First Timer!

[melis]

hi guys, I just wanted some advice as this will be the first festival I'm going to!

I'm 18 and am going with another mate, but need info on like where to camp/ what to bring etc...

Any info would be great!

[joe1990]

first thing to do when you get into reading, have a good look at my shitty ring piece then have a sniff, give it a lick. then f.u.c.u.k off.

[kaosmark2]

first thing to do when you get into reading, have a good look at my shitty ring piece then have a sniff, give it a lick. then f.u.c.u.k off.

[jump]

Why? Just why bother?

[johnmcga]

Why? Just why bother?

If you want to have a loud atmosphere and stay up all night, camp nearer the arena, if you want some sleep, camp further away. Some people have favourite campsites, but that's the main thing.

In terms of what to bring, I think there's an advice thread around somewhere. Try the search function, but ultimately, bring what you want. Tent/sleeping bag/ticket/wallet are obvious. At Reading you can pick up most things you want/need from Tesco (bog roll, booze, food), so you should be OK if you forget most things. If you decide to cook stuff, make sure to bring things like tin openers etc. Ultimately there's not many true necessities, but a basic rule is the more prepared you are and more stuff you bring, the less money you have to spend at the fest, but the more you have to carry there and back.

[kaosmark2]

That's true ... but a word of warning: the first festival I ever did I took way too much stuff. You really regret it when you have to lug it miles across a load of fields (and in my case to and from the train, too!).

These days I take booze, a few t-shirts, a couple of hoodies to stay warm, comfy shoes, a waterproof and lots of pairs of socks, and that's about it. Oh - and gaffer tape and binbags. You can sort virtually anything out with those.

(Although do bear in mind I'm old and a bit sensible these days, so you might prefer to replace the waterproof and extra socks with something more exciting...)

[rug568]

I would camp in Yellow or Purple. Yellow is closer so more rowdy and I really like Purple, it has a really nice atmosphere. But you would have to get there on Thursday morning if you want a realistic chance of getting in.

I would only bring a tent and a couple of changes of cloths. Bring wellies and a waterproof top. Try them on before hand, i took a pair that was too small and only realised on Friday morning when the camp had turned into a quagmire.

Don't take any food or alcohol. Go to tescos and buy it there, it's a very short walk.

[Avens]

We used to trek into the Waitrose in Caversham (this was 2007)...is there a Tesco closer now?

[gooner1990]

We used to trek into the Waitrose in Caversham (this was 2007)...is there a Tesco closer now?

[Avens]

Ah right. I think we just walked the other way. We used to do the Caversham trek from 2004 - 2007 for the Waitrose, but also for the god-sent wonder that was the Wetherspoons Breakfast and Wetherspoons Poo.

[melis]

Ah Thanks for the comments guys! As for the Joe guy, I think he's on the wrong kinda website.

[SammyNHunter]

Hope you enjoy. My tips :

- go with mates you trust - made a bad mistake on my second go - ended up on my own as they f'ked off and left me When I got ill

- don't overestimate your appetite/stamna for partying - camp somewhere quieter first time, give yourself a chance to find your level. Some of us ned sleep more rhan others

- give yourself a few days of plain-ish food beforehand. I once had the sh!ts on the way, not much fun despite my mates ceaseless laughter as I trvelled bog class

- take a waterproof jacket

- tale penty of socks

- take wellies - i resisted at first but had a revelation one year - dry feet are not to be sniffed at, wet feet will knock you out - try to wear your wellies in a bit beforehand - welly football is good, it will make them more comy plus add gel insoles

- most of all relax and enjoy - there no rules about what you must see or do

Edited June 9, 2012 by SammyNHunter

[glasto-worker]

be sure you bring suitable ID with you as its likely you will be asked for it at the bars

http://www.readingfe.../food_and_drink#

[glasto-worker]

Also if you are driving I know of a good car park which is right next door to the main entrance of the main stage

They are charging £10 for a day ticket and £20 for a weekend ticket which will cover you from the Thursday to the Monday.

And it has 24 hour security!!

Stadium Way Industrial Estate, just off Wigmore Lane RG30 6BX. I also believe you can pre-book and can supply the number if anyone needs it.

Hope it helps

[Paulyfox9]

Hi Glasto worker

No, was just trying to be helpful but not that bothered if no one listens, just means I wont have trouble parking there.

I do know the site as I use one of the businesses in the industrial estate.

Like I said just trying to be helpful but maybe you know more about the entrances than I do so by all means everyone listen to Glasto Worker and find a car park near the other main entrance.

[Bisque]

I hate first timers, they are usually the ones that get in your way when your in a hurry (like first timers on the underground).

[LondonTom]

I hate first timers, they are usually the ones that get in your way when your in a hurry (like first timers on the underground).

[johnmcga]

I hate first timers, they are usually the ones that get in your way when your in a hurry (like first timers on the underground).

[micawber]

wet wipes and bank card

[Bisque]

They're also the new blood that keeps the festival alive!

[just-spence]

iv not been for the weekend since 2005 ... really looking forward to it.. im guessing loads has changed ... we use to camp in the first field you came to from the entrance where the ticket office was .. think it was called camp site B ..

dont take any thing you dont want to loose or beak ..

no point in taking loads of food with you as reading town center is a 10min walk from the festival ..

dont take wellys .. walking boots are far better .. they dont come off if its muddy and a good pair are just as water proof ..

if all the shit kicks off like it use too just stand back and watch .. no need to panic ..

Edited August 20, 2012 by just-spence

[Mega Ross]

dont take wellys .. walking boots are far better .. they dont come off if its muddy and a good pair are just as water proof ..

[hero167]

Great now you are of 18 years. You must remember that you care yourself during the festivals.

Although your parents also available with their but be conscious.