rock you like a hurricane....

Glastonbury is almost upon us. In about a week's time, I will be spending my evening fretfully packing and worrying that I've got everything that I'm going to need. It's not as though I'm new at this - this will be the 8th time I've attended the festival - but it always feels like such a difficult thing to pack for. You're camping. It might be really hot, it might be really cold. It might be really wet, it might be really dry. Actually, over the course of 5 days, it could be all of those things. It will get dark too, so you'll need a torch. After going near those toilets, you're probably going to want some water-free antiseptic soap and likely some wet wipes for a whore's bath. A good hat is essential for keeping off any sun or rain, and you might want to pack a beanie to keep your head warm at night.

When you factor in things like how much shiraz you're going to take, I think you'll see that packing for a festival like this is no easy task. You always have to remember, too, that whatever you take, you're going to have to carry what feels like several miles from the car park all the way to wherever you decide to pitch your tent. Wheelie bags might seem like a good idea, but I suggest you try pulling one of those through a supperating bog......

It's been pretty wet for the last three years now, but oddly enough those are the ones that are easiest to pack for: you just need wellies, shorts, a poncho and a good, dry tent and you're pretty much done. Oh, and a folding chair. And a sense of humour.

I think I'm probably experienced enough now that I think I'm ready for most eventualities, and I don't obsess as much as some about the long-range weather forecast (plus you can now buy everything you might have forgotten on the site itself). Sure, I'd like it to be sunny this year, but it's not everything.

I did, however, have a chuckle when Metcheck published their first long range forecast for this year's festival.


[via GlastoWatch]

2,500 degrees, 1350 mph winds and several kilometers of rainfall in the course of 24 hours? How on earth are you supposed to pack for that? They've now amended that forecast for something a little more temperate, but where's the fun in that?

Roll on next week.