I was going to go to a festival with a friend, then realised that I’m really uncomfortable with the thought of that many people and for 4 days, so I’ve cancelled. I don’t want to catch Covid, (although I suspect I may have had it in Jan before the very first lockdown). What would you do? Go? Not go?
What do you think?: I was going to go to a... - Couch to 5K
What do you think?
BaddieThePirateGraduate
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BaddieThePirate
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DylanTheRabbitGraduate
It depends on the festival. If it's low key enough then it's probably no more risky than being in the park with entertainment laid on. If you're going to find yourself cramped into big crowds or inside marquees, that's a bit more risky.
My sister's just come back from a festival, she didn't go inside and was careful about hand hygiene. She did find it stressful at times though.
I'm on the fence about whether I would go to a festival right now, but also too skint to have to make that decision.
I have got an indoor comedy event booked in a couple of weeks, I don't think I'll be going to that.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Dexy5Graduate
It really is up to how comfortable you feel Baddie. If you won’t enjoy it because of the worry then cancelling would be a good option. But I think you are at less risk of catching Covid in outdoor settings and Portsmouth’s festival is on this weekend and it will certainly be well attended. We did Wimbledon and a race without any problem but all attendees had to prove negative to get in.
Billed as a family event, which I would normally love, but that means kids too young to be vaccinated.
CressidaBGraduate
I'm with you Baddie. We're not out of the woods. Mind you I've never liked large crowds anyway so I'm a bit biased 😬
I used to, but I have less patience than I used to, and am less used to being in groups of people after the last 18 months.
Yes, might be a bit overwhelming. But on the other hand could be loads of laughs. I personally used to love festivals when I was young and more sociable. Alas now I am old and grumpy and would rather be quiet at home!
IannodaTruffeMentor
I have just come back from Purbeck Valley Folk festival, where everyone respected other's space and it was perfectly possible to keep distance from others.
It all depends whether you want to get in a mosh pit, or the equivalent, which is probably unwise.
I’m far too breakable for mosh pits. I do like folk sessions, dancing and singing though. And people watching, I love people watching.
It was glorious to lie in the sun in a field and listen to some wonderful live music along with friends.
I wore a mask briefly in more crowded spaces, but otherwise avoided being in close contact.
Sounds perfect. Glad you were able to enjoy it.
We live in Purbeck and are always meaning to go - sounds as if you would recommend! We saw the tents from a distance when out for a walk - I hadn’t even realised it was on as we’ve kept ourselves to ourselves for so long😂
It is a lovely, friendly little festival with a broad definition of Folk. We have stewarded there for quite a few years and love returning to catch up with everyone, and of course for the music.
Also, being in Purbeck, it is a wonderful place to walk during the day.........but you obviously know that.
It is the same time of August each year.
We have just come back from a small folk festival. It felt ok to us. The sides of the marquees were open so it was possible to sit on the grass slope outside. We have been to that festival many times so knew what to expect, including nearby Conkers parkrun.
We are going to Shrewsbury next week which is entirely outdoors, so we should be able to keep our distance. Just found out that 2 of the stewards are going to wait at one of the gates to escort people to the parkrun. They claim it will be a gentle jog but we might set off a bit earlier (their gentle jog might be my race pace - if I had such a thing)
But you are best to do what seems comfortable. I certainly wouldn't go to a very large festival.
The biggest festival I have ever been to was Cropredy, all outdoors, and I would feel OK there.
Having said that, we are in a small motorhome and have our own toilet and can easily manage without showers. So the biggest risk will be queuing at all the food stalls 
Shrewsbury is also asking everyone to take a test before going.
I think the toilets could be a risk, so having your own sounds perfect. I tried to find out number of attendees, but couldn’t find any idea.
Quick report from Shrewsbury Folk Festival. It feels really safe for us, generally people are giving each other plenty of space, although I there are plenty crowding in front of the stage. We are not queuing, apart from the food stalls but they are distanced.We did have a shower after parkrun but only because there was no queue. There are 28 completely separate showers in portacabins, with lovely hot water. Otherwise we would have washed in our van.
Toilets are ok, portacabins or proper ones although we are mostly using our own.
And the weather is lovely.
Great. Glad you’re enjoying yourselves. I’m looking for a van 😊
Good plan
UnfitNoMoreGraduate
They’d have to pay me a fee along the lines of the headliners for me to go to one right now.
