Camping

[Unihammer]

How is the camping working this year.

I'm not camping myself, it seems like a completely uncivilised activity to me. However, a friend is, and he's bringing his young son. As there is no Regents this year, how is the campsite divided, if at all?

[butchwade]

I've been wondering the same thing.

Richard DID say at some point that provision would be made for families / quiet people, so I'm sure it will all turn out alright.

[nerans]

I've been wondering the same thing.

Richard DID say at some point that provision would be made for families / quiet people, so I'm sure it will all turn out alright.

[rseamer]

I'd like to know whats happening with the family camping too,my daughter gets very grouchy without her beauty sleep. Hope they've got a nice quiet spot lined up.

[andyblack]

just to add that although there are no replying posts yet, it's a pretty important topic. the closure of the regents campsite put the need to maintain a quiet campsite to the top of the agenda, and it's something that believe a lot of consideration has been put to. but im not the person to detail how it's going to work. im sure richardH will provide the answer when he sees this.

[RichardH]

Sorry not to have replied earlier.

Just to confirm that the campsite IS being divided into general and quiet and family. Obviously it's not quite as ideal as seperate sites, but it does work at other festivals. (I was in quiet at Wychwood a couple of years ago and managed to get told off for talking!) The rickshaws will back again as well for families with lots of stuff to transport from the drop off point.

There are lots of really good things that are happening fronm the site redesign. The new position for the Rising Stage opens up the front of the bulding for The Garden (and also means we don't have to rip out and reinstate any flower beds - money we can use far more positively). There's more space for bars and stalls and other fun stuff. Seriously, the changes at Regent forced us to do a lot of thinking about all of of this and we think you're going to lilke it.

A quick summary of the changes

1. Orange Tree bar - real and cocktails - now adjacent to The Musician Stage and with a view of the main stage

2. Rising Stage - now on the edge of The Village and running a bit later.

3. A new bar next to the Rising Stage

4. Comedy turning into a Silent Disco and running through to 1

5. Longer hours for spoken word

6. The Garden - a new sanctuary area.

plus a few other things that we're still finalising...

oh, and Andy would never forgive me if I didn't say

7. More venues than ever ( almost certainly on what is now called 'Fringe Thursday', with the buses running a bit later and to a published timetable from 7pm onwards on a much better route not blighted by roadworks!

on the downside, Kaybee's bench is now a table and chairs, but I think she'll be over it by August.

(with clique alert apologies for the the last few lines.. Mind you, if you're new to the festival, this entire post is borderline meaningless)

Edited May 26, 2009 by RichardH

[andyblack]

7 parties confirmed.

we're trying to make the last one (and seemingly most challenging) work as we speak.

so hopefully, yep 8 by the end of this week.

[Ed Leaf]

1. Orange Tree bar - real and cocktails - now adjacent to The Musician Stage and with a view of the main stage

[Kaybee]

Sorry not to have replied earlier.

Just to confirm that the campsite IS being divided into general and quiet and family.

on the downside, Kaybee's bench is now a table and chairs, but I think she'll be over it by August.

Edited May 27, 2009 by Kaybee

[fullfathom5]

I nearly asked if there was genetal camping instead of general camping. How wrong would that be?

[RichardH]

Whoa whoa whoa what? Is this some kind of ludicrous practical joke? "Kaybee's Table and Chairs" just sounds RUBBISH.

(I'm with Ed about being able to see the main stage from the Orange Tree bar though. Result.)

Back on topic re camping though (and yes I do know I am the Board "Camp Shhhh!" nazi, with my regular entreaties for people to pipe down), is it divided into two (general, family/quiet) or three (general, family, quiet)? (And yes, there is a difference if you as obsessed with getting lots of sleep as I am....)

Edited May 27, 2009 by RichardH

[RichardH]

yes I do know I am the Board "Camp Shhhh!" nazi, with my regular entreaties for people to pipe down

[Ed Leaf]

oh, and does outing oneself as a nazi invoke Godwin's Law I wonder?

[llcoolphil]

Whoa whoa whoa what? Is this some kind of ludicrous practical joke? "Kaybee's Table and Chairs" just sounds RUBBISH.

[vincent discoboots]

Fair point, we'll take that on board.

Now, about this bench. The bench does still exist, but is currently relocated. A quiet word with Mr Discoboots may result in it being returned for the festival. He may however wish to call a focus group and consult widely. He is very keen on ensuring that seating arrangements deliver excellence in every way, exceed expectations, and cater for all sections of the community.

[andyblack]

you appear to have forgotten the concept of equal opportunities for all council furniture.suggest we undertake a 3rd party review from independent consultants to assess preferred furniture type.i'll arrange a photo oppurtunity with bench,chairs and keith vaz!

[Ed Leaf]

Well beyond clique!

[JakeBoz]

Well that was entertaining to read back