I am a 47-year-old who loves rock music but hates going to concerts because of the crowds and chaos. I went to this festival so that two of my kids and their friends could go. The bands were fine, but I wanted to comment on the festival itself.
I was surprised at how well this show was run. The chill-out building was great - providing shade, fans, decent restrooms, and some seating. The variety of food vendors was a pleasant surprise as well. I assumed my options would be limited to nachos and hot dogs, but it was much better than that. I do have a few suggestions for the next festival.
- More consistency with your policies: One spot on the website said backpacks were allowed, but another spot said they were not. One security guy let my daughter's friend take in an empty water bottle, but another security guy made me throw mine away. I saw many people in the festival with prohibited items. I don't mind following the rules, but be consistent in how you enforce them.
- Allow water bottles. Even if you don't allow water bottles to be brought in, you should allow people to have the bottle they spent $4 on rather than pouring it into a cup. I can't stick a cup in my pocket and sip on it over time. I realize this is for perceived safety, but plastic water bottles are not the same safety hazard that aluminum beer bottles are. Plus, you sold those tall plastic cups that people were throwing, and those were much more dangerous than a Dasani bottle.
- More seating options. The chill-out building and the food area needed at least double the seating. I assume you deliberately did not have folding chairs for safety reasons, but you need to find some other option.
- The sound tent was too large and in the wrong spot. I understand the need to cover the equipment, and I know position is important, but the tent blocked the view for the bulk of the open area. Move the tent 50' to stage right and line it up with the food vendors, leaving the view from the large open area less obstructed.