Thursday Night (26th August)
We arrived early in order to get a decent spot to pitch the tent. Although as
it turns out that we shouldn't really have bothered as all the staff with the
Workers Beer Company were put in their own village where there was more than
enough space for
everyone. Although the main festival didn't start until Friday there was still
quite a bit going on and we took the opportunity to have a good wander. After
that, the bar in the village opened, and I'm afraid we didn't venture out again
until closing.
Friday (27th)
Got up early to attend the meeting for all Workers Beer Company servers. It
turned out that we were going to be working late today and Sunday and early on
the Saturday.
By this time it was raining quite heavily although being in the WBC in the
servers village certainly helped (particularly on account of the subsidised
bar!). We did brave the weather to see Jurassic 5 though and that proved well
worth the soaking. After that it was time to work. We were in the off site bar,
a small porta-cabin near the entrance. I was pleased to find that the work
wasn't too arduous, and flew by as a result. After the shift I had just enough
time to see the Super Furry Animals and the Darkness's fire work display which
was well worth the wait. That was followed by a long slog back to the tent
through the mud. Luckily it turned out that the bar in the server's village was
still open so we managed to have a few bevies before turning in.
Saturday (28th)
Woke up to sunshine which proved to be pleasant change from yesterdays
downpour. Although the ground hadn't completely dried out but at least you
could walk around without sinking. After breakfast (full English provided for
free by the WBC!) we made our way to our early shift. This was again quite
relaxed and it seemed to be five o'clock in no time. Once this was over we made
our way to the main stage in time to see Morrissey and the White Stripes, both
of whom were superb.
Sunday (29th)
Although I was woken up to the sound of rain, I was pleased to see that it soon
passed by. One of the great things about going to a festival with the Workers
Beer Company is the fact that you get free access to hot showers. Needless to
say, after a couple of days in the mud this was greatly appreciated.
We didn't have to work until eight o'clock and so most of the day was spent
wandering from one tent to another and watching the bands. The Futureheads and
the Dropkick Murphys definitely went down well, something that couldn't be said
about the unfortunate Rasmus. They disappeared under a rain of bottles only one
song into their set.
Needless to say the last shift was alright and we were pleased that the WBC put
on a party on the last night. My memories of this are a little hazy to say the
least although that might just have something to do with the free bar!
www.reading-festival.org.uk
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