I crawl from my tiny tent. There are thousands here. Laughter fills the air. Some wander aimlessly about, others sit hunched, holding their heads, vowing never to get drunk again. But they will, and not just drunk!
It’s raining. Who cares? What’s a festival without mud? The crowd’s moving. There’s the arena, come on!
Nearly there. Listen. Guitars being tuned, drums bashed and mikes checked. One two testing, one two!
Almost time. Ready? Here we go!
The sheer volume is driving everything from my mind. I’m swaying, swinging, spinning, singing. I look stupid! I don’t care. Nobody does!
Festival … enjoy!
Thanks to Rochelle for hosting and to CEAyr for the picture.
Pluck Froggie’s strings to see what’s going on!
Dear Keith,
This definitely sounds like Woodstock. 😉 I could see, feel and hear. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
My first comment and it’s exactly what I hoped to hear! My original draft was twice as long and I was worried the effect would be diluted along with the words!
Yeah, I saw the Woodstock element there myself. And, no, the effect is not diluted. If anything, it gives more punch, more impact. Like Rochelle and I agree on the fact 100-word limits give more power. Less is more. You got it, Keith!
I’m relieved it came across! Thanks so much.
Well done, Keith. Really felt the vibe here. Would be great to head off to a music festival atm, but I’ve been enjoying all sorts of musical performances online during lockdown, which I wouldn’t have seen otherwise. It’s definitely not been all bad. Indeed, I could get quite comfortable, espwecially heading into an Australian Winter.
Best wishes,
Rowena
Thanks Rowena. We too are getting lots of music online and on TV from pop to classical. We are heading into Summer now and I need to get outside!
Been there, done that,
Except, of course, I didn’t get drunk…
Really….
I should think not! Disgraceful behaviour.
That took me back Keith. I think the golden age of festivals has passed, but the memories live on!
Me too Iain! Rock on!
I love the atmosphere you created; it sounds like a carefree fun time. Froggie is rockin out!
Enormous fun, and Froggie was the headline act! Thanks so much.
You’re very welcome.
You’ve captured the atmosphere perfectly, Keith. I was there! 🙂
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
Thanks so much Susan.
Yes, i would enjoy, but without the booze. My theory has always been why bother having a good time if you won’t remember it?
Wise words indeed Mimi!
You captured the atmosphere quite well. I could feel it even though I’ve never been in a concert like this.
It’s never too late! Thanks so much.
Great take on the prompt, Keith!
Pleased you liked it, thanks Shweta.
Fun stuff, Keith!
These festivals – and Woodstock was THE festivals of festivals are something else…
Our big annual festival is Glastonbury. Needless to say, it won’t be happening this year!
None of ours, either ..
No jazz fest is the biggest ouch.
I read this yesterday but my ‘like’ didn’t take!. Glastonbury came to mind. Take care and keep safe.
I did have Glastonbury in mind when I wrote it but it seems to have reminded most people of Woodstock – not that I’m complaining, I take it as a compliment! Stay safe Di.
Friends of mine went every year and said the mud as the best bit! You too Keith
You conjuored up the atmosphere with consumate skill. And condensing your original draft tightened it, rather than dilting it.
That’s really kind of you Liz, thank you.
Thank you for the energy and enthusiasm of that visit to the festival. Music is a wonderful bond between individuals!
Indeed it is. Thanks so much Penny.
This sounded very Woodstocky … A friend of mine had been there, and her descriptions could’a been your FF!
Nice!
Na’ama
That’s so kind of you Na’ama, thanks so much.
🙂
I thought immediately of Woodstock–which was held during the Bird Flu epidemic? Or one of those, I don’t remember which–with the concert-goers definitely not practicing social distancing or wearing masks–or much else, sometimes :). And here we are, alive and able to reminisce! (No, I wasn’t there. I was a newly-wed that summer )
Actually, I wasn’t thinking of Woodstock when I wrote it, manly because I live on the wrong side of the pond, but it seems to have struck a ‘Woodstockian’ chord with nearly everyone who’s read it! And yes, it was the Bird Flu epidemic – I just Googled it! Thanks Linda.
i’d say just do it. better than constantly living with “what if.”
I quite agree! Thanks plaridel.
Yes as long as it’s enjoyable that’s all that counts. I missed Woodstock but I imagine it must have been like that~
Me too, but apart from this year we still have our annual Glastonbury mud-fest! Cheers Larry.
That’s the important thing~
It’s always been hard for me to let go, but it’s always more enjoyable when that reserve crumbles away and one gets swept away in the waves of foolishness. You conveyed the atmosphere and build-up to the commencement well. Good one.
Perfectly put, we all need to be carried away now and again. So pleased you liked it, thank you.
Hey! We both went to Woodstock! What fun. Well done.
Fun indeed! I’m so pleased you enjoyed it.
Sounds like you are their. I enjoyed it
I like to be right now! Cheers Mike.
Oh, the spirit of a festival. It’s missing from our lives these days. Wish all this is over soon and people can go out again and enjoy the festive mood to the fullest 😊
I couldn’t agree more! Thanks so much for dropping by.
Such realism. What we all tell ourselves. 😀
Thanks so much Tannille.
You’ve captured the spirit of a music festival perfectly! I feel that a mudless festival would be a bit of a let-down.
Indeed it would! Thanks so much.
The feeling of looking stupid is unfounded, since your appearance blends in with the crowd.
Absolutely! Who cares what we look like?
Keith,
Love the idea behind this one. A reminder to just let loose and have fun sometimes.
Anne
…no matter how crazy you seem! I quite agree.
You definitely captured the festival mood. I felt like I was there.
Thanks Dawn!
That’s the exact feeling of a music festival! Great job, Keith!
It’s been a few years but that’s how I remember them!
You captured the atmosphere beautifully, Keith. I was quite exhausted.
I know how you feel! Cheers Sandra
Yeah, it’s a festival, no rules apply, just get stuck in
Absolutely! Thanks Michael.
You took me back to our Alt J concert, Keith. It was raining cats and dogs, but unlike your story, our concert was a complete wash out and was of course cancelled. Our spirits did not dampen and we stopped by for a few drinks thereafter.
I love the typical concert atmosphere you have so very effortlessly re-created.
Good one.
At least you got a drink – hopefully it didn’t get too watered down! Thanks so much Natasha.
I’m glad I was there then, and I’m glad I don’t have go there now !!
Well said!