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Appreciate the petty downvote after I'd explained about the deeper issues with race, fantastic to see you've not changed a single bit since you cluttered up the original thread. Can't really be arsed engaging any more as I'm going to leave you all to hate-w*nk over whatever Fake Sage have posted this past hour but no, a Wuhan style lockdown™ is obviously not the solution in any case.

Been back in the office a couple of days now so inevitably in the "this time, two weeks ago, I was hoovering the t-shirts, polishing the tent, brillo-padding the tent pegs, etc." mind frame. So, some random thoughts. I had misgivings about quiet camping being moved to where it was. I was in relatively early on Thursday and ended up putting the tent up at the top of the hill by the hedge: equivalent to where I normally went in previous years in the field above. And actually, it was fine: weather helped but nice views, genuinely quiet, the main minuses being lack of standpipes (those water points they provided were great if you'd brought your patio slabs for a clean) and the toilets (didn't seem to get re-stocked with toilet paper till Sunday evening). Next year I'd think about camping along the top hedge close to wrist band exchange but that would mean relying on the toilets by the main track in, which is probably a no-no. Food: because we'd missed a year, two years price increases in one made food seem comparatively expensive, being largely in the £9-10 range. On what I tested, the pizzas were rubbish (tasteless and overpriced); the stir-fry place was solid and reliable; roaming rotisserie provide a rollicking sunday lunch (and always treat my brussels sprouts enquiry with unnecessary gravity); Lola's fish and chips were fine if not as good as Seacow (I'd thought they must be rubbish as for the first few days no-one was buying); the Indonesian curry place was a good addition apart from those radioactive carrots; and the Tea Stop still does the best egg-and-bacon sandwiches and they remember my name (or pretend to) but so they should after 12 years. Bars: no complaints, though all the beers pretty much tasted the same to me - that's not an official complaint. Shopping: Stranger Than Paradise were fine, but didn't seem to bring the selection or quantity that Rough Trade provided. Their t-shirts are much nicer though. I missed the bargain book shop guy - always came away with some good stuff from him. Music: I am firmly of the opinion that if I had stuck to my original and sketchy clashfinder scheme, then everyone would have had a more overwhelming musical experience, but since it didn't necessarily factor in food, drink, ice creams or exhaustion, concessions had to be made. So: Stereolab were very good but not great; Hen Ogledd were very good, but didn't do Sky Burial and Richard Dawson's bass ended up swamping everything; Anna Meredith was exuberance personified; and Shirley Collins was a treat of an experience. I didn't think Johnny Greenwood's film music worked as a stand-alone experience outside the context of the films he scored. I thought Bait with live music added an extra emotional nuance, without any sense of the film being overwhelmed - I'd seen Bait twice before on the big screen. I struggle to share the enthusiasm for Black Country, New Road: aside from the music, the lyrics seem to have been supplied by a pretentious 14 year old self-proclaimed poet - I tend not to become over-aware of lyrics, unless they're really good or, as in this case, really bad. A great finish though, with a 1-2-3 of Dry Cleaning, Richard Dawson and Darren Hayman. Content to not bother with the late night Tipi stuff, once I'd found out who it was. Oh, and the sound of the festival that stuck in my head: Katy J Pearson. I normally leave after the main music finishes on Sunday evening, but chose to stay over this year: the packing-up on Monday is usually so miserable. This time it wasn't: sunny, leisurely and people not sullen but sharing how good it was to be back. And, boy oh boy, it really had been.

woooooooooo

The site still has the sign up asking people to respect their wish for visitors to stay away. Best places are playing field ( although the bushes are quite high now) or along the lane which runs across the top of Pilton behind the pub ( binoculars needed).

Gove to the Ministry of Sound (would love to take credit for that, but have to own up, I did nick it)

I refuse to accept anything less than 100% Based on mortality rates for my age, I am around 98% likely to be still alive in June 2022 so nothing else will be stopping me!

