How to survive Festival Season 2015

Hello again World,

It's been a while, but to say life got a bit mad is an understatement. But, with summer finally making its way over, I've found myself dreaming of long nights spent on the beach and weekends spent in fields soaking up the Festival atmosphere, cider in one hand and the other raised in the air or wrapped around a friend as we sing a long to our favourite bands.

Festival season is my favourite time of year (aside from Christmas and my birthday, because presents, duh), as it's a time when I get to spend many a weekend away from 'the real world' and surrounded by those I don't often see due to life commitments.

I'd like to call myself a bit of a Festival expert now, having attended the likes of Reading, 2000 Trees, Bestival and many others since the ripe old age of 18 (that's six years FYI). I've attended both as a paying customer and for work purposes and although Festivals vary in style, size and atmosphere I've picked up a few tips and tricks along the way.

So, without further or do (that's an odd saying isn't it?) here's my guide to surviving Festivals this summer.

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Step One: Choose your Festival + know your crowd

If like me, the thought of going on a lads/girls holiday to Zante or Magaluf sends a shiver up your spine, you're probably going to want to avoid V Festival, Parklife and the like. I went to WILD LIFE festival recently and although (most) of the music was great, the crowd and general atmosphere was just not for me.

Bigger isn't always necessarily better either. I love Reading Festival, don't get me wrong, but my favourite UK Festival will always be 2000 Trees. It's a 5,000 capacity music paradise set in the Gloucestershire countryside. The line-up alone makes me gooey-eyed every year, but add to that the warm, friendly atmosphere, superb food & drink and the fact you can get from main stage to tent in under fifteen minutes makes it a winner for me.

So make sure you shop around for what suits you best. For family friendly, try Blissfields or Camp Bestival. For the hottest new acts check out Barn on the Farm, Green Man or Festival No.6. There's a Festival out there for every type of person, you've just gotta find the right one.

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Step Two: Tents and Camping

• Double skin, always. (Not that kind you filthy buggers). Always make sure you buy a double skinned tent. This is Britian, it will rain and a single skin tent won't last five minutes in a downpour and everything inside will get soaked. Double skins are a little more difficult to erect, (I'm really not helping myself here am I?) but the extra effort will pay off when you're dry and snug while your mates are ringing out their sleeping bags and shivering in their damp clothes. 
• Bring a pillow. Your neck will definitely thank you for it and no, using your backpack instead is not a good idea. 
• Rollmats. Because sleeping on the ground for three days is going to leave your back in agony. Double up for extra cushiony comfort. 
• Location is important. Don't be that guy who pitches their tent as close to the arena as possible, right on the walkway. Unless you don't actually plan on getting any sleep. Find a spot big enough for you and all your mates to camp together that is close enough to the toilets for the morning dash, but that is far enough away so your not getting a waft of toilet for the entire weekend. 

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Step Three: What to pack

Clothing

Remember you're there for a weekend, not a fortnight, keep it simple. 

• Pair of jeans / one dress / 2-3 tops or vests
• Warm layers for the evening i.e jumpers/cardigans - you WILL need these
• Leggings/Trackies and a tshirt to sleep in. A baggy band tee will be ideal for this, but make sure you do change into different clothes to sleep in otherwise you'll struggle to keep warm overnight. 
• Wooly hat. Because believe it or not, it's actually really cold at night when you're sleeping outside and a wooly hat will keep your head all snuggly and warm. 
• A pair of boots or wellies. Personally I prefer my Doc Marten boots, just make sure they're waterproof and you don't mind them getting dirty. Also, don't wear wellies if it's 25 degrees just because of 'Festival fasion', your feet will melt. 
• A pair of trainers. Again, ones you don't mind getting a bit dirty. You're going to be on your feet for a LONG time, make sure your footwear is comfortable and leave the sandals at home. 
• A coat, or at least one of those really attractive pac-a-mac things because nobody likes to be soggy. 

