More than the Music

As I watched the BBC's steadfast coverage at Glastonbury Festival last month it struck me that the music really isn't central  to the historic event. Naturally, any music festival that possesses organisers with enough tenacity to encourage a group of phenomenally successful 70-odd year olds as The Rolling Stones to headline it's Saturday slot means that something has to gone seriously right with it's Main (Pyramid) stage, but in my eyes, it wasn't that that put it a cut above it's up and coming festival competition. It's that Glastonbury really is more than just about the music, and other festivals should take note!

You can enjoy such attractions as the spectacular Arcadia, Shangri La's heaven or hell or even a visit to Worthy farm's very own Arctic Circle thanks to Greenpeace! But it's not just Glasto that's managed to embrace this free-for-all of fun. With the prestigious award of Best Major Festival 2012 at the UK Festival Awards going to Bestival, it is clear the Isle of Wight's once very much secondary music festival has embraced this all-encompassing festival experience. With enough of a line-up to wet the appetite of virtually every music fan this year, with the most dissimilar but hotly anticipated headline sets from Elton John, Snoop Dogg and Fatboy Slim, whilst the festivals infamous Club Dada keeps those hoping for more of a disorientating festival experience entertained! The four-day event also boasts a  fully-fledged amphitheatre, numerous art exhibitions and an inflatable church, and yes you can get married there!

I recall watching one of BBC Three's later-night reports at Glastonbury a couple of years ago an attraction where you essentially had to walk through a house, brimming with very convincing actors to arrive at the core of what can only be described as a very rowdy-rave. But it all does beg the question, how much of all this is really necessary? Pukkelpop, yes the one that was devestated by an horrific thunderstorm 2 years ago, where the stage collapsed claiming 5 people's lives, has sold-out, whilst both Reading & Leeds, as well as Bestival have failed to. With Pukkelpop, offering both the somewhat notorious Eminem and The Prodigy, whilst the beloved XX close the weekend, are headliners all that matters?

Ultimately, it varies from person to person, for some, seeing their favourite artists is absolutely everything, whilst for others, trying and seeing different experiences are what it's all about - personally I'd recommend a festival that offers the best of both!

                                         Bestival's amphitheatre setting in 2012