Going on your own, but not alone - a strategy!

[bennyhana22]

Hi guys

So, 2015 will be my first Glastonbury and, because he's a bit of a tit, my usual festival/gig buddy is not going!

I'be been to three festivals on my own (2 x Latitude and 1 x EOTR) and, whilst having had a great time at each, it's still not quite the same for me, as the shared experiences is what makes being at a festival just about my favourite place on the planet. I've also known some people at all of my 'solo' festivals, so over the course of the weekend, I'd meet people here and there, or watch a set with them etc.

I'm ridiculously excited about Glastonbury, but am slightly anxious that I don't want my first one to be entirely without a feeling of spending time with others. I know there are threads that come up about those going alone etc, but I have been thinking about a strategy...see what you think.

My plan is to look at the line up when it comes out, sort out the main musical acts that I want to see, based on how badly I want to see them and the logistics of stage times and locations etc.

Then I'm going to post my provisional 'plan' as a call out to any like-minded people who might want some company too and maybe see themselves as somewhat musical kindred spirits, based on the stuff I like. I imagine myself spending a lot of time at The Park, Willam's Green, Acoustic etc.

What d'ya think?

Good idea? Sad desperation? Bit of both?!

My ambition would not be to tie up with people for the whole festival, but maybe to have a realistic expectation of seeing some nice people a few times - even 'let's meet up at the right side of The Park stage 10 minutes before so-and-so comes on'.

My plan is to target only a small number of must-sees, rather than attempt the usual ridiculous schedule that I always end up creating (43 bands at Green Man this year...), as I want to try to see 'something' of pretty much the whole site over the course of the 4-5 days.

What say you, veterans?

Ben

x

[Yoghurt on a Stick]

Hi guys

So, 2015 will be my first Glastonbury and, because he's a bit of a tit, my usual festival/gig buddy is not going!

I'be been to three festivals on my own (2 x Latitude and 1 x EOTR) and, whilst having had a great time at each, it's still not quite the same for me, as the shared experiences is what makes being at a festival just about my favourite place on the planet. I've also known some people at all of my 'solo' festivals, so over the course of the weekend, I'd meet people here and there, or watch a set with them etc.

I'm ridiculously excited about Glastonbury, but am slightly anxious that I don't want my first one to be entirely without a feeling of spending time with others. I know there are threads that come up about those going alone etc, but I have been thinking about a strategy...see what you think.

My plan is to look at the line up when it comes out, sort out the main musical acts that I want to see, based on how badly I want to see them and the logistics of stage times and locations etc.

Then I'm going to post my provisional 'plan' as a call out to any like-minded people who might want some company too and maybe see themselves as somewhat musical kindred spirits, based on the stuff I like. I imagine myself spending a lot of time at The Park, Willam's Green, Acoustic etc.

What d'ya think?

Good idea? Sad desperation? Bit of both?!

My ambition would not be to tie up with people for the whole festival, but maybe to have a realistic expectation of seeing some nice people a few times - even 'let's meet up at the right side of The Park stage 10 minutes before so-and-so comes on'.

My plan is to target only a small number of must-sees, rather than attempt the usual ridiculous schedule that I always end up creating (43 bands at Green Man this year...), as I want to try to see 'something' of pretty much the whole site over the course of the 4-5 days.

What say you, veterans?

Ben

x

If I were going alone I think I'd hook up with people who are going solo but meeting as a group, and then see if anyone wants to join you for specific acts etc.I think trying to gather a group together who all want to see the acts that you want to go to is a bit ambitious.

[bennyhana22]

Thanks, Yog

I don't think I expressed that very well!

It was more about finding out if there were soloists, or small groups who were likely to be at the same sort of stuff as me, so as to try to meet up from time to time - e.g. maybe target a couple of acts on this stage etc., rather than trying to coordinate a whole gang into following my itinerary!

Even I'm not that arrogant!

Ben

Edited December 28, 2014 by bennyhana22

[Yoghurt on a Stick]

Thanks, Yog

I don't think I expressed that very well!