Wash kit

• Babywipes and dry shampoo will be your best friends. 
• Packet tissues, because loo roll is like gold. 
• Suncream. You'll be outside 90% of the time so protect yo'self!
• Toothbrush & Toothpaste. (Also pack an old plastic cup to wash your mouth out after)
• Plasters. Because wellies give you blisters worthy of Satan. 
• Paracetamol & berrocca. Because hangovers. 
• Tampons/Sanitary Towels. You never know when that bitch is going to appear. 
• Condoms. In case you really do fancy some awkward, sweaty tent fun. 
• Moisturiser. Preferably one with SPF in it to keep your face feeling fresh all weekend. 
• Hand sanitiser. Everything you touch will be dirty, so keep this on you at all times. Wash your hands where possible as often as you can. 
• Hair bands, clips etc. You'll need these come day three and your hair is looking a little worse for wear. 
• Deoderant. You're not washing for three days, you're going to smell. 

Food & Drink

I know some people that will bring a weeks worth of food shopping with them to Festivals, and then I know people that bring nothing and spend a ridiculous amount of money on food at the Festival. These are both terrible ideas. 

• Water. Water, water, water. Drink lots of water. Bring with you a 2L bottle (or two if you can carry them) and keep them full over the weekend. You'll get dehydrated and alcohol will only make it worse. 
• Cereal bars, crisps, small snacks. Chuck them in your bag during the day and they'll keep your tummy happy until dinner time. 
• Save approximately £8 a day for a hot meal in the evenings. Festival food is expensive but you owe yourself at least one good meal a day to keep you going. 
• Breakfast. Personally, if I don't eat in the mornings I feel really sick so I buy a multipack of juice boxes and some tear & share brioche to munch on while my friends and I go over the events that happened the night before. 
• Alcohol. Duh. Most Festivals don't allow glass so stock up on hip flasks or decant your spirits into plastic bottles. 

This should really be all you need, forget trying to cook a can of smartprice baked beans or a pot noodle. Ain't nobody got time for that. 

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Step Four: Essential Tips

• Portable charger. It's 2015 for christ's sake, why don't you already have one?
• Don't spend the whole time at your campsite drinking. You paid a lot of money to be here, go explore and discover some new music!
• Don't go too mad. I'm not one to judge, but if you shove enough drugs up your nose and drink an entire crate in one evening, you're probably going to make a complete tit of yourself and forget everything you saw that day. What's the point? 
• Don't hold your poop in. I know the toilets are gross but just try not too look. Your stomach will hate you if you try and keep it all in.  
• Head to clashfinder and print off a timetable before you go, that way you don't have to pay a tenner for a lanyard and you can make a rough plan of what bands you can see. 
• Bring enough cash with you, but not too much. The average cost of a full Festival weekend is £200, but you can totally do it cheaper than that. £100 is a comfortable number, although to be honest I usually survive on about £60. Don't bring anything more than £200, because if you lose that you'll kick yourself. Remember to always keep it on you in a safe place, which isn't easy for thieves to get to, because unfortunately yes there are people out there to knick your stuff at Festivals. 
• Finally, have fun. Don't plan your days down to the minute, embrace the atmosphere and do some exploring, there's always something going on to enjoy. Forget about work and make the most of your weekend away! 

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And that's it! Your guide to surviving Festivals this summer, if you have any other tips throw them my way and if you're at 2000 Trees or Reading this year come say hello! 

All images taken from: http://www.twothousandtreesfestival.co.uk/

Monthly round-up.

And there was me thinking that the start of 2014 would be a bit of a slow one with not much going on. Christ alive was I wrong! I don't think I've stopped since New Year, trying to cram in gig after gig, review after review and everything else around my working hours. Not that I am complaining I have had an absolute blast the past month.

Now we've entered a new one and my diary keeps getting important dates added into it and it's safe to say I'm very excited with the way things are shaping for this year.

See ya January, here are my favourite things about you!

THIS ALBUM.

I was lucky enough to go to the album launch show at Camden Barfly, which was completely insane. I was also then invited to the special Album party at Redbull Studios, (free bar AND free pizza, THANK. YOU.) which again, was so much fun and I'm super proud of Blitz Kids for already achieving so much success with the album. You can see my full review of The Good Youth here: http://www.bringthenoiseuk.com/201401/music/reviews/album-review-blitz-kids-the-good-youth

THIS SONG. 

