Hi Jessi thanks for agreeing to talk to us!
How are you?
I’m great thanks! New year, lots of adventures planned… Really looking forward to it!
You have been known to attend festivals pretty much every summer. What was your first?
My first was the classic British teenager foray into festivalling; I went to Reading Festival in the summer of my AS Levels. I was 17, almost 18, and a stereotypical teenager so I followed the crowd. It was a whole new world for me! I love the camping experience, and I loved watching bands with my friends. I couldn’t wait to go back the next summer, and booked Reading again and Download too. But, it was when I first went to Glastonbury in 2009 that my festival obsession was solidified. It was there I learned that festivals aren’t just about the lineup, they’re about the little moments between friends, old and new.
What are your tips for getting the best experience?
Don’t be a slave to your timetable. Loosen up, explore the smaller areas, discover new music and experiences.
Wear good shoes and socks – fashion isn’t everything here! You will be walking a lot!
Get a good tent and sleeping equipment, as you’ll be getting less hours of sleep so make the most of the hours you do get!
What’s one thing you couldn’t do without?
A bumbag! They keep your stuff secure and leave your arms free for dancing! I know some people think they’re uncool but honestly they make all the difference at a festival. They’re difficult for pickpockets to steal from, keep your belongings in front of you (rather than on your back with a backpack!) and allow you to move as you like.
What’s been your favourite?
My favourite festival will always be Glastonbury! When I arrive there I get a feeling in my tummy I don’t get anywhere else. It’s just beautiful and filled with the loveliest people. I’ve been trying lots of other festivals recently though and Shambala and Noisily come close! You can tell they really care about the little things, like art installations found in the woods, and gorgeous lights, and of course sustainability.
If you could host your own, Jessistock if you will, what 7 acts would you put on – your two favourite acts opening and closing?
Ahhhh this is a difficult question! I have the weirdest music taste. Ok I’ll give it a go, 7 acts, in order:
Frank Turner
Dream State
Lady Gaga
Foo Fighters
The Prodigy
Def Leppard
AC/DC
What’s the funniest thing you have seen at a festival?
Another tough question as there are just so many things coming to mind! I would say when Katy Perry played at Glastonbury 2017, seeing hundreds of ‘left sharks’ in the crowd was so funny! Loads of people had even gone so far as to learn all the dance moves!
What ones are you looking forward to the most this year?
I’m so excited to get back to Glastonbury after a fallow year in 2018 (they take a year off every 5 or 6 years). It will feel like coming home! On top of that I’ll definitely be at Boomtown Fair, Shambala, Download and Neverworld. AND I have maybe 2 or 3 others that I’m waiting for confirmation on. Looks like another packed summer for me! Keep up with my adventures on wheresmytent.com
