Greenbelt

Categories: uncategorized

Date: 02 September 2006 00:44:08

Having failed to write anything about Greenbelt yesterday I feel I should write something today.

Best talks

Shane Claiborne - I was surprised at how good I found his talks. I think it helps that he has a way of talking which is entertaining in itself but I also found the things he does totally amazing.

Jim Wallis - though I did only hear one of his three talks, what I heard was really interesting. But perhaps it helps that he is saying stuff that I agree with?

I also enjoyed Janey Lee Grace 'Imperfectly natural woman' but don't think I'm ready for some of the things she was talking about yet.

Comedy

Even though I think the only comedy I saw was Steve Tomkins as Rev Gerald he is always worth seeing, even if I do hide behind my hands frequently saying 'you can't say that'.

Music

I dropped by the Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain on mainstage. The setting was ideal - a sunny Sunday afternoon with quirky, fun people to entertain. I wish I had planned to go as I only caught some of it near the end.

Socialising

Wibmeet - of course! It was great to see so many people and chat to at least some of them.

Weird thing about Greenbelt

The lack of time spent in the bar / beer tent. Neil, it's all your fault!

Things I am glad Greenbelt did

Returned to having main speakers on the grandstand steps - it makes a huge difference to whether I will go along to them or not, I also heard other people say similar things.

Putting the mainstage where it was, I wasn't sure about this at first but overall think it worked really well.

Things which frustrate me about Greenbelt

Shower queues - not all of it the fault of the YMCA who run showers - though it did seem like a very slow way of doing things. Why, when people have been waiting in a queue to book a shower for 1 1/2 hours haven't they decided when they want to have their shower?

Toilets - always a horrible experience on the campsite, but they seem to be getting fewer in number and further appart. A few more did appear on our area during one day (they stayed for the rest of the time and did help) but I honestly feel that such things are very important to the feel of the festival. If you dread going to the toilet that's not good.

A question

Did Greenbelt seem less 'edgy' this year and rather more mainstream, possibly evangelical?