I think I would go if they paid me lots of money…
We need a band
I play a mean school recorder! (Really. No, I’m not kidding).
My vocals are very death metal... not sure it goes with recorder 🤣
I play a sax
Excellent! Looks like I’m on the tambourine then guys 😄
She does, I have heard her
grumpyoldgirlGraduate
I wouldn't go. Not until the number of double vaxxed is a lot higher. I'd be too anxious about not being able to control the safety of my own environment.
nowsterGraduate
I'd be exactly the same, to be honest.
The closest I'm likely to be doing anything similar any time soon is a back garden BBQ party where most people will be outside and distanced with the numbers limited.
I may have had a suspicious "cold" in February last year too.
We had an outside get together of 5 musicians (I didn’t play the cello), plus 4 listeners and that was perfect for me.
GoogleMeGraduate
Possibly a one word answer to this: Boardmasters 😔
The Covid rate in Newquay was just about the highest in the UK in the week before Boardmasters, simply because of people holidaying in the South West. I live in Devon, which also has a high rate compared to the average, so going to a Festival and being careful was no more risky than walking around my home town.
In the days before the Festival we stayed in Dorset, two miles from the coast and hardly saw a soul while walking. On the coast it was different, but it is not difficult to stay away from people if you choose to, even at a festival.
This pandemic is with us for the long term, so if we want to go on living full lives, we have to assess our own acceptable level of risk.
Life is for living.
I agree. We would have come into closer contact with people if we had stayed at home and gone to a supermarket.
FrencGraduate
Ah it’s really tough isn’t it. On thé one hand we want to stay safe, on the other, we need to do normal things and have some fun. I guess it depends on the type of festival and how you behave when you’re there! Perhaps you can go away for a few days with your friend instead? Hopefully next year the festival season will be more back to normal 😊😊😊.
That’s what we’ve decided to do, meet up just the two of us. I’m still seeing the supermarket on a weekend as a bigger risk than on a weekday. I’ve taken small risks, but the festival feels like a BIG risk.
Ah I think you’ve made the right decision. My nephew went to some festival in Cornwall, caught it, and gave it to his mum. My sister’s been in bed for days feeling awful! 😣😊
OldflossAdministratorGraduate
Don't go would be my advice.... numbers are rising again...:(It is your choice obviously, but after the ZOE webinar I attended yesterday afternoon, ( some data from that study released today... ) I am certainly more determined to stay masked in any indoor setting and being doubly careful in outdoor situations.I am moving forward, but very slowly and steadily in this situation as there are others beside myself to consider
You will make the decision that is right for you, a bit like our running really, you need to enjoy it and feel comfortable
PS
J and I think we had Covid in January last year, before it all went pear shaped!
Oldwoman65Graduate
Outside festival should be ok. We've just come back from a 5 day break in our motorhome, in Burnham on Crouch. Nobody wore masks, inside crowded pubs and restaurants. I felt quite uncomfortable. Not sure why they have abandoned mask wearing in Essex. The pub staff thought it hilarious that we had masks on. Here in Suffolk we are still wearing masks to the supermarket. Feels much safer
In Wales masks are still compulsory in all shops and public buildings and on all public transport. I always feel so much safer there!
Glad I read your post, I am going to Cardiff on Saturday for the day...... Mad, I am. Masks all the time then. Thanks.
Folk there are so used to them..x Enjoy Cardiff it's going to be warm!
I still wear mine here in England all the time . Thanks for the tip about the weather . Mind time we get there and unload the car, it will be time to go home. .. Back up next month for a weekend as son is going to uni there. Thank you
I hate how people are afraid of these events now. Despite them being vaccinated.
I went to a large meet up in Glasgow recently. I loved every minute of it. It was great to not wear masks and actually talk/meet new people. Despite having the tracking app on (which I don’t agree with but was forced to have) I was never pinged and nor did I catch covid.
I actually still haven’t caught a cold in over a year yet which isn’t normal. I thought by being vaccinated things would ease up with people.
I’ve got all the bad health going on that I can cope with. I just couldn’t cope with yet another thing 😐
You do right. X
I think the reason flu and colds are so low over the last year or so is because people are wearing masks. ... And many people who could die from flu or such will continue to wear them for their own safety .