It was more about finding out if there were soloists, or small groups who were likely to be at the same sort of stuff as me, so as to try to meet up from time to time - e.g. maybe target a couple of acts on this stage etc., rather than trying to coordinate a whole gang into following my itinerary!

Even I'm not that arrogant!

Ben

Hello Ben

My apologies - I really wasn't trying to express that you were arrogant. I think I did misread your post a little though. Now, having greater clarity my advice would be why not give it a go and see what happens. You'll not know unless you try. I still think that camping with a bunch of other soloists might be of benefit, in terms of comraderie as well as potential tent security. Just saying that you could do both really.

Anyway, I wish you the greatest of fun.

PS - Use the lock ups to store money, 'medication' and valuables. Only take out what you need for the day / night. I'm sure you've probably read it already, but just in case, here's a load of useful information on the festival;

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

[bennyhana22]

Hello Ben

My apologies - I really wasn't trying to express that you were arrogant. I think I did misread your post a little though. Now, having greater clarity my advice would be why not give it a go and see what happens. You'll not know unless you try. I still think that camping with a bunch of other soloists might be of benefit, in terms of comraderie as well as potential tent security. Just saying that you could do both really.

Anyway, I wish you the greatest of fun.

PS - Use the lock ups to store money, 'medication' and valuables. Only take out what you need for the day / night. I'm sure you've probably read it already, but just in case, here's a load of useful information on the festival;

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

Oh crikey - no apology required, Yog! I wasn't in any way suggesting that you were casting aspersions!!

And thanks for the link - I have been a lurker here for years, being a reasonably seasoned festival goer, albeit still a Glastonbury virgin for another 6 months! And yes, Glastoearth is quite magnificent. I have thought that I would target Dairy for my camping location - just seems like a good location for me - good for The Park, not too bad for the SE corner etc. I will be spending a lot of time at the latter, I'm sure as my two great festival loves are watching 'my kind' of music (alt-folk/experimental/post rock/indie stuff) and dancing like a lunatic to minimalist dance music until stupid o'clock.

Ben

Edited December 28, 2014 by bennyhana22

[bexj]

I think its a good idea, but the biggest problem will be finding somewhere to meet a complete stranger near a stage when you don't know the site. Its really easy to misinterpret locations at Glastonbury, and id advise mobile phone contact to keep in touch.

[grumpyhack]

There's no such thing as being alone at Glasto - unless you want to be. Just pitch up, make friends with your neighbours, share a drink or a cup of something and you'll be away.

There will be some E-Fests meets organised closer to the time, just watch out for the discussions.

Other than that you need, as bexj has suggested, some places to meet up. (But not in front of the Pyramid stage - no chance). There are some Meeting Points around the site but it might be at a particular bar or the Cider Bus.

When we go as a gang we quite often go our separate ways through the day but arrange one or two meet ups if there are particular things we all want to see together. So, again, meet up beforehand, away from the crowd and then go in together.

[bennyhana22]

Thanks for the replies, all.

I'll look out for threads as we get closer to June.

And I don't reckon there'll be too many times when I'll even want to be in front of the Pyramid Stage, grumpyhack!

Ben

[carlosj]

Hey Ben, good luck with your plans, as mr hack says, try the early efestivals meets to meet up with people. Bear in mind that the network is pants on site so plan your wishlist on clashfinder (music and otherwise) before, publicise it and see who wants to join in. It will be hard to post and refer to Internet plans in real time. Arranging meets is easy by text, get to the stage and look for a flag or speaker stand, and direct your mates there. Simples.

edit. I suggest you book things in to the lockers in batches, as staff can't split items and you'll spend time booking the spare stuff back in. Then photograph the slips for proof if you lose the sheets. Then make a donation for the free lockups.

Edited December 28, 2014 by carlosj

[H.M.V]

Personally I think you're mad trying to arrange to meet people/strangers just before a gig you like and this is speaking as a solo first timer from last year.

