First time visitor help

[GEH007]

Hello all,

Well I have managed to finally fulfill a lifelong ambition. Myself and my 12 year old son will be coming to Glastonbury for the very first time this year, it's ridiculous that an almost 40 year old bloke is this excited!! We have both been avid viewers on the tv for years and finally got the opportunity and bagged the all important tickets.

We are bringing our motorhome and staying in the camper field, we will be arriving Wednesday about 11pm I think, leaving early hours of Monday morning.

So, as a new experience for us both, what would you regulars give us as advice, what to do, not to do, must sees, avoid etc.

Oh and I did have one other question. If we arrive around 11pm on Wed, which of the camper fields are we likely to be in and how dar is the walk to Gate C?

I would be really grateful for any advice you can give us.

Regards to you all and thank you.

Edited May 19, 2009 by GEH007

[cejx]

Hello all,

Well I have managed to finally fulfill a lifelong ambition. Myself and my 12 year old son will be coming to Glastonbury for the very first time this year, it's ridiculous that an almost 40 year old bloke is this excited!! We have both been avid viewers on the tv for years and finally got the opportunity and bagged the all important tickets.

We are bringing our motorhome and staying in the camper field, we will be arriving Wednesday about 11pm I think, leaving early hours of Monday morning.

So, as a new experience for us both, what would you regulars give us as advice, what to do, not to do, must sees, avoid etc.

I would be really grateful for any advice you can give us.

Regards to you all and thank you.

[Lexx]

Have a vague plan of what you want to see during the day, and then make another plan not to stick to it! Some of the most enjoyable bonkers random stuff happens far away from the Pyramid and Other stages, make sure you see the circus field, Avalon and the green fields. Thursday, walk around and get your bearings, then when things kick off on the friday, finding your way round will be easier... but beware! It all changes when the sun goes down! If you miss you're favourite band... no bother, see someone else!

Also, I'd invest in a set of walkie talkies. if its your first time, you'll have instant access to your son if you get split up. Mobiles are crap and text messages can take days to come through!

[ukslim]

Especially with your 12 year old, make a point of exploring away from the main stages. Really there's little point in being more specific than that -- everything's there to be found, as long as you look. If you're totally obsessed with music, you can fill every moment with it. But if you want a break from that, then (for example) the craft demos, or the skateboard halfpipe, or the wandering theatre will... never mind. You'll find out.

Having said that, if you've enjoyed what was on the TV, maybe the big appeal to you is the main stages. If that's what you *want* to do, go for it. I personally just found myself gravitating to the smaller stages as the years went by.

All the paths are lit. You only need torches once you leave the path (I think the camper van fields are less treacherous than the camp sites, in the dark).

Some of the cabaret / theatre / circus acts can get a bit 'adult', sometimes even in the daytime. Comedians swear and deal with adult material (i.e. there might be a Jacob Frizl joke); some of the circus acts do Jim Rose type things like eating lightbulbs and hanging from body piercings.

It's up to you whether or not you mind your child being exposed to this (I'm not a parent, I don't know what I'd think if I was. I want to believe I'd be happy to let him see it all. None of it is damaging to a young mind in the way that proper porn is (IMO)).

Actually the circus tent is very kid-friendly throughtout most of the afternoon - there's usually a row of under-7s right in front of the stage, loving every moment. I'm not sure how much that would appeal to a 12 year old. Anyway, he'll probably want to see bands.

[Mmmm Beer]

Try reading this for starters.

http://www.glastoearth.com/the-faq

[GEH007]

Thank you for the advice and links so far, really useful.

Walkies talkies we already have and yes an excellent idea, will make sure they have fresh batteries.

We are both keen to explore a lot of the non music stuff as the TV doesnt cover much of that.

As for exposing him to certain things, I have a pretty liberal view on that. We go away watching a fair bit of bike racing and the camping there can get a bit rowdy and choice. So, we have a saying. What goes on tour stays on tour and dont tell youre mother! Works a treat.

Thanks again guys, very good of you to advise us.

[ukslim]

I'm sure I once read that those walkie talkies were useless on site - perhaps because two many people were trying to share the same channel. Maybe the technology's moved on though.

[cejx]

I'm sure I once read that those walkie talkies were useless on site - perhaps because two many people were trying to share the same channel. Maybe the technology's moved on though.

[HurrahBrother]

I've not done campervan yet.

One serious peice of advice though.

When you arrive, tune the radio to the radio station for the site (Is it either called Radio Avalon or Wrothy FM) Its usually down toward the 88/89mhz end of the dial, FM.

Have radio on when your getting up/cooking breaky/having your morning cuppa as they will update you on what is happening where, what changes are going on that missed the daily paper. To be honest it has been more than once I have gone to see an act I have never heard of before or discounted because I heard them on the radio (in session or a record played) while having my morning cuppa!

On the monday, they contiue to braodcast traffic updates for getting out of the festival (and the area) and music.

There is the daily paper, pick up on your way in every day.

A damned good amble round the arts and crafts in the greanfields is a must.

A good day bag each is worth-while. Big enough for a waterproof (good for sitting on when it is not needed as a waterproof), A jumper (for cold evenings), water bottle (reuse a coke bottle or simmilar), Hat (sun hat with a brim all the way round), Sunglasses, suncream, wetwipes and alcohol gel. and a bit of space for retail therepy purchases. A large bumbag would do it or a small backpack/havesack.

[grumpyhack]

Assume walkie talkie and phone communications don't work.

Walk the site together at the start and get to know landmarks and places and times for you to periodically meet up. In front of the Pyramid Stage is not a good idea. Try one of the Meeting Points or in front of a particular stall/shop/food outlet. It's very easy to miss someone standing ten feet away from you in a crowd.

