Flags

[denwyn]

I say we do this

And bombard Emily's twitter

Or even some sort of official online petition so we can then email this to them

[Katster]

I do agree that they provide colour and some interest. If only I didn't want to catch a glimpse of the artist I'd gone to see then there wouldn't be so much of a problem.

It got to ridiculous levels last year and few of the crowd could have seen anything but flags when trying to look at the stage or screens. Something really needs to be done.

[ivan]

Will they ban flags in the Accoustic Tent !

There was one in their last year that said

" I bought this flag on expenses ! "

[Owen4567]

Flags should deffinitely be banned! At the front for Bruce Springsteen last year, I was stood near a guy with a wrestling belt on the top of his flag, which fell from some height to wack me on the head. I didn't mind the first time, but when it happened a second time......

[BuriedBones]

Flags are pointless and whilst the banning of anything at Glastonbury cuts across the whole ethos, I for one really hope that they do ban them, it will definitely be a positive step and it will please those trying to see the stage, the TV companies, bands, special edition DVD producers etc.

[norainplease]

While I totally agree that flags in front of the stages can be annoying, especially the blanket effect flags that were at the front of Bruce and Blur last year, I am not sure how they would be able to enforce a ban?

For one, people who bring their own flags would just put them in their bags and thsi would lead to having to search everyone on their way into the festival?

Second, it is easy to say ban the sale of them but I think that the flag vendors may have something to say about that too?

Third, I don't think that self-policing or stewards asking people to take them down would work - they would find it difficult to get through the crowd to ask? Also the people who hold these flags down the front clearly don't give a f**k about the fact that people behind them can't see a bloody thing so why would they take them down if asked?

How do the other festivals that have banned them police this, anyone know?

[Paul ™]

How do the other festivals that have banned them police this, anyone know?

[Staberinde]

Great thread although not the first about flag waving in front of stages.

The difference with this one is it shows a significant number of people showing resentment against flag bearers and seeking a solution to the problem.

I agree with those that say an out right ban will be difficult to enforce and not in the spirit of Glasto. “We don’t like it – so ban it”

One way to cut down on flag bearers would be peer pressure. Get it across to people how anti-social it is, how selfish they’re being by obstructing the view and spoiling peoples enjoyment.

How would you go about it? As someone said try and get it mentioned in the fine guide? Maybe get a catch phrase, the equivalent to ‘Leave no race – Zero waste’

Any catchy phrases anyone.

If we could get a petition together, we could write a letter (one letter – will be better than a bombardment of letters) to Glastonbury festivals.

I would be happy (Ah this years pre-Glasto anticipation occupation) to make a list coupled together with pictures and publish them on a web site to illustrate the problem and show support for flagless crowds, through education.

Or is this all over reaction?

[jamseyboy]

Great thread although not the first about flag waving in front of stages.

The difference with this one is it shows a significant number of people showing resentment against flag bearers and seeking a solution to the problem.

I agree with those that say an out right ban will be difficult to enforce and not in the spirit of Glasto. “We don’t like it – so ban it”

One way to cut down on flag bearers would be peer pressure. Get it across to people how anti-social it is, how selfish they’re being by obstructing the view and spoiling peoples enjoyment.

How would you go about it? As someone said try and get it mentioned in the fine guide? Maybe get a catch phrase, the equivalent to ‘Leave no race – Zero waste’

Any catchy phrases anyone.

If we could get a petition together, we could write a letter (one letter – will be better than a bombardment of letters) to Glastonbury festivals.

I would be happy (Ah this years pre-Glasto anticipation occupation) to make a list coupled together with pictures and publish them on a web site to illustrate the problem and show support for flagless crowds, through education.

Or is this all over reaction?

[mikeb]

I defe don't like the idea of banning them as such cos 'banning' anything, esp at Glasto, just doesn't feel like the 'right' thing to do somehow plus I do actually like to see the funny and interesting flags and/or cr@p-on-a-stick various in any case. Some of them are really good/funny and there's been some excellent efforts in the mucho amusing flag dept over the years However, discouraging them and relying on 'self policing' or peeps being reasonable and using common sense etc. probably ain't going to work that well either is it ? I mean the official line is that gazebos are not necessary or welcome and peeps are asked NOT to bring them. Ditto with take all your cr@p various home with you and so on. That all works really well doesn't it There's always no shortage of peeps who just don't want to listen isn't there.

I do like this tho. always well up for a l'il cider-induced singing and all that

To the tune of "You're not singing anymore" AKA "Who's the w****r in the black?" (Eng. Trad.)

On 3. Everybody...1...2...3

Put the flags down,

Put the flags down,

Put the flags down selfish c***s,

Put the flags down selfish c***s.

Edited February 2, 2010 by mikeb

[Glastoboy]

One way to cut down on flag bearers would be peer pressure. Get it across to people how anti-social it is, how selfish they’re being by obstructing the view and spoiling peoples enjoyment.

How would you go about it?

Any catchy phrases anyone.

[scaryclaireyfairy]

with harmonies that could sound rather lovely.

[norainplease]

Arena entrance searches

Edited February 2, 2010 by norainplease

[norainplease]

One way to cut down on flag bearers would be peer pressure. Get it across to people how anti-social it is, how selfish they’re being by obstructing the view and spoiling peoples enjoyment.

