Categories: uncategorized
Date: 19 August 2008 12:50:00
So it's quite obviously that time of year....... the one when we head of to Greenbelt whilst the rest of the world heads to Reading or Loaded. So I thought we might accumulate our knowledge to help any GB virgins reading. Note, it is slanted towards readers who are camping but some stuff is equally relevant to those doing b&b, or halls of residence aswell. Some of the stuff overlaps the official info but most is supplementary.
Here's what I've learnt over the years:
1. Accept that you aren't going to get to everything you'd like to. Buy the programme and use the planner to decide what you want to really see, then just see what you get to inbetween. Some of the best parts of the weekend tend to be things you almost bump into by mistake.
2. Explore the ground floor of the main building, during the day for "nice" toilets. These only tend to be unlocked at certain times but are worth seeking out. As for other times of the day / night work out where all of the toilets near where you're camping are during daylight, once you've pitched your tent. Then decide which ones look they have most "grown ups" rather than bunches of young people camping near.... these are the ones to head for during the night.
3. In the morning decide if you are an early bird or if you want to sleep in. This will enable you to head for the toilets / taps about 7:30am or 9:30am, thus avoiding the main morning rush. If you are an early bird you may want to go for a wander around the site and buy your morning paper whilst you're waiting for the rest of the world to wake up.
4. If you're camping work out where on the site you are heading, according to who you have in with you, before you arrive. Some areas are early curfew whilst others are intended to be infested with bunches of young people who tend not to sleep. Greenbelt has a map to help you
5. Remember that even if it's a mainly "Christian" festival you are still in a general camp site and so don't leave valuables lying about in your tent.
6. If you have an ickle person with you get their registration sorted out as soon as poss on Friday afternoon as it really does make life easier.
7. If you have a not so ickle, but still officially your responsibility type person with you, arrange to meet them at regular intervals to ensure they (i) have eaten, (ii) aren't ratted and (iii) are still on site and haven't decided to nip off into town because the food is cheaper. Oh and try to keep awake so you can check their tent for young people of the opposite gender after they have snoozed off. This helps stop you having to evict them at 8:00 the next morning. (Note: that point comes from some previous experiences of the festival)
8. If there is something you want to see which is likely to be v. popular, in relatively small venue, then allow about three quarters of an hour queuing time to ensure you get in. Also if you are "saving spaces" be sensible about it and chat to those around you in the queue so they know what you're doing. It tends to stop ill feeling later on, when those you are saving spaces for arrive.
9. Decide in advance how hygenic you want to be. If you want to shower than go and queue up first thing Friday evening for the tickets. Otherwise basins in the toilets are ok for quick rinse of hair, etc whilst you're there and dry shampoo now exists.
10. If you want to get recordings of talks on site then order in advance to pick up at the end, but remember they can be purchased after the festival via the website.
11. Whilst there is a cash machine on site it tends to have a queue and make a charge. Therefore, try to take the right amount of cash with you for the weekend. Food, drinks, etc need to be purchased with cash but the bookshop and G Store will take card payments.
12. Whilst GB toilets tend to always be ok for toilet paper and soap it is a good idea to carry a small amount of toilet paper and a small bottle of hand sanitiser around with you.
13. Weather at GB can be variable. Over the years I have experienced hot sun, gales, rain and most things in between. So bearing this in mind I'd pack wellies, waterproof, sun tops, sun tan lotion, thick hoodie / jumper, and extra tent pegs. Remember though it's just one weekend.
14. The stewards are volunteers who do a great job, be nice to them. This involves saying hi and ensuring that you are ready to display your wristbands when required. It also means doing what they ask you however irritating it seems. For example in Cenatur they often fill up downstairs first - they're only doing their job.
15. Take some time to go round the resources place and look at the stalls there. It's worth it.
16. Realise that Greenbelt is an inclusive festival and could actually be described as several in one. This means your Greenbelt experience may be completely different to others. For example I have a friend who does a "nice, evangelical" type festival whilst I go to a more "alternative hippy, slightly pink" one. We're both at Greenbelt, but we do very different things. Also remember it's an arts festival and so there's literature, film and theatre about to enjoy aswell.
17. Take a book or something, there are times when you'll be "inbetween things". Also take a pen to mark your programme, etc.
18. Remember that it takes time to get from A to B. Walking will be involved and so take a pair of comfy shoes that you don't mind getting muddy / dusty.
19. It's useful to take your mobile phone charger. For a small charge the Tank can sort you out with charging facilities. (They also act as the internet cafe and doing drinks aswell).
20. If you have ickle people during the communion you may wish to take some cherryade or something down with you.
Finally, just try to enjoy it. You have four days and to a certain extent Greenbelt is whatever you choose to make it. If other "vetrans" have anything else to add, please feel free to engage in the comments section.