The Good
Was our fifth time, but our first with our one year old son. We realised how amazingly kid friendly the site is, there was loads to keep him occupied and we had great fun in the Wonderlands painting, listening to stories and smashing cardboard boxes.
The crowd were amazing, everyone was super friendly to the baby, and we were amazed by how kind everyone was to us across every generation of attendee. I think we had more lovely conversations with new people than ever before.
The music. Not sure we saw a bad set, the quality of the daytime music was top notch, and the steward by the side of Tipi let us bend the rules slights so we couple nip and in out of Lynks with the baby in the carrier. Other highlights were Lucy Dacus, Fat Dog and Porridge Radio.
The food. We all ate well, nice to see plenty of kiddie options, and every trader went off menu if we wanted a tiny snack for him. Shoutout Smoking Buns for sorting us out with baby friendly blueberry pancakes
The weather. Going to ignore the forecast for 2023.
The art. Enjoyed it all, and always great to see staples returning. Rosie in the portrait booth remembered us despite not being there since 2019.
The piano stage gigs. Always a highlight, thanks to the WhatsApp group for keeping us informed. Quite enjoyed keeping them to 3 songs and a cover, meant you could pop in and then get back to the festival quickly.
The Bad
If you're going to install flushing toilets you should be able to flush them. Another vote for Andy to come back.
The boat stage does need a rethink. But I tucked under a tree and headed straight down on the left, and could see Jockstrap despite arriving late.
Rented a Mr Trolley trolley for the weekend. Our son hated it and we had to go back to the pram.
The Ugly
Loved the space in the new Tipi tent, and the lack of poles, but it is a uglier and more generic.
The piano stage. It was pretty ugly. But would be nice to see it reimagined every year by a different artist.
Did an emergency soiled nappy change behind the woods stage sound desk before BCUC, apologies to anyone trying to eat lunch then...
