yeah,
the weather "could have been better" when I went, I've never seen so much mud in all my life. I'm glad our tent wasn't right next to the path, at least.

Reading and Leeds tend to have riots, and people push the portaloos over when there are people in them. Which you really wouldn't want to happen. At least Glastonbury is relatively well-behaved.
( Moon Girl Technologies horrendous beanbag, Tue 16 Jun 2009, 9:55, archived)

Can't speak for Leeds
but Reading has more "friendlier" riots. They tend to mass and then go round shouting a lot, flash mobbing and drumming on bins. Yes, you do get the pricks who wreck tents and steal shit and this has been on the increase since Reading has become more commercial. But generally, there is a good vibe, community spirit and all that and good times to be had if you can avoid the pricks.

I've never heard of people pushing over portaloos with people still inside at Reading.
( Edd: The Unfunny Try-Hard Edgelord, Tue 16 Jun 2009, 9:58, archived)

My brother has stories from Leeds
about people setting fire to the loos, and them melting and a fountain of shit coming out of the hole in the top. And people tipping over the cash machine security van. And a full deployment of riot police.
I don't think I'll be going to that one.
( Moon Girl Technologies horrendous beanbag, Tue 16 Jun 2009, 10:01, archived)

I've watched it done at Reading
it has happened every year I've been near the place, and I used to work there backstage.

the last time I did it someone upped the ante and burned a whole row of portaloos down. I've never been back.
( the mighty badger Aphrodite, on a bar stool, by your side, Tue 16 Jun 2009, 10:07, archived)

I know Sunday nights and the Monday's can be just great infernos
but it has been, for the most part, civil. But it is getting nastier.

I'm not going this year and Mrs Eddache and I are going on holiday. Next year we may go since it'll be the last one before I'm married so we may make it a stag weekend. Failing that, there's always Download.
( Edd: The Unfunny Try-Hard Edgelord, Tue 16 Jun 2009, 10:16, archived)

I've said this before and been shouted down
but it's to do with the bands they have there as well as the overall attitude of the festival.

Reading and Leeds tend to specialise in the kind of Nu-Metal that appeals to 15 and 16 year old wankers who'll happily get pissed on half a can of cider and burn down the campsite because that's "edgy and cool and rebellious, man" ... before they fuck off back to their parents detached house just outside Windsor and finish their A-Levels and become accountants.
( the mighty badger Aphrodite, on a bar stool, by your side, Tue 16 Jun 2009, 10:01, archived)

HOW DARE YOU!
I became a quantity surveyor. Father said it was a more reliable field to go into.
( RR I love you ... in a way, Tue 16 Jun 2009, 10:13, archived)

Yep, I think you've probably hit the nail on the head.

( Undulating Tentacles of Love getting fun down to acceptable levels, Tue 16 Jun 2009, 10:28, archived)