All Together Now 2019

BaZmO* · 15-08-2019 8:30am

MJohnston wrote: »

They'll still turn to compost in landfill anyway. Just don't recycle them!

I'd say it's well incinerated by now.

mrk75 · 15-08-2019 8:42am

sporina wrote: »

I am aware of all the issues with the fest this year and those who were adversely affected have my sympathy, but I had one of the best weekend of my life - this is thanks to amazing local mates who put us up and drove us in and out every day and the line up had our names alllll over it - we had to pick and choose big time..

But the one thing I have to say is "sustainability" my eye!!!! My god, when I think of the time I spent choosing a reusable water bottle and coffee cup - only to be served beer in plastic and coffee was being sole in gallons in non compostable/disposable cups.. wtf

It's not an easy sell. When people have a few scoops on board or are just buzzing about from stage to stage they maybe don't take the time to consider sorting their rubbish and deciding what bin it goes into. Plus when you see that all bins have mixed waste in them anyway....what's the point?

But the thing that got my goat was all the talk about concern for the environment when their traffic plans resulted in hundreds (thousands?) of cars idling on country road spewing fumes into the air - notwithstanding that I'm sure most of them turned off the engines when they could...

johnnyskeleton · 15-08-2019 8:54am

mrk75 wrote: »

It's not an easy sell. When people have a few scoops on board or are just buzzing about from stage to stage they maybe don't take the time to consider sorting their rubbish and deciding what bin it goes into. Plus when you see that all bins have mixed waste in them anyway....what's the point?

But the thing that got my goat was all the talk about concern for the environment when their traffic plans resulted in hundreds (thousands?) of cars idling on country road spewing fumes into the air - notwithstanding that I'm sure most of them turned off the engines when they could...

Probably the carbon equivalent of 3, maybe 4 blasts of the arcadia afterburner

dodo87 · 15-08-2019 9:06am

I for one hope they are on sale next week! I cant see how traffic will stop them delaying the release of the tickets! They will want to generate cash and the majority of people I know had a great weekend

Suckit · 15-08-2019 10:51am

Surely they still have some traffic issues to sort out?
No doubt they will get them sorted, but they may want to look at possible solutions before putting tickets on sale.

They may have a couple of smaller issues they may want to look at too. No doubt the publicity the festival got and the slight increase may have given them something to give a little more attention too.
(I hope they go on sale soon too

)

Rigor Mortis · 15-08-2019 11:26am

The local authority and the police may have concerns about the licence. There may be some form of review demanded by authorities. Whatever about the inconvenience for people attending, the authorities have to consider whether there is an issue for locals or whether the route can sustain the numbers which attended. They cannot have a position where an ambulance or fire engine cannot get through. Given the extreme nature of the traffic issue, they may want answers before proceeding.

Hoboo · 15-08-2019 11:42am

johnnyskeleton wrote: »

Probably the carbon equivalent of 3, maybe 4 blasts of the arcadia afterburner

Nowhere close, it's run on recycled bio fuel from chipper oil.

patch · 15-08-2019 12:11pm

Hoboo wrote: »

johnnyskeleton wrote: »

Probably the carbon equivalent of 3, maybe 4 blasts of the arcadia afterburner

Nowhere close, it's run on recycled bio fuel from chipper oil.

I took that as very witty sarcasm....

Eod100 · 15-08-2019 12:11pm

Rigor Mortis wrote: »

The local authority and the police may have concerns about the licence. There may be some form of review demanded by authorities. Whatever about the inconvenience for people attending, the authorities have to consider whether there is an issue for locals or whether the route can sustain the numbers which attended. They cannot have a position where an ambulance or fire engine cannot get through. Given the extreme nature of the traffic issue, they may want answers before proceeding.

I'd say there would have to be tbh. I know it's all subject to licence but a review so soon after might be sensible. It's Garda and council's reputation on line too.

ghostdancer · 15-08-2019 12:35pm

the Gardai signed off on that traffic management plan, if not outright designed it. It was on their website after all.
As usual though, they'll probably send blame every which way rather than take any criticism themselves.

Eod100 · 15-08-2019 12:47pm

ghostdancer wrote: »

the Gardai signed off on that traffic management plan, if not outright designed it. It was on their website after all.
As usual though, they'll probably send blame every which way rather than take any criticism themselves.

