Beer and music
Generally speaking I don't do multi day music festivals, simply because I'm not too fussed by that much music and prefer the more personal smaller day events, or less music oriented stuff.

At a reasonably sized event like Manchester Pride? Over by the indie stage, sitting on the grass drinking beer instead of shoulder to shoulder by the main stage. I've had fun at the main stage, but a more consistently good time elsewhere.

Eurocultured or Nantwich Jazz and Blues festival this year? Main stages were missing something, but small events were stunning (apart from in one shit trendy bar, where people were too concerned about looking cool and drinking beer).

I was having a good time in Nantwich, but hadn't found Blues Nirvana yet. I ducked into the Black Lion which advertised itself as 'Cheshire's No 1 CAMRA pub'. I was dubious it'd be any good due to the fact it was packed and a bit small. Then they started up - it might have been small, but the enclosed space actually enhanced the sound. I ordered a pint of something suitably real ale-ish, and over the course of the next hour and a half slipped into a misanthropic lyrics and jaunty music reverie. They were accomplished musicians, and even spent their break further tweaking their mixing desk.

Dancing was a bit tricky, but it was possible to have a bit of a chat at times, the beer was way better than anything at a major festival and there wasn't a drop of mud in sight. joy :)

Then there were the times at other little events with lots of house parties, some really wide ranging conversation, and having to almost physically throw out an over amorous irish woman at 3am trying to get off with an uninterested friend of mine..
(syllopsium, Mon 8 Jun 2009, 17:17, Reply)