Flags - any point in going to the Pyramid?

[Scotdy]

I love the flags, they are one part of the Glastonbury experience and really add to the atmosphere around the Pyramid stage.

Just imagine no flags, it would be like one of those zero atmospheric concerts I have seen at Hyde park.

[vestan pance]

I blame the Welsh.

[drunk pumpkin]

I blame the Welsh.

[amfy]

I remember when there was no flags and the atmosphere was exactly the same as it is today

[grumpyhack]

I blame the Welsh.

[Boris]

I only felt like you weren't really intrigued in that I appreciate that you already have a firm stance on this and I don't think anyone could say anything "intriguing" enough to change your mind - which is fair enough.

I guess I am also very much of the perspective that they are there, I don't think they are going anywhere, so I think it's a good idea to try and "positively re-frame" them as part of the Glastonbury experience, rather than detract from your experience with resentment of how other people enjoy it.

That's not to say I don't understand why people get angry about flags, just something about "The courage to change the things I can, the serenity to accept the things I can't, and the wisdom to know the difference."

Serenity is the only way forward, Glastonbury is too short to be angry!

[4AssedMonkey]

Amfy, that was so well put Ive actually changed my mind.

Seriously.

[DeanoL]

Here's the thing with this entire debate. Unless you have no interest whatsoever in being able to see the band at all, everyone has a threshold.

When I first went in 2003 they looked cool, even if they were a minor annoyance at times, you'd just move.

Over the years, there were more and more of them. Every year, more and more people would come on here moaning about them.

In 2009, it got ridiculous. There was a flag-selling place on site and you couldn't see a thing at the big stages. The BBC were struggling to get wide-shots during Springsteen. People even had flags at the smaller stages. And in tents for crying out loud.

There were a whole lot of people on here after the 2009 festival saying "well I never minded the flags before, but this year it was ridiculous".

2010 was a lot better, due to the place selling flags on site not being there anymore I'd imagine. We'll have to see what happens this year.

The point is, there's no need to be absolutist either way. We all have a limit, some other people's might be lower or higher than yours. Just have to find a compromise.

[Alcatraz]

I was speculating last year, watching it on TV when the BBC would just ditch the camera shot they've got set up at the mixing desk. But as people have said, getting to the front of the Pyramid is surprisingly easy if you're on your own or theres just a few of you

[budvar]

I seem to remember ME saying something about the BBC bringing the issue up with him after 2009, which is why we saw requests about it last year. I didn't see anything actually done but the situation was better, I suspect because the average Glasto goer has the decency to consider others when asked to.

If it's like last year that'll be fine; it certainly won't ruin my Glasto either way.

[Spindles]

Yeah, after 2009 the campaigns against primarily litter and also flags were effective. 2009 was an all time low for litter, in my opinion, at least as well as flags.

I appreciate the laid back, libertarian policy the festival have towards things, asking people to behave, rather than forcing them to.

[Lilmiz]

I don't think flags are needed at the main stages and yes they do get in the way but the thing that annoys and freaks me out the most is drunk people walking around with lit flares!! Especially in the middle of a Glasto shuffle! Please...drunk people....put down your flares!