A 2015 BMJ article suggests that cloth face masks can be ineffective. The study was based on healthcare workers using them vs medical grade face masks. The reason why flu and cold cases are low isn’t because of face mask usage but because of lockdowns. Face masks will only work if they are worn correctly and are made of the correct material. Neither can be guaranteed.
As a layperson it seems very strange that we have been out of lock down for many months now but the death rates and infection rates are going up since wearing masks in England stopped being compulsory recently ... But hey I am no expert and I will carry on doing what I feel is right for me and you will do what you feel is right... A personal choice for both of us. Happy running.
Freedom of choice is something that’s been lacking. You are free to wear a mask just as others should be free to not wear the mask. Unfortunately those in the latter group have been forced against their will.
Life has to return to normal.
Life will return to normal but I am very laid back about it and can wait until all feel safe and happy .... Forced against their will, maybe turn that around and now people are forced against their will to be next to people not wearing a mask now!
Maybe you can wait but many people, younger in particular, just want to get on with life. I don’t have the funds to remain laid back unfortunately. I’m also living in a flat. Only being allowed out once a day was not fun. Tomorrow I’m going to an event here mask free. I’m looking forward to it.
I’ve also agreed to take two vaccines which I didn’t want in return for normality.
People who want to wear masks are free to wear masks but shouldnt expect others to wear them if we are to believe in freedom of choice (like you agreed with earlier).
FleetnotGraduate
As said by others, depends on the festival. Figures from Boardmasters don't look great despite the precautions. Public health is about population level risk. As individuals we all need to conduct our own individual risk assessment for our specific situation and to some extent that includes our mental well-being.
This!
I agree.
Go,if u been vaccinated,government spent billions ,and millions vaccinating get on with ur life xxx
Vaccination doesn't stop you getting it, and the evidence is that if you get it, even without symptoms, you can spread it just as much as if you weren't vaccinated.
I have to be careful as I have contact with people who are vulnerable, and so does my partner who is a community nurse.
It sounds from your post like you had already made up your mind, as you had already cancelled. Presumably, then, that must have felt like the more sensible option that you were more comfortable with.
And that's fine. We're still in a pandemic, cases are creeping up now that restrictions have been lifted, and there has been plenty of evidence of crowded events being ideal places to start extra spreading of the virus. These are all good and logical reasons to put off going to a festival.
Trust yourself
I do feel relieved, and my resting heart rate has dropped, so I think it was the right decision for me. There is so much other stuff going on to consider too. I think Covid is the straw that broke the camel’s back this time.
MaCherie112Graduate
Oh wow I’m in a similar position. Before lockdown I used to be out 3-4 times a week which is no mean feat for an extroverted introvert. But since lockdown I’ve gotten somewhat institutionalised.
I’ll want to go out book and plan something and then as the date looms fill with dread and cancel! I have a festival coming up too it’s only for 1 day but as the date grows closer I’m still not looking forward to being surrounded by so many people.
I start to fear if I’ll ever be ready and I’m sure the first gig will be the hardest and then I’ll wander what I was so scared off, but on the other hand I don’t want to catch Covid again and if I do catch it again how do I explain being so reckless?
And yet I see and know other people going out and really enjoying themselves and wandering why I’m not doing the same. Part of me has come to enjoy the solitude and working on myself and my goals and doesn’t want to go back out there until I’ve hit certain milestones, another part of me doesn’t want to catch Covid again, another part of me is wandering if I ever did really enjoy being surrounded by so many people in the first place or is that just what I as a reluctant introvert have told myself and still yet another part of me has this big fear of missing out.
I’m probably not the best one to advice but can definitely identify with the conundrum! I guess the biggest question you can ask yourself is will you regret not going and can you remain safe enough to have a good time? The first time will be the hardest in any case.
I used to be very sociable, but that seems to be changing with age and experience, I’m going to miss seeing my friend, but we’re going to catch up, just us minus the other 18,998 people, sometime soon. I haven’t even done Parkrun yet. I think I’ll try that first.
I think that’s the key! Slow and gradual immersion rather than right in at the deep end! You can gradually increase or decrease the numbers as comfortable, which is also the key you have to feel comfortable and not overwhelmed with anxiety to have have fun ! Hope you enjoy yourself regardless! I’m definitely second thinking my plans, let us know how you get on! 💫
How was your experience of Covid? I hope it wasn’t too severe?
