1st timers

[chrisk]

we are two ladies in mature yrs who have never been to a fest before, we would really appreciate any useful info, gear etc. And would it be advisable to take an extra small tent with a porta loo??

[Glasto Love Squeezings]

we are two ladies in mature yrs who have never been to a fest before, we would really appreciate any useful info, gear etc. And would it be advisable to take an extra small tent with a porta loo??

[cejx]

we are two ladies in mature yrs who have never been to a fest before, we would really appreciate any useful info, gear etc. And would it be advisable to take an extra small tent with a porta loo??

[grumpyhack]

Read around these forums - you'll find advice on everything from food to tents and best spots to camp.

My only advice for first timers, young or old, is that the scale of Glasto is something most newbies are unprepared for. Pace yourself. Walk miles and discover the delights of the outlying areas. It's an oft repeated chiche but you'll realise why people say that Glasto isn't just about the music.

[YetAnotherOldHippy]

Well hello mature ladies

Do bring: decent tent (one you can stand up in helps if you don't fancy getting dressed lying down)

something comfortable to sleep on/in. Try before you go if possible, better safe than cold or not sleeping

decent boots to walk in as the site is HUGE

enough changes of clothes to see you through 'til Monday whatever the weather

beer/wine/spirits(no glass, decant into plastic)/cash for enough days "enjoyment"

a smile

Don't bring: glass bottles

any preconceived ideas about anybody or anything

a belief you can plan to see more than three things each day. It's possible, but unlikely

Toilets are nowhere near as bad as some will tell you, although I avoid turdises as they can be a bit, errr.....

Get there as early as you can, pitch up, meet your neighbours and explore.

Camp away from the main stages if you want to sleep.

More important than anything, relax and enjoy.

[strolling wanderer]

If you haven't camped before or not for a while, it's advisable to have a few practice runs at putting up your tent and then taking it down before you arrive at site. This way you won't get flustered when you unpack the tent and maybe have to try and erect it in the rain, a gale or in the dark.

Best tip so far is to have a set of clean clothes and water/other soft drinks in the car for when you leave. It is so good to be able to change out of your festival gear before you drive away from the site and having something to drink in the car will help when your stuck in the the inevitable traffic jams leaving the area.

[glasto-worker]

As a addition you will find it very handy to pack a load of plastic shopping bags just in case it gets muddy and believe me when its muddy its very muddy.

If you are driving leave a spare set of shoes for each of you in the car as you may need them.

You may be lucky as there has been a few good years and when its hot its very hot so take a sun hat as there is not all that much shade.

[LusciousLucy]

A tent you can stand up in is very good advice. This allows for so much more comfort and if you are able to rough it and live without showers for a few days, by having the stand up space its easy to have a decent wash in your tent with a bucket (with warm water in...otherwise known in these parts as a tent bath! )

Separate portaloos are just asking for trouble...dont expect exclusivity is all I will say!

Its a long walk from the car parks no matter where you camp. Ikea bags are one of the best bags for transporting your gear onto site if you dont have a trolley.

Only bring/use a solid decent trolley with pneumatic wheels, anything else generally cannot and does not hold up to overloading and the rough and tough track ways.

Best bit of advice for the loos is to keep your eyes and ears out for when the big poo sucking up truck has just visited. The loos will be nice and clean and empty but these days most of the portaloos have a dedicated team of cleaners at each area.

Take your wellies onto site even if its sunny when you arrive! Do not leave them in the car thinking I'll get them later!

[Almagra]

I am going for the first time with three other girls. We will be finishing our exams and travelling straight down on Wednesday afternoon.

We are excited and a bit apprehensive too, a trip into the unknown for all of us.

We were chatting last night, and wanted to post a few questions to see if you kind people can give us a few answers.

Will we be able to all camp together (3 small tents) if we are arriving Wednesday night?

We can see the site is huge, but for example, how long does it take to walk from the Dance Village to Arcadia?

Are we likely to get hassled by anyone eg. groups of lads?

Does much stuff get stolen from tents?

Providing it doesn't rain - is it possible to wear flip flops? is the ground really bumpy / rocky etc?

Are there people selling drugs / drink on the site?