The plan is just the routes though not the operation of it. Didn't people says cars were being parked from front not back and parking cars individually? Definitely should examine their own role too but not sure that will happen

fish_fingers · 15-08-2019 1:06pm

Eod100 wrote: »

The plan is just the routes though not the operation of it. Didn't people says cars were being parked from front not back and parking cars individually? Definitely should examine their own role too but not sure that will happen

I think that will happen to be fair. I gave my feedback (level-headed) and, whilst not wanting to quote what they said, they were not happy. They intimated that a full analysis was going to happen with everyone that was involved. To me, that would include themselves.
I have confidence that it will happen.

ghostdancer · 15-08-2019 1:11pm

Eod100 wrote: »

The plan is just the routes though not the operation of it. Didn't people says cars were being parked from front not back and parking cars individually? Definitely should examine their own role too but not sure that will happen

sure, but that was happening in the red car park too when we got there at 2pm, and we had maybe 2mins of queuing to get through the gates, coming from the south (after going all the way down the M9 from Dublin and looping around via the N25). Friends that left Dublin an hour before us and went for the blue entrance using the official route had already been stuck in traffic an hour at that stage.

Routing everyone through Carrick-on-Suir and up that tiny little laneway was completely stupid, and a far bigger issue I'd say.

If they had all family, campervans/caravans and boutique campers avoid that, and continue down the M9 and into the red car park from the south, it would have alleviated a decent chunk of traffic. Both Sides Now campsite should have been on that route too.

Instead, the traffic plan had everyone from the west/north/east that needed the red entrance coming past the blue entrance for no discernible reason.

e: and just to add, we actually took a wrong turn and ended up in Portlaw itself, before turning around and going on a small back road a bit of the way. None of the roads around it were closed that we saw, didn't see one Garda until we got to the red gate itself.

fish_fingers · 15-08-2019 1:13pm

ghostdancer wrote: »

Routing everyone through Carrick-on-Suir and up that tiny little laneway was completely stupid, and a far bigger issue I'd say.

If they had all family, campervans/caravans and boutique campers avoid that, and continue down the M9 and into the red car park from the south, it would have alleviated a decent chunk of traffic.

Instead, the traffic plan had everyone from the west/north/east that needed the red entrance coming past the blue entrance for no discernible reason.

That was essentially my feedback to them! :-)

Rigor Mortis · 15-08-2019 1:29pm

ghostdancer wrote: »

the Gardai signed off on that traffic management plan, if not outright designed it. It was on their website after all.
As usual though, they'll probably send blame every which way rather than take any criticism themselves.

It doesnt have to be about blame, although the media and others will seek to ensure someone is to blame. The issue is about learning for next year. Can the routes that were chosen work properly if they are better personned, signposted etc. Are the routes inherently insufficient to take the strain if there are a number of accidents. If they cant determine that satisfactorily then they are lining up the same result.

Eod100 · 15-08-2019 2:10pm

fish_fingers wrote: »

I think that will happen to be fair. I gave my feedback (level-headed) and, whilst not wanting to quote what they said, they were not happy. They intimated that a full analysis was going to happen with everyone that was involved. To me, that would include themselves.
I have confidence that it will happen.

I mean the Gardai's role in it. Think ATN will do their own review alright

Eod100 · 15-08-2019 2:13pm

ghostdancer wrote: »

sure, but that was happening in the red car park too when we got there at 2pm, and we had maybe 2mins of queuing to get through the gates, coming from the south (after going all the way down the M9 from Dublin and looping around via the N25). Friends that left Dublin an hour before us and went for the blue entrance using the official route had already been stuck in traffic an hour at that stage.

Routing everyone through Carrick-on-Suir and up that tiny little laneway was completely stupid, and a far bigger issue I'd say.

If they had all family, campervans/caravans and boutique campers avoid that, and continue down the M9 and into the red car park from the south, it would have alleviated a decent chunk of traffic. Both Sides Now campsite should have been on that route too.

Instead, the traffic plan had everyone from the west/north/east that needed the red entrance coming past the blue entrance for no discernible reason.

e: and just to add, we actually took a wrong turn and ended up in Portlaw itself, before turning around and going on a small back road a bit of the way. None of the roads around it were closed that we saw, didn't see one Garda until we got to the red gate itself.

