What's it like to be at one of Britain's many summer music festivals? Amandeep hangs around backstage with band British Sea Power, experiences festival life first-hand, and talks to festival goers about what it's like for them.

Instructions

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Transcript

Amandeep: It’s the height of the music festival season here in the UK. Some of the biggest bands in the world are performing to huge crowds in the open air. This is Reading Festival where over three days more than 200 acts are performing across eight stages.
I’m going to be following one of Britain’s top bands, British Sea Power, as they prepare for their show tonight.
Late in the afternoon, the band arrive backstage by tour bus.
British Sea Power have a very distinctive sound. They mix the influences of poetry and the English landscape with an indie rock sound. I spoke to the band’s vocalist and guitarist, Scott Wilkinson.
What’s the atmosphere like at a music festival?
Scott: Erm, they’re all very different, they have their own character. This one was traditionally … it was kind of like the rock festival. Because you see a lot of music in one weekend, maybe see some new music that you wouldn’t buy a ticket to go and see, see something by accident, you know.
Amandeep: For the band, there’s lots of hanging around before their concert later tonight. But I wanted to find out what life is like for the fans.
When you come to a festival, there’s a few things you need to bring with you. A lot of people stay overnight, so of course you need a tent. After dark, a torch comes in handy. The British weather is very unpredictable, so a lot of water, because it might be hot, but if it rains, of course, you need your waterproofs, an umbrella and the all-important wellies.
It’s also very important to remember where your tent is. There are thousands of them. So what’s brought so many people to the Reading Festival?
Fan 1: Music, I've got friends and having an absolutely wicked time.
Fan 2: I just really like the atmosphere, and there’s so much here ...
Fan 3: … meeting new people, listening to good music …
Amandeep: It was getting dark, so after looking around, I headed backstage again to see how the band were doing. There are a lot of last-minute preparations before the band can perform. Just before they went on stage, I spoke to guitarist Martin Noble.
Martin, what’s it like to perform at a music festival?
Martin: Erm, it’s really exciting. You know, you rehearse all the time in a small dark room, and then this is your chance to actually finally get out there and play to your audience.
Amandeep: You’re just about to go on stage soon. Are you nervous?
Martin: You know, sometimes you get the nerves, but you know, if you can see the crowd are up for it, then there’s nothing to worry about.
Amandeep: The band are just minutes away from performing. They’re doing their last-minute soundcheck now, and from here the crowd looks amazing.

Discussion

Would you like to go to a music festival? Why? / Why not?

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Comments

Submitted by hermione123 on Sat, 12/11/2021 - 12:58

Yes of course! That'll be so cool! It looks like a lot of fun. You can camp and go to concerts at one time!

Submitted by s11314sujatha on Mon, 02/26/2024 - 15:50

No, I don't. I don't like to listen rock music. Because they were so noisy, and it make me headache. I like soft music. but i like to campaign. it's a good thing to spend my leisure time.

In reply to by hermione123

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Submitted by Andrii on Tue, 10/27/2020 - 12:45

No, I wouldn't like to go a music festival because I don't like live concerts. The music there is so loud, that my ears hurt.

Submitted by LE2432 on Thu, 08/20/2020 - 16:16

yeah, I think going to a music festival is an excellent idea, specially if you hang out whit friends. enjoying the music you like
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Submitted by pao_rowa on Thu, 08/20/2020 - 16:12

I've never been to a music festival, but I'd love to!

Submitted by Jared2005 on Thu, 08/20/2020 - 16:12

I would like to go to a music festival because sound good

Submitted by skyblue on Thu, 08/20/2020 - 16:06

yes, because i love music

Submitted by Chocaman_boy on Thu, 08/20/2020 - 16:02

I would go to a music festival but depends of what kind of music they aare going to play and also if I go with friends or family because i would not like going alone to the music festival

Submitted by CaroBerti03 on Thu, 04/16/2020 - 14:56

Yes, I went to many musical festivals. I liked them all and soon I will attend another concert.

Submitted by beasam0109 on Thu, 04/16/2020 - 06:37

I'd like to go a musical festival because I love listening to music and it makes me feel good

Submitted by JasmineD03 on Wed, 04/15/2020 - 16:58

I went to a music festival only once and I loved it. I would love to go there because hearing live music is much more exciting than hearing it on TV or on the phone. I hope to be able to review a music festival because music is my life.

Submitted by BttChiara on Wed, 04/15/2020 - 16:35

Yes, I would. I think that a music festival will be funny and relaxing, too. I love listening music of my favourites bands with my friends. Surely I will enjoy this moment!

Submitted by Desy on Wed, 04/15/2020 - 11:48

Yes, I would love to go to a music festival because one of the things that makes me feel happier is music.

Submitted by MatildePace on Wed, 04/15/2020 - 11:01

Yes, I would love to participate in a festival, because I think it can be a fantastic and fun experience. There are good music and friends in a festival, so I can't wait to participate.

Submitted by FedericoB8 on Wed, 04/15/2020 - 10:21

Yes, I would like to go to a music festival because I love music and I think that would be a lot of fun.

Submitted by gattifederica on Tue, 04/14/2020 - 10:08

I never went to a music festival but I think I would have a lot fun. I’d like to go to a music festival because I love listening to music and dancing, also I could stay with my friends. I’d like to try to stay and sleep in a tent for the first time. I could meet new people and we could sing our favourite songs. I could know new musical groups.

Submitted by bea_mara on Mon, 04/13/2020 - 19:31

I'd like to go to a music festival, because I love listening to music and it could be a good experience.

Submitted by Ely on Mon, 04/13/2020 - 14:04

i would like to go to music festival,because i love music
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