I have literally had this on repeat for the past three weeks. It's not usually what I go for but something about it has got me completely hooked. Maybe it's the super smooth and soulful vocals, maybe it's the handclaps and beats. Who knows? All I can say is, it is magnificent and I can't wait until the Years & Years headline show at Oslo in March. 

FESTIVAL ANNOUNCEMENTS.

Reading & Leeds: You Me At Six, Architects, Royal Blood, Issues, Disclosure, The 1975

Isle of Wight Festival: Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Kings Of Leon, Rudimental, John Newman, Passenger

Bestival: OUTKAST, Foals, Chvrches, Disclosure

Takedown Festival: Funeral for a Friend, Kids in Glass Houses, The First, Verses, I Divide Canterbury

BRB going to the bank to get a loan. 

THESE BANDS.

Neck Deep:

Pixel Fix:

Crooks: 

Statechamps: 

These have been the four main bands soundtracking the first month of the year. Neck Deep and Statechamps in particular because they bring a nice dose of Summer to this utterly horrific Winter weather we're having at the moment. Pixel Fix make some of the most hauntingly beautiful music around and Crooks are just non-stop touring right now, so a big pat on the back for them! 

What music has soundtracked your January? 

Festival Guide

I'm a big fan of festivals, since I got my first experience of one aged 17, (Reading Festival 2009) I have been hooked. Spending three days with some of your closest friends, meeting new ones and all coming together to enjoy some of the world's greatest bands. Though now I do tend to have more of a fancy for the slightly smaller festivals, whether you're going to  V Festival, Reading and Leeds or, like me, a smaller festival such as 2000 Trees; you need to know what to pack and what to leave at home. 

Clothing

Shorts. Jeans - for when it gets colder in the evenings. Couple of tshirts and vests. Dress. Leggings and/or tights. Checkered shirt - easy for throwing on when it's a bit cooler. Hoodie - mens ones are ideal, the one above is from Primark mens section for about £9! Sunglasses. Bandanas - after three days of no washing you're going to want that hair out of your face! Trainers, preferably old ones!

Obviously don't forget your underwear and you WILL need wellies. Don't even think about bringing heels or sandals and make sure you pack a parka! 

Washkit

Tissues, Sudocrem (life saver for sunburn, bites and pesky spots!) Painkillers, Babywipes, Cotton Wool, Small Mirror, Hairbands, Dry Shampoo, Deodorant, Tangle Teezer, Toothbrush & Toothpaste, Razor & Shave Gel (hairy armpits? No thank you!) Moisturiser, Suncream, Leave-in Conditioner, Cleanser, Hand Sanitiser. 

Make Up

Bobbi Brown Waterproof Gel Eyeliner, Bare Minerals eyeliner brush, New CID I-Groom eyebrow crayon, Sheercover mascara, Garnier eye roll-on (backs up as concealer), Blusher brush, Kabuki brush, Bare Minerals foundation, MUA blusher, Topshop lipstick in Whimsical, SPF 15 lip balm. 

Keep it minimal, you're not going to have time to be constantly applying your face so just take your essentials for making your face look a bit nicer. 

That pretty much covers everything you need, apart from your food but that's entirely up to you! Try and pack light because at the end of the day you have to carry your bag and tent around. Check the weather forecast and pack appropriately, nobody likes to get caught short! 

NELIPOTT Feature: 5 Small Festivals You Should Probably Know About

Many of you have probably stumbled across the marvellous music blog written by the wonderful Jayde, she covers a whole host of music from pop news to album reviews over at www.nelipottblog.com.

Recently she messaged me asking if I'd like to do a little feature for the blog and after going away and rattling my brain for something I thought you folks would like to read. I decided upon a little festival feature, we all love festivals right? But sometimes it's just really hard to decide which to go to and more importantly, which you can afford!

So head on over to Nelipott and have a read of my feature, it'd be great to hear what you think or if you have any favourite small festivals you love going to every year!

http://nelipottblog.com/2013/04/26/5-small-festivals-that-you-should-probably-know-about/

C-C-Coachella!