I don't agree with much of what that lot – which you still have this utterly deranged frothing-at-the-mouth hate boner for – say, but the issue of race, privilege and class intersects deeply with the amount of destruction this virus has caused in this country and it's reductive to sneer and be like "LOL look at her calling everyone racist". Part of the problem was absolutely the disconnect between those in power making decisions – overwhelmingly white and wealthy or who represent the interests of that class – with the living and social conditions of much of the country's different communities, lots of whom live on the fringes or in their own bubble. There was no concerted, joined up thinking to address why certain places, and therefore certain communities, were hit so badly, and no bespoke solutions about how to connect with them and assist. It will probably never be truly acknowleged by those up top or fixed in time for whatever disaster hits next, leaving them vulnerable yet again, so she absolutely has a point.

What's a DJ?

Exactly, absolutely no reason to be pessimistic or negative. Now it’s the excitement of the build up to the festival, the rumours , the pre planning. 100%.

nice english speaking white nations against that horrid red peril from the east.

Ok, I will rely on you for regular progress reports on the refurb! I enjoyed the old garden area with its wasps and wobbly tables. Looking forward to seeing what they have done with it.

I have no aversion to telling it, it's just that I'm weak from having 'had' a lot of shit to deal with, and can't currently find the strength to want to think straight. I've just found the path that I wanted ./needed / reckon I deserve, and I'd like to enjoy the moment - by going doo lally (natch). I'm sure that you'll understand. Oh, and thanks by the way. About liking the long stories. 🙂 And this is just because;

Thank you. I / we all did have a lovely time. Beyond lovely, in fact. It, hopefully, got me right back on track in terms of quelling my internal turmoil. I say 'hopefully' so as not to rule anything out. I'm too old to rule anything out. However, I was trapped and couldn't see another exit. I began to think that there wasn't another exit. There is, and it's the one that I wanted / needed. 🙂

I feel like they’re trying to catch the attention of eFestivals with that ‘special guest DJ’.

Yep the Crown is so nice now. Real festival garden feel. The new landlord and landlady are have nailed it.

...and as if by magic Payment Plan tickets go on sale tomorrow at 2pm (email shot from the festival) Also gives some insight into what has been going on behind the scenes re changing ticket sale dates and sale methods. "to ensure the festival is able to run next year we needed to put tickets on sale earlier" - that sounds a bit, erm, alarmist doesn't it?

https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/the-vaccines-leeds-16-04-2022/event/1F005B29E50A9C48?did=uko2iphone Does this work?

Another BIG drop

On o2 Priority now. Rick Astley's gonna get the shock of his life when 50 year old men start rushing on stage to grab at him.

Nearly 10000 tickets sold so far, so that's a decent capacity and, as you say, with seven venues, it'll need a decent chunk of Gunnersbury Park to create that set up. Have to say, I can't wait. Anyone going out that night too? We're off to E1. Ben

Edit: Well that’s annoying. It’s Snail Mail’s new single for anybody interested!

Williamson sacked. Teachers everywhere celebrate.

I was there this weekend just gone - could get a view of pyramid and arcadia. What3words address is ///limit.coasting.clues. Pub does decent food as well!

Always tempted but never actually book any GM tickets. Is it because in any YouTube videos I view everyone is always wearing wellies? The headliner they've announced is, well, underwhelming: been there, done that. Again.

Literally a phone call even as late as half an hour before would help. Heard some horror stories from friends in the industry. I think quite a few places round here that normally take bookings stopped doing so this summer. But it's been so busy around here they could and know they'd fill tables anyway. Shit for customers who want to plan though. We've not been too affected by it. We don't take bookings for the restaurant and we have credit card details (or they've prepaid) for accommodation. There's been the occasional no show where they've blocked or cancelled the credit card but no more then usual and very low numbers

The rule of thumb is generally anywhere along the yellow metro line (L4) which runs to the site, or within an easy change of that, is best. Nothing too far out as the metro only runs late hours on Fri/Sat nights: Thursday the vast majority of people walk back, grab a cab, cycle, etc. Be aware the festival may run a little later than you're used to – headliners often only on at 12/1am and then other popular acts on other stages afterwards. Forum is towards the edge of the city and most visitors stay further back into the centre of town near the touristy stuff, around 30-60 minute walk. There are shuttle buses that run to and from but it's not a huge operation so most find alternate ways to get to and from the site.

Sick, thanks. Yeah have seen many clips from those & had actually heard of those festivals before. Sounds like we're in good hands!