Its way too easy to get distracted and sidetracked.

We had a solo camping group last year and it worked out brilliantly. About 20 people from all over the place met up and camped together. I didn't even meet everyone in the group. Like minded people went off and checked out gigs together that they were interested in and then a lot of the time people just did their own thing.

Made some great friends and will be going with some again this year. Good times.

I would suggest getting involved or starting a thread of your own closer to the time and to see if that works. As Yog said its great for security and a bit of camaraderie in the morning to chat about your previous escapades the day before.

[bennyhana22]

Thanks again, guys

Yeah, I'm sure I will look to join one of the solo camping groups, H.M.V. I did that (with a friend, actually) at my first EOTR and made friends that I've seen at many other festivals over the years. I guess the comparative enormity of Glastonbury might have made me think that it was less likely. I guess it's just the same, but on a monumentally bigger scale!

Ben

[jeffie]

And Ben, be sure that the NFR NFC collective will welcome you warmly. As long as you aren't some sort of r@!n loving weirdo of course.

[phil the shrew]

If you get on site on the Wednesday or Thursday you will probably naturally meet up with like minded people before the music starts and can arrange to meet up with people at different parts of the site anyway

Also you will naturally meet like minded people at different sets and get chatting to them, particularly at the smaller stages, so don't worry about being too organised!

I know it's said a lot on here but it's really true the best Glasto experiences do come from bumbling about and finding unexpected stuff and people. You will have an amazing time

[The 38 year old virgin]

Hey Ben,

I'll definitely be on my own next year, and am looking to camp near friendlies of some description. This can maybe be the thread where peeps in a similar position can get together and camp in a similar spot together and have a reccy each morning to see what's what for the day.

Dairy was my campsite last year but will fill up quickly. I've posted in the liftshare thread as well, might this be of interest?

Anyway, either pm me or reply here if we can organise a solo camp

[Gnomicide]

We had a solo camping group last year and it worked out brilliantly. About 20 people from all over the place met up and camped together. I didn't even meet everyone in the group...

You did meet everyone, you just can't remember

Hi Ben.

I was part of the group that met up as a result of a thread on these boards. Mainly because of the efforts of others, it was very well organised. Those there first thing met in a pre arranged spot and set up camp, even setting up tents for some of the late arrivers. Wednesday afternoon was spent chatting, drinking, making room as more turned up and then some headed off for the eFests meet.

No pressure to join in with anything you didn't want to do, some stuck together, some went there own way but it was good to have people around to chat to each morning.

Well worth the effort to pull something together.

Edited December 29, 2014 by Gnomicide

[MsPacman]

@bennyhana22 I'm in a similar situation, first Glastonbury alone and a little bit apprehensive about parts of it. Last year I was with a group but did see some of the threads H.M.V mentioned. I think I'll be looking out for a camp for people going alone too!

[Yoghurt on a Stick]

I think I'll be looking out for a camp for people going alone too!

I've only heard good reports about Camp Ralph at Glastonbury, which is a collection of people going solo at the festival but wanting to meet up with others in the same boat. Worth looking in to closer to the time I'd say.

[ads1980]

Hi mate, you are more than welcome to tag along with us. There will be 6/7 of us and we all tend to go and see different things anyway. The more the merrier I say

[Bisque]

I fully recommend going to the efests meet up on Wednesday. There's usually talk of an efest camp but haven'y been or know where it is.

Best to meet up somewhere away from the stages, maybe a nearby bar (we use the Brothers Bar as its nearish the middle of the site so convenient for mates camped in other parts) well before the band is on & get a couple of swift drinks in.

You'll be fine. Crack open a cider, pitch your tent & likelihood your neighbours will be having a few drinks too. Just ask who they are looking forward to seeing & there's your in.

I normally arrive around 16:00 on Wednesday so often end up camped next to random strangers due to limited space. All have been lovely & welcoming ageing from 17 to 40. Invites round for pre-drinks, going to the late night areas, dying outside our tents in the morning.