We are sorry if all these have all been asked somewhere before...thanks.

[CiderFiend]

I am going for the first time with three other girls. We will be finishing our exams and travelling straight down on Wednesday afternoon.

We are excited and a bit apprehensive too, a trip into the unknown for all of us.

We were chatting last night, and wanted to post a few questions to see if you kind people can give us a few answers.

Will we be able to all camp together (3 small tents) if we are arriving Wednesday night?

We can see the site is huge, but for example, how long does it take to walk from the Dance Village to Arcadia?

Are we likely to get hassled by anyone eg. groups of lads?

Does much stuff get stolen from tents?

Providing it doesn't rain - is it possible to wear flip flops? is the ground really bumpy / rocky etc?

Are there people selling drugs / drink on the site?

We are sorry if all these have all been asked somewhere before...thanks.

[paulo999]

I'd be wary of herbal highs. Quite a few people here have had bad reactions and won't go near them.

(And there aren't stalls selling crates of beer or bottles of spirits or whatever. You need to bring that kind of thing with you, and decant anything in glass into plastic bottles).

Edited February 23, 2010 by paulo999

[Almagra]

- People will offer you drink and drugs, but it's best to stay away from drugs on site, as you quite often don't know what they are. Make use of the Herbal Highs tent before they all become illegal and get banned. You can buy drink from any of the bars onsite and there are stalls that sell booze as well, like the Convenience Stall which sells bottles of spirits and crates of beer/cider (but get there quick if you want any because they sell out fast).

[ivan]

Thanks for that - we are all really hoping that we WILL get offered drugs and drink. It's Glastonbury Festival after all - we have tried all the legal ones that are sold in places where we live, and they tend to be really bad compared to the "real ones".

[glasto-worker]

Thanks for that - we are all really hoping that we WILL get offered drugs and drink. It's Glastonbury Festival after all - we have tried all the legal ones that are sold in places where we live, and they tend to be really bad compared to the "real ones".

[Almagra]

If you do expect that to happen then really your best to sell your tickets as its not a school playground.

Look for trouble and trouble will find you.

Only a complete idiot would buy illegal drugs at Glastonbury from a complete stranger.

[ivan]

If you do expect that to happen then really your best to sell your tickets as its not a school playground.

Look for trouble and trouble will find you.

Only a complete idiot would buy illegal drugs at Glastonbury from a complete stranger.

[ivan]

If you do expect that to happen then really your best to sell your tickets as its not a school playground.

Look for trouble and trouble will find you.

Only a complete idiot would buy illegal drugs at Glastonbury from a complete stranger.

[Almagra]

You sound like my mate !

He will spend Glasto weekend wandering round Asda and B +Q , maybe you should join him

[glasto-worker]

Even that could be dangerous. Someone might be offering paint thinner without a licence.

You go looking for paint thinner, and paint thinner will find you.

B&Q is NOT a playground you know. Only a complete idiot would buy illegal paint thinner.

[Almagra]

Your the one that stated you have not been before so you don't have a clue how many jokers are waiting to sell crap that may or may not work.

Go ahead and wander about but trying to buy illegal drugs at Glastonbury is not a wise move.

The paramedic station is full of people who thought they knew a good deal.

[ivan]

Your the one that stated you have not been before so you don't have a clue how many jokers are waiting to sell crap that may or may not work.

Go ahead and wander about but trying to buy illegal drugs at Glastonbury is not a wise move.

The paramedic station is full of people who thought they knew a good deal.

[glasto-worker]

Yeah, thanks Dad. Priceless advise.

You would think that paramedics would know better. You should go tell them too.

[Almagra]

Why did you ask for advice if you are not willing to take it ?

go ahead and make mistakes it will not affect me.

[Mr.Tickle]

Easy guys, I understand where you're coming from but you're giving glasto-worker a bit of a hard time when he was just trying to be helpful.

[CiderFiend]

I'd be wary of herbal highs. Quite a few people here have had bad reactions and won't go near them.

(And there aren't stalls selling crates of beer or bottles of spirits or whatever. You need to bring that kind of thing with you, and decant anything in glass into plastic bottles).