Hi Nick, What you say is just common sense and courtesy really. If you want to sit down at a festival then you should have every right to do so, but it has to be at a suitable distance from the stage to leave room for those who prefer to stand. If you set your chairs early in the day and the arena gradually fills up, then you should move back. Just because you were there first doesn't mean you own the plot. At Cambridge there is a break at teatime when all chairs/rugs have to be removed from the stage front area. This seems to work perfectly well. You absolutely can not complain if you place your chairs near the stage and people stand in front of you. That's just ridiculous. I can say that as a performer I am thrilled that anyone, seated or standing, is prepared to listen to my stuff, but it is the standing/bouncing/dancing throng at the front that really gives you a lift.
I believe at the Isle of Wight festival they confiscated folding chairs on the way in without warning. Clearly this is wrong too - especially as they were selling chairs inside! I think the rule was revoked after many complaints.
Bring back the shooting stick I say.
Sad as it sounds i have a shooting stick that i got from a boot sale that is used regularly down the front at Cropredy. ( other festivals are also available)
