bawlee

I would be up for this too

It has been a few years since going to green man. This year didn't disappoint. Despite the rain, Comet is Coming were outstanding as were Self Esteem, The Outlines, Seb Lowe to name a few. The sound on the main stage was epic, food choices were great, really quick to get from one stage to another, beautiful surroundings, the walled garden, the art, the atmosphere, the organisation, the stewards, the friendliness of the bar staff. There were some negatives but nothing we couldn't put up with. However, one particular issue significantly impacted our overall experience and has led to our decision, not to return next year....the Loos. Personally I don't have an issue with compost toilets so long as they are emptied and cleaned regularly. Maybe we missed something, but it seems they were emptied once on Friday morning and then nothing else all weekend. The last day on the campsite was horrendous. No hand sanitiser for most of Friday - urgh. and a loo roll lottery all weekend. Other festivals aren't perfect, EOTR for example, had a really bad year 2021, but last year got it properly sorted with flushing toilets for those prepared walk a bit further.

We packed full rain gear, took wellies even re-waterproofed the tent. Only time a brolly was needed, was waiting for Yard Act. Lightening was a perfect start.

There are many things I love about the festival... the bands, people, atmosphere, stages, location and the weather always seems to be kind. Simon and the rest of the organisers do a fantastic job at putting it all together. One thing that gets me every year, though, is the Saturday headliners. It isn't necessarily who they put on the woods or garden, and am sure they appeal to many. The issue is the lack of choice. With nothing else being on at the Big Top or Tipi at the same time, I feel like I've been herded to see a band I don't really want to see... and there's only so much time a sane person can spend at the karaoke.

Fat Dog. They're gonna need a much bigger boat by then, though. Flaming Lips, Animal Collective, Audiobooks (in my top 2 acts of this year), Mystery Jets, Sports Team, Fat White Family, (stunning set at Wide Awake this year), Flamingods, Public Service Broadcasting.

Went to Latitude. Almost always down at the front with kids. My unvaxxed teens tested positive, us oldies (almost 50), were fine. Did a day at Leeds festival at the weekend - demographic looks very similar to Boardmasters. I played it very careful. No stages in tents, 2 metres from people nearly all of the time etc. Certainly didn’t want a positive test this week. EOTR we’ll be right in the thick of it again (Hopefully)