Remember to allow time to get from place to place because between acts you may be fighting crowds going in the opposite direction and things can take longer than expected.

Make sure your son knows your mobile phone number and has the reg no and location of your motorhome written down. If he gets lost security can then help reunite you.

[scaryclaireyfairy]

make sure you walk all the way up to the back of the stone circle field without looking back - then turn around together and look at the view. it's my favourite part and something every newbie should do.

[DaveMac]

make sure you walk all the way up to the back of the stone circle field without looking back - then turn around together and look at the view. it's my favourite part and something every newbie should do.

[young561952]

Hello all,

Well I have managed to finally fulfill a lifelong ambition. Myself and my 12 year old son will be coming to Glastonbury for the very first time this year, it's ridiculous that an almost 40 year old bloke is this excited!! We have both been avid viewers on the tv for years and finally got the opportunity and bagged the all important tickets.

We are bringing our motorhome and staying in the camper field, we will be arriving Wednesday about 11pm I think, leaving early hours of Monday morning.

So, as a new experience for us both, what would you regulars give us as advice, what to do, not to do, must sees, avoid etc.

Oh and I did have one other question. If we arrive around 11pm on Wed, which of the camper fields are we likely to be in and how dar is the walk to Gate C?

I would be really grateful for any advice you can give us.

Regards to you all and thank you.

[LusciousLucy]

Check out gumtree or Friday Ad in your local area and the obvious Ebay for walkie talkies. Saw a very decent pair on the Exeter GT going for £30 instead of the original £120 they were bought for...ex unused Chrissy pressie!

And even though the boy is 12...make sure you check out the Kid's Field (more for yourself actually) cos it kicks proverbial arse and is a lovely escape from the madness...and not that far a walk to the Real Ale tent in the next door Acoustic Field btw!

[G1T]

When you arrive, tune the radio to the radio station for the site (Is it either called Radio Avalon or Wrothy FM) Its usually down toward the 88/89mhz end of the dial, FM.

Have radio on when your getting up/cooking breaky/having your morning cuppa as they will update you on what is happening where, what changes are going on that missed the daily paper. To be honest it has been more than once I have gone to see an act I have never heard of before or discounted because I heard them on the radio (in session or a record played) while having my morning cuppa!

On the monday, they contiue to braodcast traffic updates for getting out of the festival (and the area) and music.

Edited May 19, 2009 by G1T

[GEH007]

Some great advice folks, thanks very much.

We would both like one night/morning, weather permitting, to watch a sunrise. Where is the best place to do that from?

[Josie's Cat]

Re the walkie talkie channels - we bought some from Argos, and were mucking about at home, got another person on the channel (sounded quite young, I guess kids love walkie talkies) and this other person said

"Hello? Hello? Who's there? Over" and my bf said;

"This is God. I am not real. Over and out."

I still giggle about that!

[philfy]

Some great advice folks, thanks very much.

We would both like one night/morning, weather permitting, to watch a sunrise. Where is the best place to do that from?

[punkincowcat]

My dad took me to glastonbury when I was 14 and then my mum came along the following year and we have been doing festivals eversince whenever we can. They couldn't afford glasto this year and I must admit that although its awesome doing festivals with just your friends, It's not going to be the same without them!!

You and your son will have an awesome time, im sure of it! enjoy

[JennyMc]

Try reading this for starters.

http://www.glastoearth.com/the-faq

[r0cky]

Following on from the walkie talkies; I'd say to have a back-up meeting place. In some of the crowds, it is very easy to get separated from people; happened to me and my mates a few times. You will never find them in the busiest areas.

Probably more important for groups of people, but when moving from one place to another; best to inform everyone where the destination is, and just meet up at the destination - there's always someone who gets lost en route.

[1000yardstare]

The view at the very top of the Park area, above 'Tower of Ribbons', has similarly spectacular view over the Festival site well worth the trek as probably highest point of the the site within the fence - so also highly recommended for newbies.

It is especially beautiful spot at night (assuming it is dry and mild).

Stay a while to chill and take in the view - a picture or two is probably appropriate

[whatmidlifecrisis?]

Excellent - you will both have the time of your lives! My first time last year with 16yo daughter and 13yo son.

We were with friends but spent lots of time going our own way. Texts were OK but a little bit hit and miss - the walkie-talkies sound good but have a back up plan. If you intend to let your son go off on his own - or with other people the same age that he will meet - then this worked for us.... Every morning a few of us laid down a loose plan for the day (only one or two things that we would definitely do as you do not want to plan too much). That way everyone knew that they would be able to meet up with at least one of the group at specific points (usually the Brother's tent in our case!). For the main stages we always pick 'our spot' and it was surprising easy to find each other.

Your son is very lucky - I know my two are now hooked (as am I) and will go for many years to come. They also score 'cool' points at school form their mates and many of the teachers! Certainly worth the wrath of the school when you ask for the time off!

Roll on June

[lew20]

Hello all,

Well I have managed to finally fulfill a lifelong ambition. Myself and my 12 year old son will be coming to Glastonbury for the very first time this year, it's ridiculous that an almost 40 year old bloke is this excited!! We have both been avid viewers on the tv for years and finally got the opportunity and bagged the all important tickets.

We are bringing our motorhome and staying in the camper field, we will be arriving Wednesday about 11pm I think, leaving early hours of Monday morning.

So, as a new experience for us both, what would you regulars give us as advice, what to do, not to do, must sees, avoid etc.

Oh and I did have one other question. If we arrive around 11pm on Wed, which of the camper fields are we likely to be in and how dar is the walk to Gate C?

I would be really grateful for any advice you can give us.

Regards to you all and thank you.