I think they didn't want cars going through Portlaw though. Same reason shuttle buses didn't go from there but buses did go through there from Waterford. I think access is a big issue alright. Obviously access roads an issue but must be better way of organising it too

ghostdancer · 15-08-2019 2:49pm

Rigor Mortis wrote: »

It doesnt have to be about blame, although the media and others will seek to ensure someone is to blame. The issue is about learning for next year. Can the routes that were chosen work properly if they are better personned, signposted etc. Are the routes inherently insufficient to take the strain if there are a number of accidents. If they cant determine that satisfactorily then they are lining up the same result.

having worked with councils and Gardai on road matters on a regular basis, it most certainly will be.

Eod100 wrote: »

I think they didn't want cars going through Portlaw though. Same reason shuttle buses didn't go from there but buses did go through there from Waterford. I think access is a big issue alright. Obviously access roads an issue but must be better way of organising it too

the N25 route doesn't take cars or buses through Portlaw:
https://www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/office-of-corporate-communications/news-media/traffic-routes-curraghmore-estate-portlaw-co-waterford-2019.pdf

and if they didn't want people going through it, then maybe they should think about putting a Garda actually on the road leading in to it, or closing it off. Clearly they didn't give that much of a f-uck about it....

MadYaker · 15-08-2019 3:39pm

Blackie_IRL wrote: »

Any whispers on early bird tickets for next year yet?

They have to get a license or next year first

ghostdancer · 15-08-2019 3:49pm

MadYaker wrote: »

They have to get a license or next year first

pretty much every outdoor event sells tickets before getting a licence, would imagine ATN next year will be no different.

BullBlackNova · 15-08-2019 3:56pm

MadYaker wrote: »

They have to get a license or next year first

Event licence only has to be applied for 10 weeks ahead of the event.

D'you not remember Garth Brooks?! :eek::P

EDIT: Fwiw, I don't anticipate any issues getting a licence next year. The plans are pulled together with the local council and gardaí - often the traffic management is a stock plan FROM the gardaí. They might have to put on a few extra buses or get a shuttle park and ride nearby but it'd be fine otherwise. This year's plan would have involved pre-consultations with the local authorities and the gardaí so unless ATN deviated drastically (which I doubt), they won't have a major issue.

Only possible sticking point is if there's a particularly powerful business/politician in Portlaw or Carrick that kicks up a stink in the next few weeks or months.

ghostdancer · 15-08-2019 4:04pm

I've a vague recollection of the Arcade Fire gig in either Marlay Park or Malahide not having their licence approved until the day of the gig, or possibly even after it, officially.

johnnyskeleton · 15-08-2019 9:53pm

Hoboo wrote: »

Nowhere close, it's run on recycled bio fuel from chipper oil.

Recycled bio fuel still releases CO2 when its burned

Hoboo · 15-08-2019 9:57pm

johnnyskeleton wrote: »

Recycled bio fuel still releases CO2 when its burned

Indeed it does.

Tacitus Kilgore · 16-08-2019 7:17am

johnnyskeleton wrote: »

Recycled bio fuel still releases CO2 when its burned

Hoboo wrote: »

Indeed it does.

And it looks and feels feckin class as it does :cool: . Leave the afterburner alone :pac:

MJohnston · 16-08-2019 7:30am

It looks great, but it is absolutely the antithesis of sustainability tbf. Which isn't surprising as I'm not sure anyone saw ATN's approach to that as anything particularly genuine.

Tacitus Kilgore · 16-08-2019 8:05am

MJohnston wrote: »

It looks great, but it is absolutely the antithesis of sustainability tbf. Which isn't surprising as I'm not sure anyone saw ATN's approach to that as anything particularly genuine.

Ah sure any festival in entirety is the antithesis of sustainability if you look hard enough at it.

Wooderson · 16-08-2019 8:48am

ghostdancer wrote: »

sure, but that was happening in the red car park too when we got there at 2pm, and we had maybe 2mins of queuing to get through the gates, coming from the south (after going all the way down the M9 from Dublin and looping around via the N25). Friends that left Dublin an hour before us and went for the blue entrance using the official route had already been stuck in traffic an hour at that stage.

