Although for us it may seem early, festival season is now upon us. The opening ceremony that is Coachella happened the weekend before last and weekend two closed yesterday. For the uninitiated, Coachella happens twice – two weekends in a row. Slightly odd, we know. And as this wonderful season is upon us, we thought we’d do a piece making recommendations for people with varying tastes of music.
England has a great festival scene; we have festivals of all sorts, from jazz to alternative rock. So if you’re a festival first-timer, deciding where to go sure can be confusing. Especially if you’re wanting to discover new music. So, here’s a little guide.
Glastonbury Festival isn’t happening this year. It, undoubtedly, is the best festival in the world, so it not happening is a big deal. It’s not an unexpected one, however. Glastonbury often takes years of when the Michael and Emily Eavis (the runners of the festival) believe the farm needs a year off. So that’s that addressed. If you were looking to go to the best festival there is, it isn’t on! You’re going to have to wait till 2019. Think of all the sad sound equipment rental providers out there!
Whilst BBC have hailed their Biggest Weekend as the spiritual replacement of Glastonbury, we have to refute that claim. We’ve always seen Bestival as Glastonbury’s child, perhaps younger brother. They’re rather similar in identity so we recommend heading to Dorset for your Glastonbury fix. Plus, as it’s not nearly as sought after, you don’t have to have 10 computers running to get one ticket, you can buy one pretty much the day before if you’d like.
You want one that’s like Glastonbury, but more chilled. So, an alternative festival that doesn’t have excessive stupor in the air. Hmm, perhaps Latitude?
Latitude has been described, similar to Green Man as well, as the festival for more chilled out, older people – perhaps families. The line-up this year includes The Killers, Solange, and Alt-J, so we’re sure it’s going to be a good one.
Otherwise known in the industry as, the kinda-weird-but-amazing one: WOMAD. WOMAD prides itself on being an out-and-out arts festival, meaning it’s sole purpose isn’t music. Neither is it’s focus. A lot of the acts are African tribal music, with Amadou and k.mnjdfn headlining. There’s a big food focus, that’s always delicious. And a good amount of workshops. Basically, if you want a very different experience, we recommend WOMAD.
Download isn’t for soft souls. You have to be prepared for a festival of this sort. But if amps that go up to eleven are your sort of thing, then this one is definitely for you. It’s loud, mosh-pit sort of music, which is exhilarating. This year rock legends Guns N’ Roses and Ozzy Osbourne are headlining. There are some young guns there too, like Parkway Drive and You Me At Six. A rocker’s party is one of the best, don’t you know?
As sound equipment rental specialists, we’re going to be at a lot of festivals this summer, small and large. If the sun’s shining, after all the work is done we be able to have a dance. Festivals really are something to be cherished, unique in nature they offer a medium to create some of the best memories you’ll ever have. If you’d like us to organise and control the sound for your Devon festival, give us a call!