Every single year I see the Coachella line-up poster pop up on my news feed and every year I cry a little inside that there is no way I'd be able to afford to go. They always pull in the best of the best when it comes to music, selecting the finest musicians from both sides of the ocean and sticking them across various stages in sunny California. Whilst celebrities galavant around town at swimming pool parties and getting papped for your 'festival fashion style' is a regular occurrence.

As much as the glitter, ripped shorts and glamour of the celeb filled festival appeals to me (sort of) what makes me REALLY jealous is the amount of incredible acts I'm missing out on. Don't get me wrong, us British know how to pull off a bloody good festival, but nothing seems to quite compare to Coachella, (or SXSW for that matter). Maybe that's because we have to pack our wellies and your nan's anorak to be prepared for the torrential downpours that occur at every festival ever over here; while they skip around in their teeny tiny hotpants and work on their flawless tans whilst sipping sweet beer and discovering the best musical talent around.

Jealous? Moi? Can you tell? 

Anyway, there's obviously a few bands/artists who would be at the top of my MUST SEE list and I made a little (quite long) playlist so you can check them out too!

Any acts you would LOVE to see at this years Coachella festival?

(Mine and my friend Benn's realistic thoughts on Coachella)

GIG ETIQUETTE – A SIMPLE GUIDE

I’ve been attending live music shows, of all genres since I was about 14, that’s seven years of gig going, if we’re ignoring all the embarrassing pop acts I saw when I was 10, which we will. In those seven years I have learnt what is and isn’t acceptable at a gig, what you shouldn’t take and which people are the right fucking idiots who manage to piss off a whole crowd, (if you think you’ve never seen one, you are that person).  So, in the hope this guide will aid all those that attend gigs, large or small, I shall now go through a list of Do’s and Don’ts and we can all enjoy ourselves at future shows!

DO:

-       STAY HYDRATED. Yes, okay I sound like your mum, but on too many occasions I’ve seen people and felt myself about to pass out. If you plan on spending the whole 3-4 hours running around a mosh pit, flailing your arms and jumping around, you WILL need water. It’s free, will cool you down and will keep you going for the rest of the night.

-       BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHERS. This covers a whole host of points I’ll make in this list, but just generally be aware of the people around you. If you’re over 6ft and decide to stand at the front, be prepared for abuse. Be polite, if you’re squeezing your way through a crowd say ‘excuse me’ and ‘thank you’ that way you won’t feel the dreaded elbow jab.

-       SHOWER BEFOREHAND AND WEAR LOTS OF DEODORANT. Nobody wants to stand next to someone sweating their balls off and stinking of B.O, it’s disgusting. Avoid lots of layers also, this will only aid in your sweating.

-       DO CHECK OUT THE SUPPORT ACTS. You never know, they may be your new favourite band/artist. At least listen to the first track or so, make your decision and if you really don’t like them, go to the bar. Don’t stand there moaning about how bad they are, some people will like them.

-       CONVERSE WITH PEOPLE. Remember that thing we used to do before tweeting? Hey I know I’m a hypocrite, you probably all know too much about my life by now. But gigs are great ways to meet people, you already have one thing in common and you’ll be waiting for half hour or so in silence otherwise. Most people are nice!

DON’TS:

-       PISS IN A CUP AND THROW IT. This is more a ‘festival thing’ but wherever you may be, pissing in a cup then throwing it into the crowd is never a good idea and you’re a complete tool if you do. If you seriously can’t hold it, dispose of the cup in a bin or something. This is the same for beer, nobody wants beer in their hair, how would you like it if I pulled down my shorts pissed on your face then poured a pint on your head? Just don’t do it and this is aimed just as much at ladies as it is men, you filthy animals!

-       DRINK TOO MUCH ALCOHOL. Mum point number two. So you’ve forked out twenty quid to see your favourite band live, then an extra £25 in travel to get to the venue. Ten (or more) beers down and you wake up in the morning with an awfully fuzzy head and the “what happened last night?” thoughts. You can’t even remember hearing your favourite song because you were that wasted. Have a cider or two, sure, but is there really any point going to a show if you can’t even remember it the next day?