Routing everyone through Carrick-on-Suir and up that tiny little laneway was completely stupid, and a far bigger issue I'd say.

If they had all family, campervans/caravans and boutique campers avoid that, and continue down the M9 and into the red car park from the south, it would have alleviated a decent chunk of traffic. Both Sides Now campsite should have been on that route too.

Instead, the traffic plan had everyone from the west/north/east that needed the red entrance coming past the blue entrance for no discernible reason.

e: and just to add, we actually took a wrong turn and ended up in Portlaw itself, before turning around and going on a small back road a bit of the way. None of the roads around it were closed that we saw, didn't see one Garda until we got to the red gate itself.

Really well put.

Hoboo · 16-08-2019 8:55am

MJohnston wrote: »

It looks great, but it is absolutely the antithesis of sustainability tbf. Which isn't surprising as I'm not sure anyone saw ATN's approach to that as anything particularly genuine.

Made from recycled metal and uses biomass fuel which is the very meaning of sustainable!

If it needs to run on babies tears it stays.

MJohnston · 16-08-2019 11:26am

Hoboo wrote: »

Made from recycled metal and uses biomass fuel which is the very meaning of sustainable!

If it needs to run on babies tears it stays.

Biomass is finite and carbon-producing: it ain't sustainable!

Which is fine like, it's just a couple of nights at a festival, but it's deceptive to claim otherwise.

bodhrandude · 16-08-2019 4:39pm

Someone took a great clip of Orbital here, captures the vastness of the main stage area well.

bodhrandude · 16-08-2019 4:52pm

sporina · 16-08-2019 9:17pm

bodhrandude wrote: »

her vocal was great - but was such a pity we couldn't hear many of the wonderful instruments that were on stage

dk1982 · 18-08-2019 7:53am

https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/people/bringing-kids-to-festivals-is-the-worst-kind-of-performance-parenting-1.3980834?mode=amp

Someone's been reading this forum :-)

MJohnston · 18-08-2019 9:49am

Oh fúck off (to the writer) - the people who accuse parents of being performative are so obviously transferring their own reasons for doing things to everyone sense. Of course a newspaper columnist would be a performative arsehole. Some parents don't really give a shít what anyone else thinks and just want their kids to have a non-coddled, more adventurous childhood.

dk1982 · 18-08-2019 9:51am

MJohnston wrote: »

Oh fúck off (to the writer) - the people who accuse parents of being performative are so obviously transferring their own reasons for doing things to everyone sense. Of course a newspaper columnist would be a performative arsehole. Some parents don't really give a shít what anyone else thinks and just want their kids to have a non-coddled, more adventurous childhood.

You should probably actually read the article

Hoboo · 18-08-2019 10:32am

MJohnston wrote: »

Biomass is finite and carbon-producing: it ain't sustainable!

Which is fine like, it's just a couple of nights at a festival, but it's deceptive to claim otherwise.

You clearly don't understand anything about biomass. Google is your friend.

MJohnston · 18-08-2019 10:42am

dk1982 wrote: »

You should probably actually read the article

I did - she didn't disabuse herself of that ridiculous notion throughout the rest of the article. In fact, the entire thing was written from the perspective of how bringing kids would effect *her* only.

MJohnston · 18-08-2019 11:03am

Hoboo wrote: »

You clearly don't understand anything about biomass. Google is your friend.

Oh really?
https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2019/3/4/18216045/renewable-energy-wood-pellets-biomass

sally cinnamon89 · 18-08-2019 11:21am

Is it too late to post a review??

Stillill42 · 18-08-2019 11:24am

sally cinnamon89 wrote: »

Is it too late to post a review??

