FAC is going to put more pressure on queues on the roads, campsites,queues for wristband exchange etc.
Maybe it's not even worth the stress of setting off earlier on Thursday to get there on time, just to end up in the wristband line whilst Fairport are playing.
That'll be four o'clock then. An idea we have unashamedly nicked from The Levellers who have bracketed their own festival this way for years: such a good idea we couldn't but imitate it.
It is a good idea.
Thank you all VERY MUCH for considering being with us... Oh, and tell your friends!
A lot of us are determined to be on-field for four. Personally, I'll be setting off from work around midnight to lurk in a Banbury car park.
I do like festivals which allow (sometimes charging for) access the day before. It does reduce the stress. They all seem to be in remote locations, far enough away from anywhere to avoid beer, entertainment and food seeking punters excessively annoying the locals. I gather that Cropredy starting on Thursday came about because of the problems caused by allowing access on Thursday when the festival started on Friday. This could end up with a week long Cropredy.
Come to think about it I'd quite like that. As a pipe dream, how about:
Sunday
Caravan and a camping field (2?) open for camping in mid afternoon.
Modest part-time on site entertainment available in the evening. With beer.
Monday and Tuesday
Possibly, modest part-time on site entertainment available in the afternoon. With beer.
Modest part-time on site entertainment available in the evening. With beer.
Return coach available for the warm ups. Chargeable.
Wednesday
Possibly, modest part-time on site entertainment available in the afternoon. With beer.
Modest part-time on site entertainment available in the evening. With beer.
Thursday - Saturday
As now.
Modest: Cheap or free acts - "I played at Cropredy" might be enough reward for some. Or even open mic. A lot of talented musicians and other entertainers attend Cropredy.
Each early day has its own charge to cover security, toilets, etc. For example, Bearded Theory are charging £12 for their 14:00 Thursday Camping ticket.
Catering arrangements announced and held to. Even if it is "none, bring your own, the village can't cope".
This could:
Reduce the Thursday morning stress and chaos by spreading some of the arrivals over previous days.
Lengthen the Cropredy holiday.
Necessitate a larger venue for the warm ups. I like Woodford Halse (8-)
Increase beer and food vendor's takings.