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1. Confidence Man @ NX Newcastle  It had taken me to another world, the crowd lapped up every minute. We really couldn't ask for more    2. The 1975 @ Hydro Glasgow  I really hope they headline Glastonbury with this set. It's so ready for the pyramid. Peak of their powers.    3. Bruce Springsteen @ Stadium Of Light  Not a top fan, only recognised 5 outta 30 songs played. But I now understand everyone who's said he's magic. Intense and full of love set!   Shout outs Fontaines @ Hydro Glasgow  Arcade Fire @ Bilbao BBK Live  The Lemon Twigs @ The Grove Newcastle 

Er... it's your 60th, so it deserves suitable recognition and if you want to milk it a bit, so there's more than one celebratory event, then that's absolutely fine.  A birthday week or month is acceptable for such a milestone.    Doing both things might work out for the best anyway - you don't really want people dragging themselves to a festival just because they feel they should, to celebrate your birthday when they don't really want to go.  Party for that lot, festival for your chosen few I say.    And some of the best laid plans come after having a smoke, so no problem there. 

Another vote for Bearded, albeit it is right at the end of May.   Beardy is good if you like folk (I don't really, I went in 2020 and 2021 due to lack of alternatives and enjoyed myself but haven't felt the need to return since).  If you do go, be advised it has its own (bloody freezing) climate as it is about 2 miles above sea level.  (I may be exaggerating  but I have never been so cold at a festival).  I can't remember if you can take your own booze in but I do remember drinking some lovely Hobsons.   I know you are based in Shropshire, so you could delay your festival celebration until August and come along to Farmer Phil's.  Lovely tiny festival, though sadly doesn't allow your own booze any longer but beer is pub prices and admission is only £100 which includes a week's camping if you want to enjoy the Long Mynd before the festival.  So I don't mind paying for my beer on top.  

The Cult at wolves civic. Seen them dozens of times but they were really on top form this year. Me and my wife had a meal and a few bevvies before hand and then sat side on , front row about six or seven seats along on the balcony right above Billy Duffy. Got us both a bottle of wine each before they came on. Just about remember the whole gig. 

Bearded Theory (though technically the arse end of May) is the closest thing to Glasto I've been to...