Please do. Just don't mention kids or biomass. For pity's sake.

sally cinnamon89 · 18-08-2019 12:18pm

Right so here we go -

Friday.
Left the house around 9:30 heading the same route as last year. Didn't hit any traffic until the blue gate. Drove in and parked up. That walk from the car park seemed unnecessary and carrying stuff up that hill was a not pleasant. I hope they come up with something new for that next year. I also walked out to the car and walked back in from the side without being stopped or checked for a wristband which was funny. Caught Kean Kavanagh as the first act which was fun. He's a grand lad. Then went down to the bandstand and got 'My Goodness' their vegan nachos are amazing!! Then sat on the grass and watched the Trinity crew. Enjoyed their Vulfpeck covers left early to get cans and change before Fontaines DC. I was up the front for that and I couldn't hear the vocals so moved a bit back and it was perfect. Their brilliant I'm a longterm fan so biased. Then caught some Orbital after but wasn't really for me so went down and saw Papa Rua on the bandstand who were lovely and relaxing. Then went to see Joshua Burnside but the sound bleed was not ideal. He even at one point said he couldn't hear himself. I think next year the comedy should be moved down beside the house. Their was too much noise for the late night folk. Wandered to Arcadia for a bit and hit the hay.

Saturday:
Woke up and got some breakfast taco's (OHH YES!!) then watched the Glasshouse Bon Iver thing. Couldn't really hear them so left early to go see Junior Brother. He was brilliant and funny. I find his music on record sometimes hard but live the whole thing just works well. Great start! Then chilled out watching Booka Brass munching a burrito. Kojaque was next. The live band was great and had the place bouncing. As a young fella (23) I'm all over him. I left sweating and in need of more cans. Quick run back and ready for Just Mustard. They are loud and awesome. Seen them a few times and they're great although the best I've seen them was supporting the Cure which was strange. Anyway enjoyed them. Now we braved the rain for FJM. I'm a massive fan. I've seen him a few times and he is just the best. I understand why some don't get him. The performance felt like he was in 2nd gear for the first half (rain and small crowd) but he got into it and the clothes were gas,. Gig of the weekend so far. Straight over to get a spot for Loyle Carner. That guy is going places. I loved when he brought the guy from the crowd on. That felt like a special gig. We won't see him on such small stages for long. A quick dash over and caught the of Patti Smith. She was gloriaous

. At the back but you could feel her stage presence. Got more cans and a some Indian from the Kerala kitchen (Very good). Hot chip (BOOGIE). Apres went to bandstand and dances to prince for the night, and maybe some more nachos.

Sunday:
Blindboy at the bandstand with some kombucha for cure. That was better than expected. Would of been a real treat if somebody told the Wailers (C'mon Pod). Then I went to A Lazarus Soul to the Claque to Black Midi. Then Bombay in the rain (for herself). Never seen them before but good vibes in the rain. A quick can restock and change and we were ready for some Damon and Co. Oh boy that was a treat. His stage presence was great a true showman. Left a little early for the National who I had never seen before (I must be the only one in Ireland). I loved their new album and was glad to see it feature heavily with some classics. The encore was a great festival ender. Herself went to bed while I tried to brave some Talking heads in Afrobeat form. I left after Once in a Lifetime and crashed.

General Views:
Toilets were fine for me your at a festival at the end of the day. I've had much worse at EP, Castlepalooza, Knockstocken. Food was good. I ate nearly everything down at the bandstand the best food was there. No trouble with the crowd. They need to sort out the organisation a little. Better traffic and stage management. Over behind Arcadia felt like too much music going on. That samsung yoke was too loud and annoying. Move it to the an post yoke.
Will I be back next year?? Yes I will. EP is not for me anymore and the music has been great the last 2 years. Cheers!

D.Q · 19-08-2019 12:18pm

sally cinnamon89 wrote: »

Right so here we go -

Cans

:pac::pac:

mimimcmc · 19-08-2019 1:41pm

sally cinnamon89 wrote: »

Right so here we go -

Friday.
Left the house around 9:30 heading the same route as last year. Didn't hit any traffic until the blue gate. Drove in and parked up. That walk from the car park seemed unnecessary and carrying stuff up that hill was a not pleasant. I hope they come up with something new for that next year. I also walked out to the car and walked back in from the side without being stopped or checked for a wristband which was funny. Caught Kean Kavanagh as the first act which was fun. He's a grand lad. Then went down to the bandstand and got 'My Goodness' their vegan nachos are amazing!! Then sat on the grass and watched the Trinity crew. Enjoyed their Vulfpeck covers left early to get cans and change before Fontaines DC. I was up the front for that and I couldn't hear the vocals so moved a bit back and it was perfect. Their brilliant I'm a longterm fan so biased. Then caught some Orbital after but wasn't really for me so went down and saw Papa Rua on the bandstand who were lovely and relaxing. Then went to see Joshua Burnside but the sound bleed was not ideal. He even at one point said he couldn't hear himself. I think next year the comedy should be moved down beside the house. Their was too much noise for the late night folk. Wandered to Arcadia for a bit and hit the hay.

