I'm sure this has been asked a million times, but...

[4AssedMonkey]

Up until this summer I was a festival virgin and then went to Glastonbury after 10 years of "thinking about it". I loved it and have bought a ticket for next year at 9-sharp this morning.

The thing I liked most about this years experience was the weird and wonderful wanderings. Walking round with a pint, exploring odd performing arts experiences I would never normally go looking for. I also thought the vibe was generally good and chatted to more strangers and made more friends in 5 days than I probably have in 5 years.

My question to the experienced festivalers here is which other festivals have that same mix of chilled out attendees and bizarre yet wonderful sideshows that for me, made Glasto what it is. If the answer is none, then so be it, but I'm dead eager to try a few more and your guidance would be appreciated.

[geztival_09]

Still a complete festival virgin so can't answer your question I'm afraid...but what you've just said has made me feel really excited! thanks lol

[Dark Star]

Still a complete festival virgin so can't answer your question I'm afraid...but what you've just said has made me feel really excited! thanks lol

[JaguarSkills]

Up until this summer I was a festival virgin and then went to Glastonbury after 10 years of "thinking about it". I loved it and have bought a ticket for next year at 9-sharp this morning.

The thing I liked most about this years experience was the weird and wonderful wanderings. Walking round with a pint, exploring odd performing arts experiences I would never normally go looking for. I also thought the vibe was generally good and chatted to more strangers and made more friends in 5 days than I probably have in 5 years.

My question to the experienced festivalers here is which other festivals have that same mix of chilled out attendees and bizarre yet wonderful sideshows that for me, made Glasto what it is. If the answer is none, then so be it, but I'm dead eager to try a few more and your guidance would be appreciated.

[meatyparson]

Isle of Wight has a nice vibe to it, avoid Reading & V not very friendly imho.

[TalkShow Bob]

The Big Chill is my fave festival after Glastonbury (and sometimes before). Its got everything you want, stuff to explore and strange sideshow things to see. Its set in the grounds of Eastnor Castles deer park so has the most amazing site as well.

[ukslim]

Bestival, while being much smaller, has a similar camping arrangement to Glastonbury, and a similar eclecicism, with sideshows etc. It doesn't have the whole hippy/green thing going on though.

Festivals I haven't been to, that tempt me:

- Green Man

- Beautiful Days

- End of the Road

[4AssedMonkey]

The Big Chill is my fave festival after Glastonbury (and sometimes before). Its got everything you want, stuff to explore and strange sideshow things to see. Its set in the grounds of Eastnor Castles deer park so has the most amazing site as well.

[paulo999]

If you have any liking for Dance music (at all!), I'd recommend the Glade.

A very very up for it crowd, lots of attention to detail, very tidy and clean, despite some people being very munted!

Much easier site to navigate than say Bestival. Partly due to being smaller, but also because it's the optimal shape... round, not linear.

[HurrahBrother]

I think there is a Camp Bestival around the same time of year.

Latitude gets some good comment.

Secret Garden Party, that was my plan "no ticket" but it is now another year I won't get to try that rather attractive sounding delight this year.

The Sunrise celebration is a good event as well, I can say that from experience.

Truck has a good reputation as well.

Glade and the Big Chill, I have heard lots of good.

Global Gathering, the year I went was good music wise, but some rubbish facilities, poor food vendors, confused security and some of the wrong kind of 'attitude' from some of the punters tarnished it for me. If you do GG, camp at the edges, of the site the people are much nicer and its not jammed packed.

Edited October 6, 2009 by HurrahBrother

[Phunkyapple]

Green Man festival in Wales has a nice vibe with a mixed selection of music.

[mortosaurus]

Went to Lowlands last year after going to Glasto for more than 10 years. Okay so it's in Holland (which helps...!) but was very relaxed, very colourful and everyone was very nice and happy. Got on really well with loads of Durtch people too (they are so friendly).