Cani Forget - T in the Park

Today the final batch of tickets went on sale for Scotland's biggest music festival T in the Park!

I know I'm venturing away from the city slightly with this post, but seeing as this mega festivals roots go back to somewhere as local as Strathclyde Park, I feel I can get away with it! And anyway, the legend that is T in the Park has undoubtedly, at some point, touched the hearts of all music fans in the Glasgow area!

T in the Park is like the Christmas of the Scottish music events calendar. It has never been a small event, 17,000 music lovers attended the first festival in 1994, which stretched over 2 days at Strathclyde Park. However since 1997, Balado, Kinross has been the home of the event which now stretches over 4 days. Its monster capacity of 85,000 sees the usually small village of Balado become the 5th largest town in Scotland for the weekend of T in the Park. This years festival will run from the 5th - 9th of July.


I don't doubt for a minute, that the festivals continually impressive lineups are what contribute to its great success. Over the years oasis, blur, coldplay, the verve, REM and kasabian are but a minuscule fraction of the huge names that have graced the main stage at T in the Park.

The beauty of this festival is its diverse music culture. Across the main stage, Radio 1/NME stage and King Tuts Wah Wah tent, indie artists such as the Arctic Monkeys and The View have performed; Lady Gaga, Beyonce and the Black Eyed Peas have flew the flag for pop music and Rappers Jay Z, Snoop Dogg and Eminem have wowed hip hop fans. Then there is a tent in itself dedicated to dance music. World class dace artists such as Carl Cox, Daft Punk and Groove Armada have all played in T in the Parks, Slam Tent. 

Here is a taster of this years lineup - 2012

 "...its popularity can be attributed to a unique party atmosphere and also to the fact that it consistently boasts one of Europe's most exciting line-ups with over 200 bands and artists playing across ten stages."  www.virtualfestivals.com


The main arena doesn't open until the Friday, however the campsite is open to the public on the Thursday, giving you time to get a good space and get settled. Camping is a big part of the T in the Park experience. Over the weekend you become a member of one big party going community! Theres a great friendly atmosphere and strangers come together, knowing they are all there for one thing - a good time! Organisers work hard to attain this sense of community and feel it is what sets T in the Park apart from other festivals.

 "I put on T in the Park, but the festival very much belongs to the audience, they’re very passionate...It’s the sense of community and belonging amongst the crowd. It’s not like a normal gig. It’s almost like a right of passage." Geoff Ellis, T in the Park founder.

So, if you choose to camp, heres a few tips to keep you right!

The trek from the drop of points to the camping area should not be underestimated! Its quite a long way! To avoid being stressed out as soon as you arrive, I advise you to bring as little stuff as you can or bring something to make carrying your things as easy as possible. Sledges seem to be a favourite and look quite effective for dragging your stuff to the campsite!

 When picking a spot to camp, the most important piece of advice I can give is - STAY AWAY FROM THE TOILETS! - they are notorious for a reason!!!



 I asked my friends on facebook what their camping essentials were and have compiled a list of the most common necessities:

1. Baby wipes - good for spillages and wiping smelly bits - you wont have time to shower.
2. Wellies - We are in Scotland after all! prepare for mud and rain!
3. Alcohol - Obvious...but your not going to want to buy it in there, drinks are a fortune!
4. One set of clothes - you wont get changed and extra clothes will only weigh you down, embrace smelling homeless for the weekend and leave more room for booze! 
5. Condoms? - I don't know if you'd want to go there after 4 days of not washing...
6. Fruit - Ultimate thirst quencher, gets rid of those fluffy teeth and gives you your vitamins!
7. Toilet paper - take it with you to the bog every time..you'll either catch something from the stuff that's in there or there wont be any at all.

Apart from that, its common sense; money, ticket, a tent and your good to go!

If camping isn't your thing, there are other options for you to enjoy T in the Park. Weekend, non camping tickets are available, which give you access to the festival both Saturday and Sunday. However you will miss the Friday night performances, which only come with the camping ticket. You can also purchase tickets individually for the Saturday and Sunday. Getting to and from the festival is easy. Bus's run regularly to the festival from most towns and cities across the country over the weekend. Bus Timetables are available here.

T in the Park is a 'must try' for everyone! If not for the music, for the typical Scottish carefree atmosphere and banter! Your guaranteed to lose your inhibitions for a weekend and come home with plenty of memories and stories to tell! So if you haven't already got you ticket get yours here now!!!