Saturday:
Woke up and got some breakfast taco's (OHH YES!!) then watched the Glasshouse Bon Iver thing. Couldn't really hear them so left early to go see Junior Brother. He was brilliant and funny. I find his music on record sometimes hard but live the whole thing just works well. Great start! Then chilled out watching Booka Brass munching a burrito. Kojaque was next. The live band was great and had the place bouncing. As a young fella (23) I'm all over him. I left sweating and in need of more cans. Quick run back and ready for Just Mustard. They are loud and awesome. Seen them a few times and they're great although the best I've seen them was supporting the Cure which was strange. Anyway enjoyed them. Now we braved the rain for FJM. I'm a massive fan. I've seen him a few times and he is just the best. I understand why some don't get him. The performance felt like he was in 2nd gear for the first half (rain and small crowd) but he got into it and the clothes were gas,. Gig of the weekend so far. Straight over to get a spot for Loyle Carner. That guy is going places. I loved when he brought the guy from the crowd on. That felt like a special gig. We won't see him on such small stages for long. A quick dash over and caught the of Patti Smith. She was gloriaous . At the back but you could feel her stage presence. Got more cans and a some Indian from the Kerala kitchen (Very good). Hot chip (BOOGIE). Apres went to bandstand and dances to prince for the night, and maybe some more nachos.

Sunday:
Blindboy at the bandstand with some kombucha for cure. That was better than expected. Would of been a real treat if somebody told the Wailers (C'mon Pod). Then I went to A Lazarus Soul to the Claque to Black Midi. Then Bombay in the rain (for herself). Never seen them before but good vibes in the rain. A quick can restock and change and we were ready for some Damon and Co. Oh boy that was a treat. His stage presence was great a true showman. Left a little early for the National who I had never seen before (I must be the only one in Ireland). I loved their new album and was glad to see it feature heavily with some classics. The encore was a great festival ender. Herself went to bed while I tried to brave some Talking heads in Afrobeat form. I left after Once in a Lifetime and crashed.

General Views:
Toilets were fine for me your at a festival at the end of the day. I've had much worse at EP, Castlepalooza, Knockstocken. Food was good. I ate nearly everything down at the bandstand the best food was there. No trouble with the crowd. They need to sort out the organisation a little. Better traffic and stage management. Over behind Arcadia felt like too much music going on. That samsung yoke was too loud and annoying. Move it to the an post yoke.
Will I be back next year?? Yes I will. EP is not for me anymore and the music has been great the last 2 years. Cheers!

The only thing I took away from this was that you are in fact not a lady... :eek:

johnnyskeleton · 19-08-2019 3:13pm

mimimcmc wrote: »

The only thing I took away from this was that you are in fact not a lady... :eek:

After the festival he put her letter back in the place where it was found - in the pocket, of a jacket, in a tra-ha-hain in town

bodhrandude · 19-08-2019 5:04pm

sally cinnamon89 wrote: »

Right so here we go -

Friday.
Left the house around 9:30 heading the same route as last year. Didn't hit any traffic until the blue gate. Drove in and parked up. That walk from the car park seemed unnecessary and carrying stuff up that hill was a not pleasant. I hope they come up with something new for that next year. I also walked out to the car and walked back in from the side without being stopped or checked for a wristband which was funny. Caught Kean Kavanagh as the first act which was fun. He's a grand lad. Then went down to the bandstand and got 'My Goodness' their vegan nachos are amazing!! Then sat on the grass and watched the Trinity crew. Enjoyed their Vulfpeck covers left early to get cans and change before Fontaines DC. I was up the front for that and I couldn't hear the vocals so moved a bit back and it was perfect. Their brilliant I'm a longterm fan so biased. Then caught some Orbital after but wasn't really for me so went down and saw Papa Rua on the bandstand who were lovely and relaxing. Then went to see Joshua Burnside but the sound bleed was not ideal. He even at one point said he couldn't hear himself. I think next year the comedy should be moved down beside the house. Their was too much noise for the late night folk. Wandered to Arcadia for a bit and hit the hay.