I'm kinda surprised they have never done a Download South. I'm not talking about a dual site thing like R&L but a one day fest in London in a park or sorta like Ozzfest and have it in The O2 with the Indigo as a 2nd stage with a Download logo as there's a lack of heavy events compared to the dozens of rap, dance and indy day fests that go on. Although saying that when British Summer Time had Green Day and Black Sabbath those line ups were fantastic.

Team Love are stellar, they run Love Saves the Day festival in Bristol as well as Love International out in Croatia (and Futureboogie recordings). Proper good vibes!

As others, got to see Bicep again last weekend, stellar show. Must see if you haven't before, do think I'll forever hold the Printworks show in higher regards, but was still close to just as good. 02 Brixton got hot & sound was about a 6.5/10 for me. Especially the opening DJs, couldn't hear anything that wasn't a drum, kick or bass. Bicep's sound was a bit better. For Glasto, I already thought for 2020 they were too big for The Park, always saw them as a pre-headline to the Other Stage or Headlining West Holts like Justice. I imagine they would have discussions with Glasto around how much visuals they could bring as it really adds a dimension to their show. Can't imagine they would work in The Park, would love them to prove me wrong. Gonna check out Printworks Friday, no idea what to expect line-up wise & don't think I'll stay late as getting home without the night tube sounds like a mare I'd like to avoid. Waterworks weekend after, found a Clashfinder https://clashfinder.com/s/waterworks2021/ to play around with now the set times are out. Praying for any weather but wet. Imagine it must be decently sized with that many stages, hope it's not too chaotic as I believe it's their first festival/event. Though looks like Percolate are involved, whom I've heard of quite a bit in London & Team Love, whom I haven't. Good to be dancing again.

99% / 85% bit more optimistic on my chances of being there today 🙂

If they actually open with Never Gonna Give You Up it’s very funny.

My groin has never known so much love. You've all made an old man feel very happy

It is indeed a pity, being the festivals most akin to one another, that they're so close together. One nearer each end of the season would be perfect. I say give the double-header a go anyway. Or you could grow some balls and tell these so-called friends of yours where to get off.

Few days before Primavera so expecting a good amount of crossover. Presumably lots of overseas bands too as they were understandably UK heavy this year. From that weekend, realistically, we could maybe expect: Bikini Kill, Parquet Courts, Otoboke Beaver, Tropical Fuck Storm, Sons of Kemet... (Yo La Tengo/Beach House/Slowdive as a big name if I'm being super hopeful) Got my tix.

Sleigh Bells' new one was very good too

That looks absolutely shite tbh.

Obviously I don't know their thought process, but it really shouldn't. They need the darkness (or more accurately, the lighting possibilities that darkness allows) more than most acts. If you take away the "show" aspects of their performance, they'd be two blokes stood largely static on stage for an hour - one behind a microphone stand and the other behind some keyboards. I've not seen their current show, so this may be different now, but the couple times I have seen them they leaned heavily on lighting and the show wouldn't work nearly as well without full control. This may sound slightly dismissive but it's absolutely not intended that way - their Other Stage show in 2010 was one of the best things I've ever seen on that stage.

As a - now - Southerner - I returned to the place of my birth and childhood and went to Keswick Mountain Festival at the weekend. Amazing! Did the Adidas Terrex 25km Trail Half Marathon (actually 16 miles) - a large HILLLLLYYYY loop of Derwent Water. Very technical trails - stony, cobbly, loose slate, mud, boulder filled streams, the odd fell. Perfect stuff. 'Proper' running, especially given the running history of the town. The HM was interesting, beautiful and tough - everything i'm not! 'Potential' time for the leisurely / casual runner was suggested at 3.5 hours. Managed it in 3h20m - so i was pleased with that. Might've been quicker but i HAD to keep stopping to take photos! Absolutely fantastic festival (music was a bit ropey, but that wasn't really the point) - highly recommend. TONNES of different events too, inc. open water swimming, triathlon, ultra - all of which start and finish IN the festival - so the support and atmosphere was incredible. Also, the penultimate mile or so of the running events took you through the town where the locals were all clapping and cheering - even for the duffers like me. The 10k runs (about 4!) were point to point - but they ferried the runners across Derwent Water and then they run back. Awesome. Highly recommend. #prayforgreenelksgroin 🙏

Who is “we all”? I want Kendrick and Reg.

His surname is Stick.?? Also, that last line warrants a longer tale.... (Hold on... His name isnt Johnson is it??

