring in November. Excellent at Latitude. Booked tickets for the Deaf Institute.

John Peel Tent Hot Chip 120 Doves 185 Jarvis Cocker 150 The Streets 105 Phoenix 115 MGMT 75 London Grammar 120 Sigur Ros 90 InterpoI 70 Jazzworld / West Holts Rodrigo y GabrieIa 110 Jimmy CIiff 90 Kool and the Gang 160 Chic ft. NiIe Rodgers 160 The Mothership Returns (George CIinton, ParIiament, Funkadelic and The FamiIy Stone) 115 Earth, Wind and Fire 160 Justice 570 JaneIIe Monáe 240 The Park Bon lver 170 The Horrors 80 Metronomy 69 Grimes 147 The FIaming Lips DEAD (-10)

Labour should sack the entire anonymous frontbench, Starmer included, in fact double sack Starmer.

feel like this release is being slept on when really its seemingly gonna be a top quality sufjan album, singles sound better than the ascension so far imo

Two more from the sad lads. Heard half of the album now which I’d usually be annoyed about except these songs have all been so damn gorgeous and somewhat surprisingly fantastic that I’m more stoked than ever to hear the rest in a couple of weeks:

They were a last minute addition as a replacement for ???? and I suspect were dragged straight out of the rehearsal studio (tour starts Oct 10th) which might account for the rustiness. Agree about going down to 3/no keyboard. Also no Family of Aliens which was disappointing.

As always a fantastic festival, with great weather, food, drink & the vast majority of people (more of which later). My top ten acts (in order, cos I'm anal like that!): 10. Hot Chip 9. Charlie Cunningham 8. Stereolab 7. Fortitude Valley 6. The Golden Dregs 5. Shirley Collins 4. Chubby & the Gang 3. Arab Strap 2. Darren Hayman 1. Katy J Pearson - the star of the festival for me. Both her main set & the late night tipi show. Also, met her wandering about & she was obviously loving the festival. Shout outs to: Bdrmm, Jonny Dillon, Pozi, Comet is coming, Sleaford mods & Black country new road who didn't quite make the list. Loads of stuff I loved that I knew little or nothing about but will be investigating further in the coming days & weeks. Only one moan: Gangs of c**ts at festivals. A group of 5 blokes camped near me who seemed to have zero interest in the music. They'd obviously got a ticket just to get smashed with 'the lads' (if they're wearing fancy dress, it's usually a clue). They were singing & chanting about raping & battering women. I shouted at them to shut the fuck up, but didn't feel brave enough to confront them directly. Please don't come back you fucking tossers - fuck off to a festival that suits you or, better still, fuck off and die!