Festivals

It's winter - unfortunately there's no festivals around at the moment. But no reason to worry, for tickets are already on sale for some major British festivals... Download.. Reading... I'm sure V Festival will be on sale soon too. Lots of reasons to start wiping the dust off your tent and invest in some wellies soon (if you haven't already done so due to this disgusting English weather!). So, what is a music festival? There really isn't any other way to describe other than lots of people getting together to enjoy the music they love. A range of festivals are available nowadays - jazz, folk ... more

UPDATED 21st October 2006 Today is Diwali so what better time to write about this amazing Hindu festival? Diwali is a perfect time to visit India as the whole country is full of celebration and splendour (although if you're like me and don't like the sound of fireworks, it could get a bit too much to handle). Banks close around Diwali time in India so be warned about banking and even though businesses close their books and open new books, people are so busy celebrating that a lot of businesses will be closed during the Diwali period - a bit like a lot of businesses close here in the UK from ... more

I have been to Glastonbury twice now, and have loved every second of it. My only other festival experience is the Woodford Folk Festival in Australia, which is great, but mini by comparison. The key to Glastonbury is preparation and planning. You need to arrive early. If you can't get there by Thursday morning, the next best thing is to find mates going up early who can put your tent up for you. The days before the festival are just as good as the festival itself. There's a great vibe, because everyone is just so stoked to be there. There is so much going on, and it's a good way to get to know ... more

It's V festival this weekend and Reading and Leeds the weekend after so I thought I'd bring this to the fore for anyone planning a trip to either. I'll be at Reading as usual so anyone going let me know. ******************** The festival season is coming to an end with only a few weeks remaining, so I have decided to combine my 150th Op on Ciao with a guide to festival survival. I didn’t intend on making this 150 I was just going to pass it by but hey never mind that music op will have to wait till 151. For the purpose of this op, I’m going to draw on my experience from Reading Festival over ... more

The music festival season is now well and truly upon us despite the lack of Glastonbury Festival this year due to foot and mouth disease risks. Myself I am a Reading Festival fan, choosing to go for the whole weekend and the complete camping experience so I will try to focus on aspects of both the camping side and the festivals themselves in this guide. Of course, beginning with stating the obvious, before you head off excitingly don’t forget your camping gear – tent, sleeping bags, torch, etc – and make sure you have your tickets too! Obvious stuff, but it’s amazing ... more