In a year when the 'real' Glastonbury has yet to sell out, and is being harangued by all sides as
having lost touch with its audience, its copycat event has no such qualms. The main stage has more
than 20 tribute acts on offer - from Maybe Winehouse to Oasish to Letz Zep.
Previous favourites Ded Hot Chili Peppers and Mercury are back again, and the Sunday
night headliners are the real Bad Manners. Between them, they'll provide three nights of
greatest hits to which you'll know all the words and, on the off-chance you don't, no-one will laugh
(too much) if you air guitar. It's all part of the Glastonbudget spirit.
Returning to Glastonbudget for a third time, we'll arrive onsite with a gem of knowledge it takes
a while to realise: it's not all about the tribute bands, either. In the next field along, the New
Bands Stage gives a platform to the stars of tomorrow, local kids and those from further afield who
have just as much to offer. Don't let the main attractions tempt you away for too long. Last year,
bands we saw here such as Plastic Toys proved to be well worth a second listen when they
brought their act to Camden Town.
It's the dynamic between the Tribute Stage and New Bands Stage that lies at the heart of
Glastonbudget. While 14-year-olds in skinny jeans watch their mates learn the trade and dream of
Reading and Leeds (performing or being allowed to go there next year, it doesn't really matter),
their mums and dads sing along to the songs they once dated to. It's a family experience that no
other festival seems able to match - spanning generations and decades in a single bound.
It's easy to sneer, say that it's 'only tribute bands', and feel smug that you're going to a
'real' festival. Reading and Leeds have Queens Of The Stone Age but Glastonbudget has
Queen or, in Mercury, the next best thing. The Isle of Wight may have the Sex Pistols,
but they don't have them with Sid Vicious, do they? Plus, Glastonbudget has friendly stewards,
reasonably priced beer, a fantastic atmosphere and organisers who know - and care - what their
audience wants.
In an age when too many summer events have become little more than a large concert in a field,
it's somewhat ironic that Glastonbudget is still keeping it real. Watch and learn, Eavises. Watch
and learn.
Glastonbudget takes place on the 23rd, 24th and 25th of May 2008 at Turnpost Farm, Wymeswold, Leicestershire. Tickets cost £47.50
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