Saturday:
Woke up and got some breakfast taco's (OHH YES!!) then watched the Glasshouse Bon Iver thing. Couldn't really hear them so left early to go see Junior Brother. He was brilliant and funny. I find his music on record sometimes hard but live the whole thing just works well. Great start! Then chilled out watching Booka Brass munching a burrito. Kojaque was next. The live band was great and had the place bouncing. As a young fella (23) I'm all over him. I left sweating and in need of more cans. Quick run back and ready for Just Mustard. They are loud and awesome. Seen them a few times and they're great although the best I've seen them was supporting the Cure which was strange. Anyway enjoyed them. Now we braved the rain for FJM. I'm a massive fan. I've seen him a few times and he is just the best. I understand why some don't get him. The performance felt like he was in 2nd gear for the first half (rain and small crowd) but he got into it and the clothes were gas,. Gig of the weekend so far. Straight over to get a spot for Loyle Carner. That guy is going places. I loved when he brought the guy from the crowd on. That felt like a special gig. We won't see him on such small stages for long. A quick dash over and caught the of Patti Smith. She was gloriaous . At the back but you could feel her stage presence. Got more cans and a some Indian from the Kerala kitchen (Very good). Hot chip (BOOGIE). Apres went to bandstand and dances to prince for the night, and maybe some more nachos.

Sunday:
Blindboy at the bandstand with some kombucha for cure. That was better than expected. Would of been a real treat if somebody told the Wailers (C'mon Pod). Then I went to A Lazarus Soul to the Claque to Black Midi. Then Bombay in the rain (for herself). Never seen them before but good vibes in the rain. A quick can restock and change and we were ready for some Damon and Co. Oh boy that was a treat. His stage presence was great a true showman. Left a little early for the National who I had never seen before (I must be the only one in Ireland). I loved their new album and was glad to see it feature heavily with some classics. The encore was a great festival ender. Herself went to bed while I tried to brave some Talking heads in Afrobeat form. I left after Once in a Lifetime and crashed.

General Views:
Toilets were fine for me your at a festival at the end of the day. I've had much worse at EP, Castlepalooza, Knockstocken. Food was good. I ate nearly everything down at the bandstand the best food was there. No trouble with the crowd. They need to sort out the organisation a little. Better traffic and stage management. Over behind Arcadia felt like too much music going on. That samsung yoke was too loud and annoying. Move it to the an post yoke.
Will I be back next year?? Yes I will. EP is not for me anymore and the music has been great the last 2 years. Cheers!

Great review SC89.

Ricosruffneck · 20-08-2019 9:15am

I suppose we can say there is no Metropolis festival this year.

SoundOfSilence · 20-08-2019 9:43am

Ricosruffneck wrote: »

I suppose we can say there is no Metropolis festival this year.

The first iteration of this festival was top notch and it went down hill from there. I hope history isn't repeating itself :eek:

BadTurtle · 20-08-2019 11:01am

Wasnt there an article over/before the summer assuming that POD would have to stop at least one of its festivals soon, possibly two? Metropolis was a no brainer. Just remains to be seen if another will go next year.

BullBlackNova · 20-08-2019 11:18am

I wouldn't be surprised to see Metropolis not return but a quick Google shows the first announcement was August 23 last year.

https://www.goldenplec.com/festivals/metropolis-2018/

Villagers had been confirmed prior to that date (in June, I think) but Roisin Murphy, Mac de Marco, etc were announced that week.

Like I said, I don't expect it to return but I wouldn't rule it out either - at least not for a few more days!

POD seem to be a on dud run the last 12 months, though, don't they? Since the huge hit of ATN 2018 they had Metropolis, which didn't sell as well as they wanted, Forbidden Fruit (I seem to recall poor ish sales but is that a false recollection? Someone who was there might have a better insight) and the PR fiasco that surrounded ATN, which did sell out but certainly wasn't the hit of 2018 because of the traffic row. They could use a win!

All Together Now 2019

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