First time solo - any tips?

[Paul_F]

This will be the fifth time for me but first time on my Jack Jones. My other half found our last visit too much and I wasn't going to go this time. But, when helping people get tickets I had this overwhelming desire to go and got a ticket.

I'm sure in previous years I've seen an EFestivals meet up or something similar - anything like that happening this year? Also any other tips for a solo visit would be most welcome. I'm in camper vans east so will be on site from Tues mid day ish.

Cheers.

[Jay Pee]

I go on my Tod every year and love it.  March to the beat of your own drum. See the bands YOU want to see and just talk to folk around you.  Don't set any mad agendas and just let things happen. 

I'm not sure about any meet up efest wise. It's gone a bit quiet. 

[Cooter]

Going to festivals on your own, which I've done a few times, can make it the best place in the world or the loneliest.

But yea, just let things flow and make a point of talking to loads of randoms at every opportunity and you'll have a great time. New friends, great memories.

[Babylon sister]

Get to know your neighbours, dance to the beat of your own drum, smile and be open to chatting. Ive been on my own a few times and always had a great time :) 

[TiZuff]

went to my first 2 glastos solo, was amazing and met so many great people (who i still see every year). eventually after banging on about it to my friends a few came with me in 2016 and now are upto a group of 20 the last 2 times. 24 this time. totally different experience . special in its own way. if you fancy a friendly group and feeling a bit alone, look out for the flag which says "ANYBODY SEEN MY
DAMN
DOMINOS"

and you can have dancw with us 🙂

[sime]

Do everything

[clarkete]

Few tips here and I linked to previous threads with much more at the bottom... 

 

59 minutes ago, sime said:

Do everything

(except poppers, as they often just give you an instant headache 😉) 

[sime]

41 minutes ago, clarkete said:

Few tips here and I linked to previous threads with much more at the bottom... 

 

(except poppers, as they often just give you an instant headache 😉) 

I'll take your word for it but sounds like good advice!

[Crazyfool01]

come and say hello to a` guy wandering the site in a pyramid stage hat if you feel you need someone to chat to at that point .... or wear something that encourages people to make conversation with you 🙂 believe me it wont take a huge amount 

[prestonmike]

Ive always gone as part of a big group, just the 3 of us this time, im actually looking forward to having less people and probably spending most of the time on my own, get to see and do what you want to do rather than compromising for others

[clarkete]

55 minutes ago, sime said:

I'll take your word for it but sounds like good advice!

A friend who is very funny and was very much enjoying his youth. I made the mistake of saying "I never say no to anything at Glastonbury". He reaches into pocket and says "poppers?" 

I don't make glib statements like that these days 😊

[Spindles]

I've been going solo for the last few years and camp with the camp solo crew.  It's a nice compromise between being part of a big group where you can socialise at camp and being able to go off and do exactly as you please whenever you want.

Also, poppers?  The devil's perfume.  I've never partaken but once a whole bottle got spilled on the carpet of a bedsit I was in and the headache was so bad I can still almost feel it 30 odd years later.

[Metal Monkey]

1 hour ago, Spindles said:

I've been going solo for the last few years and camp with the camp solo crew.  It's a nice compromise between being part of a big group where you can socialise at camp and being able to go off and do exactly as you please whenever you want.

 

Where is the solo camp? 

[clarkete]

1 hour ago, Spindles said:

Also, poppers?  The devil's perfume.  I've never partaken but once a whole bottle got spilled on the carpet of a bedsit I was in and the headache was so bad I can still almost feel it 30 odd years later.

Crikey, that sounds like the first Alien film where the blood has been spilt and it's toxic 😱

[Spindles]

57 minutes ago, Metal Monkey said:

Where is the solo camp? 

We camp in Darble, just down from the lockups.  

[DropBeat]

Going solo with Oxfam this year, did the same in 2019. Made friends relatively easily and just went with the flow. Only time I found it difficult was late one night when couldn’t find anyone. But just got stuck in and ended up having a great night.

 

it’s a different experience but has its upsides too. Do exactly what you want and embrace every moment. Make new friends at every turn!

Edited May 26, 2022 by DropBeat

[MEGATRONICMEATWAGON]

I've done Glasto once on my own and it was fantastic. There were lonely moments for sure, esp during hangovers/come downs, but in general it was wonderful. You get to see who you want, always get to follow your instinct, and you can meet people during sets you perhaps wouldn't have normally chatted to if you were in a bigger group. It's easy to spot people who are also on their own and you never know where it's gonna take you. I remember once meeting someone during Spinal Tap who had connections to my hometown and we spent over three hours together before parting ways (he was also a solo flier).

I'd recommend having a drop of whatever you fancy first if you're a bit nervous or shy, but it gets easier striking up conversations with randoms the more you do it. The tried and tested, "How's your festival going?", always starts the convo flowing. Ha!

Not sure if you even really asked about all that, but you're gonna have a blast no matter what!

[ellastorm]

On 5/26/2022 at 1:55 PM, clarkete said:

Few tips here and I linked to previous threads with much more at the bottom... 

 

(except poppers, as they often just give you an instant headache 😉) 

Thanks for the thread! 🙂 

[Paul_F]

Thanks everyone for the tips and links - keep them coming 🙂

[MattW75]

Second time of going solo this year and as others have said, it’s great having the freedom to do what you want and not compromising. I’ve found it really easy to strike up conversations in the campsite and out and about.

I’m also in Campervans East and will be there from as soon as they let us in Tuesday. If you see a bright Orange and Black VW Transporter come say hi and grab a cold beer!

[Paul_F]

On 5/30/2022 at 7:49 PM, MattW75 said:

I’m also in Campervans East and will be there from as soon as they let us in Tuesday. If you see a bright Orange and Black VW Transporter come say hi and grab a cold beer!

I'll be in a VW Transporter which is black and bright green.

[Paul_F]

Post Glasto update - I'd go solo again in a heartbeat. Had an amazing time, never once felt lonely or anxious, met a lot of fantastic people. Interestingly, didn't meet any other solo people.