-       TALK THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE GIG. Oh sweet Jesus do these people annoy me! On too many occasions I’ve watched amazing acoustic artists struggle to even hear themselves because of people having a natter. It’s inconsiderate, rude and annoys everyone around you. Shut up or leave.

-       DON'T BRING A BAG AND ALL YOUR POSESSIONS. Nobody enjoys being knocked around by a massive bag, particularly if said person is bashing his or her way to the front. All you really need for gigs is your money, the ticket and your phone. If you need to bring a small bag, fine. Don’t bring three spare jumpers, your laptop and the kitchen sink, you won’t need it.

-       COUPLES, STAY OFF EACH OTHERS FACES. Please. I may be slightly cynical due to being a single lady. But the last thing I want to see is two people playing tonsil tennis in front of me when there’s someone more awesome on stage. We get it, you’re together and super duper happy, and that’s rad for you guys. Now if you could stop for the show that would be great, give your tongues a break for a few hours eh?

And there we have it, your definitive guide to being the most loved person at a gig. Stick to the above rules and you should have an amazing time and not get abused by anyone else. If you see anyone making any of the above mistakes, kindly point them in the direction of this article. 

Blissfields 2012

As I've spent my weeks breathing in the city air, admittedly with a waft of the seaside, whilst tapping away at my keyboard longing for the work to end and the summer begin, it's surprised me how quickly life is flying by and all of a sudden I'm rushing through town on the hunt of a festival-proof coat and purchasing the biggest pack of baby wipes I can find. This can only mean one thing, it's festival time!

Having missed out MASSIVELY last year due to insufficient funds I've made sure that I make my way to a few festivals this summer to get my dose of muddy, smelly, sweaty goodness. Therefore over the coming months I will be giving you my tips of which bands to see at the best festivals, what you should probably pack and what you can expect. If any of you went to Isle of Wight festival at the weekend, you will have unfortunately learnt the importance of a good pair of wellies and a coat, however we can all hope that the rest of this years festivals won't be as tragic!

To start things off we have Blissfields; wander ever so slightly north-west from my seaside home of Portsmouth and you'll stumble across a family-friendly, quirky festival with a slight vintage warmth about it. Blissfields pitches up in Vicarage Farm, not far from Winchester and provides activities for all ages, whether you want to have fun with arts and crafts, have an afternoon tea with your friends or just indulge yourself in the incredible music that will be treating your ears. Weekend tickets are only £74 (yes you can still purchase them!) which is an absolute bargain for the amount of goodies you're getting and with a corking line up, you'd be silly not to go!

Here's my musical tips for the weekend:

Friday - Main Stage:                                                        

                                                                 Guillemots

Once you hit play you'll instantly recognise the song, I'm expecting a magical atmosphere from these guys. 

King Charles

Sunshine happy melodies and hair resembling that of Hook, expect everything to be extravagant 

Josh Kumra

The voice behind the Number 1 single "Don't Go" by Wretch 32, one to simply sit back, relax and enjoy.

Second Stage:

Clock Opera

Having missed their set at The Great Escape, I'm very excited to see what they have to offer at Blissfields!

Bear Cavalry

Repeat after me.... HEY UMBA DA DA DA DA DAAAAHHHH!

It's also worth taking a stroll over to the Hidden Hedge Acoustic Stage to see the likes of I Dream In Colour, BeBe Black, Leigh Mary Stokes and Huw Olesker & The Barebackers.

Saturday - Main Stage:

Spector

Indie rock music for you all to awkwardly shuffle along to when you've had a few too many

Bastille

You're gonna see me banging on about Bastille a lot over the coming months, I just can't get enough!

Second Stage:

Theme Park

They make look barely into their teens but they can make music that gives everyone a little dancing urge *see awkward shuffle note mentioned with Spector

Dog Is Dead

Prepare your vocal chords for a good old sing song

Hidden Hedge: 

Luke Ferre

Because this is one of the best covers I've ever heard. 

If you're off to Blissfields this weekend and think I may have missed an amazing act off my list then let me know, or come say hello, I'll probably be running around in my parka-in-a-pocket with the pink floral wellies, what can I say, I'm a master at festival fashion! The only thing you really need to bring to Blissfields is a smile, see you there!