There’s music in the air – Electronic Music Festival
Ah yes, it is that time of the year again. You find yourself dusting off the camping gear, and cancelling the Friday afternoon appointments, because a magical festival of fun awaits you.
Best get there early, beat the traffic and set up before dark. Nothing threatens your good vibes more than hunting for a spot amongst the evening chaos while the second band is already ripping up main stage.
Get ready!
Here’s hoping your wallet survived the festive season, because we’ve got a hell of summer coming. Up the Creek was first in line, and they had some great old favourites nestled in the line-up. Pity you had to choose between that and Origin, which was rocking Helderstoom on the same weekend. If you missed them both, have no fear.
Next up is the Cape Town Electronic Music Festival, but don’t bother packing away your disco whistle, because Ultra Music is right after. The Flamjangled Tea Party hits us at the end of February, with big brother RAMfest hot on its heels. You’ll barely have time to re-stock the cooler.
So what do you have to remember? Everything!
Must haves for the festival season
The first things to pack are sunblock, back-up sunblock, and a pair of dark glasses you won’t mind losing (don’t ask). Next you throw in some aspirin. Getting dehydrated is almost a given, and you don’t want a headache spoiling your sense of adventure. First Aid is provided in main festival areas, but pack your own band aids, antiseptic cream and antihistamine so that you don’t have to bug the medics with every mishap. If you seriously must sleep, pack sleeping pills as well. Just be careful about mixing them with alcohol.
Once you’ve got the small stuff sorted, grab a foldable chair, some ground cover and your tent. Make sure you have the pegs before you leave home.
Last year’s festival season was ages ago, and let’s be honest, you weren’t exactly taking inventory when you packed up camp. A lot of festivals have separate areas for parking and camping, but if they don’t, bakkie canopies are perfect little mobile homes. Just find a parking spot, turn off the engine, and crack a beer. Another bonus is that they can lock. For goodness sake, just don’t lose the keys! Cooking equipment can be fun, but do you want to braai, or do you want to see the bands? There should be loads to eat at the stalls anyway.
Last but not least, throw in some shade. Anything big and flat will do, just make sure you have rope as well. By the second afternoon, shade is a commodity, so make sure your little camping spot is the one to hang out at.
Be cool about it
Interesting things happen at festivals, that’s the whole point. It’s tempting to have a good moan and break out the Dettol wipes each time you step in something mysterious, but try not to harp on the negative. If you keep an open mind at all times, and make peace with the bathrooms, everyone in your group will have a great time.