that was the year....

As ever, the best festival was the one you enjoyed the most. Everyone’s experience is different, and dependant on many factors, from the bands and the weather, to your mates and your mood.

Festivals had another great year, with some successful new events and greater success for many established ones. Part of the success was probably driven by the fantastic weather in 2003, but those hoping for a repeat of near-constant summer sunshine were disappointed. Glastonbury suffered some horrible weather, though conditions were far short of the infamous swamps of ’97 & ’98, and Reading at the other end of the summer was also afflicted – those less so – by mud.

Despite the weather, Glastonbury continues to be waaaay out in front. But with each passing year some of its differences with other events are eroded by regulatory pressures, and it loses a little more of its uniqueness. This is the price of its continuation, and one people are happy to accept.

The major festivals again all sold out (or near enough), some in record time, with Glastonbury setting the trend, selling out as fast as was possible (because of the sales method) in 24 hours. But just as Glastonbury is an essential part of the summer for some, T in the Park, the V Festivals, and Reading/Leeds, or elsewhere, are for others.

Those who missed out on Glastonbury tickets looked for alternatives, impacting on the sales for other events. The revived Isle of Wight festival had its first sell out since re-establishing itself, helped by higher profile headliners. The Glade Festival had a great start outside of Glastonbury, selling out on the first attempt, whilst Beautiful Days firmly established itself with a sell out for its second. As a result, it looks as though both the Glade and Beautiful Days will have bigger capacities in 2005. Others such as Guilfest and Summer Sundae saw their numbers increase, and many other events – including some that ask for no publicity (shhh!) – continue to sell out quietly year on year.

Ticket sales for 2005 started early, with T in the Park, the V Festivals, and Reading/Leeds all putting tickets for next year on sale for a limited time just after this year’s events, offering weekend tickets for 2005 at 2004 prices.

The first huge festival story of next year is again likely to be about Glastonbury tickets sales, as many potential attendees are certain to be disappointed in their quest. Whatever system Glastonbury organisers eventually come up with for selling tickets for 2005, many potential purchasers are certain to be disappointed – there’s just no way to sell a limited number of tickets to a greater number of people. There’s also no way of letting everyone successfully buy their ticket at the first attempt. This is something that all who want to go will have to learn to live with.

eFestivals hopes you had a great 2004, and we wish you the very best for the new year.

PS: ‘wacky’ wellies are the new black ‘wacky’ hats. You can even get Burberry style ones. Nice!

Log on again tomorrow for the 2004 bands review.