Now I love my bedford cf but you got to remember... THAT.... She is a bedford cf lol. We had a weekend to ourselves so went out to the forest.. Had a nice night out with lots cider and fish and chips.. Drove back no worries apart from I had accidentally started the whilst she was in gear.... Anyway got home and had to park a bit down the Rd.. Then when the Rd was clear I went to the start her up... Nothing but a horrible engine banging breaking up noise... Anyway cut long story short I got a message from a friend who told me to pop in 1st gear and rock her... This I did and you know what.. She's 40 years old she's a fucking BEDFORD Cf and she started.. Wooop. I'm taking her in tomo for a check up but hey they dont build them like this any more old sons... Ooo and baby Eliza is fast asleep on her sleepover.. And now we start a new week

I guess my point comes down from me being a disillusioned R&L goer wanting something somewhere between what R&L is and what Download is. I guess what I'm after is 2000 Trees or even Slam Dunk but on a grander scale. It all boils down to Download needing to stop booking the same predictable headliners and start promoting new ones. It just seems hellbent on booking a safe, legacy-style headliner or two when in reality it'd do them a favour to take the risk and promote from within or tweak the style ever so slightly. I'm obviously not asking for indie rock or anything close but they're definitely missing a trick not booking certain acts.

Oh, but I always like your long stories! 😉

Got back from the festival to walk into a real viper's nest at work so have barely had a second to process my thoughts. First and foremost, as I said before, being back at a festival, in the sunshine, was just so fulfilling. Any time I got even mildly irked I just reminded myself how fortunate I was to be here. All those plans and clashfinders go out the window once you're there. When finally presented with hot weather and my lethargic legs, combined with essentially no phone reception meaning I'd never see my friends again, meant we focused on seeing a few bands in full. Mooching, having a drink, having a wander, sitting down, eating. Ah it was bliss. If you compared what I planned to see with what I saw they'd be quite far apart but I much preferred the experience I had. Hot Chip. I warned ya. Didn't I warn ya Skinner? For my first day back at a festival, seeing one of my all timers play the goddamn hits, like that, finishing with Bruce. I could cry. We're back baby. We built our Saturday around The Comet is Coming. They delivered. A pulverising experience that made me feel I'd transcended space and time. Epic. Little Simz. Special. She reached out. We reached back. A real symbiosis tween artist and audience that made an event. We sacked off the headliners to go and mess about cos nothing would touch that. Variety. I met a friend on Sunday whose Saturday had been v traditional EOTR. We're seen Comet, Romare and Auntie Flo's DJ set. Ravin'. What a real delight to have some beats in the gardens. Tons of stuff that made me smile, and dance - bdrmm, WH Lung, All We Are. Sleaford Mods - wow, couldn't really have them, but I found it a mesmerising tour de force of performance art. Joe Goddard at the disco ship. Garrett Millerick making me laugh back to health on Sunday morning A rare misstep - watching Blair Witch at 1am. Not much sleep had that night. The bad - no phone reception, meant all my followers on the Gram felt left out. More pertinently created a few issues for the traders who i felt bad for. Bit of a boo boo having the bars go down on Sunday morning. Toilets. Nothing to be done, but they were awful and made the weekend slightly less pleasant. No momos 😞 But really, that's me being a dick. They put on an amazing spectacle. It was lush, it was beautiful, it made me feel alive. Thank you to everyone who got it going. And to all the attendees, people from all across the gamut of human life, bound together by a deep love of music. You brought it.

I'm off on holiday later this morning. It's only a 2 night break away, but it's in the middle of nowhere in Wales, and looks delightful. Me and my wife are going with two friends (a couple). It's too much of a long story to tell / explain how our friendship came about, but these friends are around 30 years younger than us. My wife says that they are the son and daughter that I never had (my wife has a son from a previous relationship. It gets odder, in that his surname is the same as his biological father's surname, which happens to be the same as my own surname - which isn't exactly widely used). I guess they could be on some level, but it's not actually the way I think about them. They are just a fun, intelligent, witty couple. So, spending time with them away is going to be fun and is making me happy today. I am also quite happy that me and the bloke of the couple have all but bought a pharmaceutical company!

“ I prefer the “middle of the night sweaty feel” of the big tool” Sharing too much there…

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