Questions - I'm new to festivals

[mrbrightside1421]

Hi, this is my first ever festival I'm going to and have lots of Qs,

 

When is the alternative stage? (Like the times and stuff as it's not on clashfinder)

Where is the silent disco, and what time does it happen? Can one day people go into the silent disco?

 

How do we know where and when the secret set is? And will we find out who the secret set is if you buy the timetable or do you have to go to it and find out then?
 

Where are security in the main area? Will they check bags and stuff when you enter a stage e.g. main stage? because a friend of mine wants to bring a pool lilo or a small inflatable raft to crowdsurf on, if that's possible in any way?

 

What is there to do after the headlining act has finished? 

 

How do I get out of a crowd mid set, e.g if I want to see another act or need the toilet?

 

And finally, when should I get to an act if I want to see them and have a decent place in the crowd to see them? 10 mins before or what?

 

 

Thanks!

[tyranicide]

Hi, this is my first ever festival I'm going to and have lots of Qs,

When is the alternative stage? (Like the times and stuff as it's not on clashfinder)

I think it runs from when the arena opens till about 6pm - then later on it is used for the silent disco

Where is the silent disco, and what time does it happen? Can one day people go into the silent disco?

Theres a few silent discos, theres one in the main arena in the alternative tent that I think one day people can use. Theres a couple more in the campsite that they probably can't use. I think they start at 12am and go on till 4am but I could be wrong.

How do we know where and when the secret set is? And will we find out who the secret set is if you buy the timetable or do you have to go to it and find out then?

IF there is a secret set it probably won't be on the timetable, unless the band is there under a different name. Last year there was a gap on the timetable, and it was posted on the Facebook earlier in the day that it was Jamie T. Theres sometimes surprise sets on the BBC Introducing which I think you can find out about by looking at the chalkboard in front of it which has the times.

Where are security in the main area? Will they check bags and stuff when you enter a stage e.g. main stage? because a friend of mine wants to bring a pool lilo or a small inflatable raft to crowdsurf on, if that's possible in any way?

The security in the main arena are on the entrances, theyll probably check your bags but your friend might be allowed to get it in. You can just walk from stage to stage without security, there aren't like specific entrances for different stages.

What is there to do after the headlining act has finished?

At Reading there isn't really any music etc after the headlining / closing act except the silent disco.

How do I get out of a crowd mid set, e.g if I want to see another act or need the toilet?

And finally, when should I get to an act if I want to see them and have a decent place in the crowd to see them? 10 mins before or what?

Depends on what you veiw a decent place as, and the band and stage. For a headliner to get a decent place youd probably need to turn up for the band before but for other bands 10 minutes could get you a good spot.

Thanks!

[mrbrightside1421]

Awesome, thanks!
 

[manicmig]

On the BBC introducing stage you can usually work out a secret set time as there is a larger gap between published sets on the timetable. Usually an artist higher up the bill on a larger stage who do a few intimate numbers. Saw 1975 @Reading2013 which was a nice surprise.

[bca]

Always take a quick glance at twitter in the morning. Billie Joe tweeted something like "Reading festival, NME Tent, 30 mins" one morning. Best secret set ever as hardly anyone knew about it! 

 

Green day - READING FESTIVAL CONFIRMED!! On stage in 45 minutes! In the NME / RADIO 1 tent. 11am!! Be there!

— Billie Joe Armstrong (@BJAofficial)

August 25, 2012

Edited August 18, 2015 by bca