Any other Mumsnet Greenbelters?

[ChuggaChuggaChooChoo]

I'm sure there must be an overlap between greenbelt-festival-goers and mumsnet people. We could just have a thread to share tips and ooh-go-and-see-this moments. We could even try to arrange a meetup if we're not all too busy festivalling.

If you were at the Peterson Toscano thing earlier and were constantly disturbed by someone trying unsuccessfully to keep their overtired 3-year-old quiet - sorry, that was me. But the performance was marvellous.

Do you let the kids stay up latelatelate or keep normal routine? Do you expect them to come along to grownup things and keep quiet or do you stick to child-friendly things?

I had such a good time! I'm just disappointed that I won't be able to go next year because the change in dates means it clashes with GCSE results day.

I went once in the early 1990s with friends from university. Then a 30 year break before going to Greenbelt 2022 with DH.

I loved everything about it except for the portaloos (which got blocked and out of action very quickly, causing queues for the few that weren't).

The things I liked most were the range of things on offer (I'm not a fan of loud rock music), the care for the environment (minimal single use plastic, no litter), the inclusiveness, and most of all the atmosphere (safe, friendly, kind).

I'd like to try other festivals but Greenbelt has set the bar very high. Does anyone have any recommendations for similar festivals that come vaguely close?

I've been going for years. Since 2002 or 2003. Still love it and go with freinds now my kids have stopped coming too - although depending on work they might come in future.

The portaloos got much better over the years - but this years were a blast from a very unpleasant past! I'm hoping next year is better on that front.

The weather was perfect this year and the nights mild. The 2019 heatwave was really too much sun for GB. 2012 was a mudbath and there's been a fair few wet/cold years at Boughton since.

I loved Communion and I loved the Hot House discos.

It was so special to be back 😇

I haven’t been for the last few years but I’d really like to go next year with DH. Love greenbelt.

I loved the range of stuff to do - going from The Menstrual Cramps punk band to Taize to the Glitter Ball gay disco on Sunday night was such a series of contrasts and I loved them all.

I had to do a double take when I saw Greenbelt trending in the active conversations.

I went! Was very good and I believe I'm still shattered 🤣

I also went to Creationfest in Cornwall which as lovely as it is - something about it makes me feel strange and uncomfortable. Greenbelt is so much more palatable and fun (and inclusive!)

Not-exactly-annual resurrection of a hardy-perennial thread - anyone else going this year?

I am.

I am too!

I'm going!
Particularly looking forward to The Indigo Girls and Oh My God! It's the Church! as well as Rumba de Bodas and Folk On.
And Beer & Hymns of course.

Because I enjoyed Greenbelt last year, I naively thought I would enjoy mainstream music festivals, so tried one in May. The experience confirmed for me that it's just Greenbelt I like, not festivals in general.

We're so excited that Folk On are back. We love them. And Harry and Chris. We loved the 'matchstick' sessions in the Hope and Anchor last year so hoping to get to them again.

Oh my God! Its the Church looks interesting. I need to have a proper look at the line up!

I am going for the first time. I’m volunteering so I am assuming I’ll be busy some of the time but still get to experience the atmosphere.

I’ve got to buy a tent and everything, any must-bring tips appreciated.

We're in a campervan, so I'm not an expert on tent camping essentials.

If you use Facebook, there's an 'Unofficial Greenbelt Festival' group with loads of advice from experienced Greenbelt people on what to bring etc.

Oooo holy shitballs. A Greenbelt thread!!!

Hello people... I cannot wait to get there this year.

Looking forward to seeing my people.

Were you the OP?

I had to smile because I was also at 2012, and i was 5 months pregnant with SPD. It was tough going.

More than anything though I am good friends with Peterson who you referenced in your post. He said that Greenbelt was his favourite thing ever - it was so entertaining.

Yes that was me (the 3 year old in question in the OP is now 14 and is a greenbelt regular, and unlikely to have an overtired tantrum while I am trying to listen to something interesting)

Peterson Toscano is brilliant and I hope it's not too many years before he next joins us at GB. Obviously it's a long way to travel but I hope worth it!

@erinaceus you don't need to bring as much as you would for a "normal" camping trip as you will generally be too busy to use most of what you bring.

As a volunteer you will have some meal vouchers - I wouldn't bother with bringing any cooking equipment. Bring basic non-fridge-requiring basics for breakfast and lunch (there an onsite shop selling milk each morning - we will buy a bottle each day, use what we can and what can't keep will go to waste or be shared with neighbouring tents. For lunches we will have packets of pitta bread and various tinned or jarred sandwich fillings that can be opened and used up same-day) - then you can use your vouchers for a nice dinner.

You won't be spending much time at your tent so as long as you have enough bedding to be comfy (it is very cold at 3am, bring a blanket) a set of dry clothes (keep one or two sets of clothes in a sealed plastic bag in case of waterlogging) and a torch, you will be fine.

Peterson isn't doing so much performing these days - he is more if a climate activist.

I can't go this year because of GCSE results :(

@DaisyWaldron we are picking up her GCSES and DD is then deciding whether she's coming with us or staying an extra night at home with friends..it's a bit annoying though - as we also need to sort Sixth Form sign ups before we leave.

Oh that's reminded me I need to let school know we want GCSE results via email !

I'm going again! (was stripey previously and have nc).
For camping advice a hot water bottle has been essential a few times - although the night time temps look ok ish at moment tbh. You can get them filled at the 24 hour cafe for a small contribution for hot water. A blanket and some sort of mattress to sleep on as well as a sleeping bag really helps. There is usually a camping shop on site if you need extras.
I'm older now so being comfortable at night is a necessity!

The Facebook group assures me that the toilets will be better this year - last year was grim!

Oh and take a small chair/stool if you find sitting on the ground difficult. Most venues don't have many seats although some of them have a few.

The toilets last year filled up / became blocked so quickly, they weren't really suitable for the volume of people at the festival.

I have heard that they are using a different company this year. I'm sure I read on the blog that there will be female urinals; hopefully this will be one of several options.

One of the things I always liked at Cheltenham was how good the toilets were. We went the first Boughton year, and I can't remember what they were like. So last year was a shock.

I have read somewhere that there will be sinks for hand-washing this year which will be good.

I'd recommend carrying toilet roll as there isn't always any there. And hand sanitiser.

I didn't know that about the 24 hour cafe @Fluffyhoglets do you know if they will fill reusable thermos cups there?

@erinaceus I'd be interested to hear how that goes, ds1 and I are considering volunteering next year.