[scaryclaireyfairy]

the flags in front of the pyramid could be kept in check a bit by a few extra stewards around the surge barrier. the other stages would be far more difficult and only peer pressure could really make a difference. we're not talking about preventing all use of flags, just right down the front. a bit like chairs, they should be no further forward than the sound tower while bands are playing.

[NeilVJ]

I don't see how a "no flag near stages" rule is hard to police. It's not as if the flags are small or hard to pick out things. If someone has one send in the green police.

[jamseyboy]

post not working....oops

Edited February 2, 2010 by jamseyboy

[norainplease]

I don't see how a "no flag near stages" rule is hard to police. It's not as if the flags are small or hard to pick out things. If someone has one send in the green police.

[Langdale Wolf]

Is there anyone here who will admit to taking a flag to the stages? If so - please tell us - and don't have a go at them etc, I'm just wondering why there's a need to do it, and if they ever think about others stood behind them?

I also have a polite question for anyone who takes a flag to the main stage:

If there were notices around the site, in the programme, on the screens at the main stage etc saying 'please think of others and leave your flags at your tent', would you leave it at your tent?

I don't think there's any other reasonable way of doing it than that to be fair - at least, not at first. Chucking stuff at flags, being searched for flags etc isn't in the ethos of the festival.

Why not try the 'friendly advice' method this year, and see how that works? If there's a decrease in flag tossers at Glastonbury 2010, great. If not, maybe a new method to stop them would be needed for 2011?

Start politely. We are all friends, after all.

[norainplease]

If there were notices around the site, in the programme, on the screens at the main stage etc saying 'please think of others and leave your flags at your tent', would you leave it at your tent?

I don't think there's any other reasonable way of doing it than that to be fair - at least, not at first. Chucking stuff at flags, being searched for flags etc isn't in the ethos of the festival.

Why not try the 'friendly advice' method this year, and see how that works? If there's a decrease in flag tossers at Glastonbury 2010, great. If not, maybe a new method to stop them would be needed for 2011?

[ampersand]

Is there anyone here who will admit to taking a flag to the stages? If so - please tell us - and don't have a go at them etc, I'm just wondering why there's a need to do it, and if they ever think about others stood behind them?

I also have a polite question for anyone who takes a flag to the main stage:

If there were notices around the site, in the programme, on the screens at the main stage etc saying 'please think of others and leave your flags at your tent', would you leave it at your tent?

I don't think there's any other reasonable way of doing it than that to be fair - at least, not at first. Chucking stuff at flags, being searched for flags etc isn't in the ethos of the festival.

Why not try the 'friendly advice' method this year, and see how that works? If there's a decrease in flag tossers at Glastonbury 2010, great. If not, maybe a new method to stop them would be needed for 2011?

Start politely. We are all friends, after all.

Edited February 2, 2010 by ampersand

[elias]

My brother-in-law took a flag with him last year, it was quite cool as he'd made it himself and had Rhubarb (from Rhubarb and Custard) on it. He did take it to the front of the pyramid stage a couple of times, but mostly stood at the back. I have also to point out that this was his first Glastonbury and he didn't really think he was doing anything wrong.

To take Langdale Wolf's point - yes, I'm sure he would not take it to the stages if asked not to. I think this would be the case for the majority of people. This would make the policing of any policy much easier as I'm sure the majority of flags would disappear if it were widely known that flags at stages were not welcome. Only a few selfish flag carriers would be left and a combination of good stewarding and pressure from the majority of the crowd could deal with these.

Kev

[Sabcully]

Hmmm, would find it quite worrying if people actually did not realise that they are causing problems for people behind them, especially when it is quite obvious when you look at the big screens and they show you shots of the crowd from the back. But then they are probably blinded by the 'OMG I AM ON TELLY' realisation and obviously not capable to consider anything else.

Makes me wonder if there is a lot of truth to the well known rumour that Glastonbury is changing more and more and is becoming a fashion statement rather than just a place to have a good time for a few days with like minded people.

I find the flags frustrating but am too polite and shy to have a go and I always ask myself why people are not more thoughtful.

I take a chair to all stages but it would not occur to me ever to expect sitting in the middle of the crowd with my chair unfolded and a god given right to remain there as it is 'my space'.

I sit on the edges and when the gig starts and I am not sitting down I fold it up.

It just is so EASY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is were they belong, they look nice and are actually useful.

[Langdale Wolf]

i did. in my first year. i took a scottish flag all round with me one day. which was a nightmare. but it got scottish folk coming up to me and got conversations started easily. one day i took my chas and dave flag. which i took to see chas and dave. and on route to the park, these folk invited me to their boat and we placed the flag on it, and it was the chas and dave boat

don't do it anymore though, cos i cannae be arsed mainly. will still bring my flags for the tent though. and at open'er, i will take a flag with me for the shoulders, but not on a pole. ken?

*edit* oh aye, i see how you can ban them at download and t in the park etc, but how do you ban them at glastonbury? folk will still do it. people will be more inclined to tell them not to cos of the ban, but that doesnt stop folk smoking.

[OneLittleFish]

Did anyone see the (small) 'Kiss The Bellamy' sign/flag last year? The only one that made me chuckle