Prob best not to advertise your drug taking habits until you suss them out if you are that way inclined.

[Yoghurt on a Stick]

Let's not beat around the bush - you are going to have a ball Ben.

Enjoy.

[bennyhana22]

Well...!

Without sounding too wet, I actually felt myself welling up a tad reading some of the incredibly kind things people have posted! To all above, thank you for taking the trouble - esp. Yogurt, as a bit of a forum legend, and Gnomicide who answers kindly to everything I ever post! I have no doubt I will be able to meet loads of people.

And yes, it certainly does seem worth the effort to try to make sure that there is a location for some people to head for, to set up a camp. I'm on the coach from Birmingham. I was one of the Wednesday 15000! I even emailed See Coaches to ask if I could be put on the earliest coach - got a couple of not-rude-but-not-encouraging 'can't do that' responses from the general See people, until someone from the See Coaches section replied saying that they really liked my email (I said I wanted to be as early as poss to experience as much as poss!) and would try to get me on the earliest - this year it was 0715h on the Wednesday.

So, if my plan works, I hope to be there late morning on the Wed, to head for wherever we decide Base Camp Alpha should be!

I'll take it upon myself to be very proactive in the run up to the festival, take a guide from the established soloists' camp threads and either tie up with them or try to make something happen on here. It would be lovely to be with lots of eFesters as, even if we're not going to watch the same stuff, there will be loads of people with whom to TALK about it all - and in my social circle, I've got very few people who know anything about music beyond MOR chart stuff...

VERY excited, now. Thanks, guys!

Ben

[ads1980]

Nice one! I have made some great friends from Glastonbury festival over the years. Without actively looking either and I have some great memories from things we/I have seen/done with complete strangers. So like I say, you are more than welcome to tag along with us. We are a good bunch and we have no problem in splitting up to go and watch our own things and then meeting back up afterwards. I am sure you will have the best time ever!

[ads1980]

Oh and also, your festival buddy doesnt realise what he is missing out on. Wait until you tell him you have made loads more festival buddies!

[Yoghurt on a Stick]

Well...!

Without sounding too wet, I actually felt myself welling up a tad reading some of the incredibly kind things people have posted! To all above, thank you for taking the trouble - esp. Yogurt, as a bit of a forum legend, and Gnomicide who answers kindly to everything I ever post! I have no doubt I will be able to meet loads of people.

And yes, it certainly does seem worth the effort to try to make sure that there is a location for some people to head for, to set up a camp. I'm on the coach from Birmingham. I was one of the Wednesday 15000! I even emailed See Coaches to ask if I could be put on the earliest coach - got a couple of not-rude-but-not-encouraging 'can't do that' responses from the general See people, until someone from the See Coaches section replied saying that they really liked my email (I said I wanted to be as early as poss to experience as much as poss!) and would try to get me on the earliest - this year it was 0715h on the Wednesday.

So, if my plan works, I hope to be there late morning on the Wed, to head for wherever we decide Base Camp Alpha should be!

I'll take it upon myself to be very proactive in the run up to the festival, take a guide from the established soloists' camp threads and either tie up with them or try to make something happen on here. It would be lovely to be with lots of eFesters as, even if we're not going to watch the same stuff, there will be loads of people with whom to TALK about it all - and in my social circle, I've got very few people who know anything about music beyond MOR chart stuff...

VERY excited, now. Thanks, guys!

Ben

It is unfortunate but I appear to have ran out of up votes. Thank you for your kind words Ben. Just wondering - are you a Brummie or are you having to travel to Birmingham to meet the coach details of your ticket?

[Bisque]

Read this buddy...

Tort's Glastonbury FAQ

It's like an almanac.

Getting to know a group will definitely help you navigate around better but I wouldn't worry as its nice getting lost occasionally during the day, especially if you feel you aren't getting to see enough of the site & all the other bits & bobs going on. I felt I wasted too much time at camp this year dossing with friends whereas before I'd be exploring & meeting up with them later.

What music are you into Ben?