It was unfortunately I was hospitalised for 7 days and had been fighting it at home for 2 weeks prior. Lots of drug & fluid infusions, bed rest and oxygen and then fatigue when I came back home, but luckily I’m fine now. Many did not survive or ended up with long Covid. I’m just wary now but also worried that I’m not wary enough if that makes sense. The worst thing is friends and family visiting from overseas or whatever and demanding that you socialise with them and not quite getting that you’re not ready yet then piling on the guilt trip. 🤯
Just get them to check out the ZOE Covid study findings , if that does not quieten them down, nothing will .The latest findings on the efficacy of vaccination after 5 to 6 months speak for themselves.You do what you need to...xx
Thank you, unfortunately these are due hard anti-vaxers who believe Covid has been exaggerated *facepalm*
That's not good
Tell me about- thankfully the main one has gone back home but will be back later this year with expectations of socialising while they’re unvaccinated I just think it’s selfish on their part but I get guilt tripped into not being a good host 😩
That sounds really bad. Glad you’re ok now. I really suffered with guilt after my pa had a terrible accident. I felt guilty for still being able to walk. I’m really good at dealing with guilt now. Much better at just refusing to do it. It’s not a particularly helpful emotion.
There’s absolutely no reason to guilt trip yourself if you weren’t at fault for anything but it’s such an easy trap to fall into like most things that are no good for us unfortunately! I’m trying so hard not to snack while relegated back to the couch for recovery and failing miserably 🤣
Sparkey5000Graduate
Personal call……I went to Latitude. Had to have a clear test before being allowed in but still people caught it. I got pinged but thankfully didn’t get it myself. Equally had a colleague on holiday in the uk and whole family caught it. Don’t think anyone can advise….if you feel uncomfortable then it’s probably not for you right now. Big believer in listening to your gut instinct. There will be more festivals.
BaddieThePirateGraduate
Thank you everyone for your thoughts. Strange times. To all of you who are going to public events this year, enjoy and have a little dance for me.
It's whatever you feel comfortable with, tbh. I've been back to the theatre, which hasn't been socially distanced, and that's inside for two hours. Most people were wearing masks and I've been double vaxxed, so it was within my comfort zone. I'm not sure about a festival, because even though outside, there are still a lot of people there mingling for a long time and toilet facilities aren't going to be as clean as I'd be happy with.
Although we have our own facilities, I have to say that the toilets and showers here at Shrewsbury Folk Festival are excellent. The showers in particular are better (cleaner and hotter) than many commercial campsites.And at 5pm this afternoon, an hour before the end of the last concert the toilets were still being serviced - cleaned and fresh towels, toilet roll.
Very impressed indeed.
Hey pirate, You do you. Your the only one who knows what's right for your family.
No ones opinion here will be right.
It's a healthy disagreement of choice I find. One way people cant understand others hiding from the world. One way people cant wait to be part of the world again.
I'm one of the nervous ones. I'm cautious, I'm careful, I'm double vaccinated, I wear a mask, I distance and I got covid recently!
I'm just getting over it.
While others encourage to stay close to home and not mix. While others encourage to get to normality and join events like this. That's their choice.
You do you.
I hope you get better quickly.
Curlygurly2Graduate
I almost certainly wouldn't go, as someone who never liked crowds much I positively can't stand them now after all these months of lockdown. It's not really a question of Covid for me, I just can't imagine coping with that many people in one place. I'm easing myself back in gently, I went to an outdoor performance of Shakespeare, that had about 250 people, but they were all seated, I've done a couple of parkruns, that's been enough for me.
mrrunGraduate
I wouldn't go simply because the bands that I like are either no more or are dead. Most of the stuff I listen to was last recorded before Thatcher came to power. Other than that, if Elvis were still around, I'd go. I haven't changed much during this crazy period and haven't stopped travelling abroad, getting on the planes or mixing with whoever. Then again, I would never ask anyone to model themselves on me.
Apparently there were not as many big name acts at Shrewsbury this year which may have been disappointing for the regulars. Lindisfarne, Oyster Band, Show of Hands and Kate Rusby were all very good but as first timers we have enjoyed many acts that we have never heard of more than those.
I think you have more expectations of a well known band and so are more likely to be disappointed if they don't play all your favourites whereas with newer bands it is all fresh and more interesting.
I agree! But for me it's the type of music, regardless of who's playing it. Give me a pop act and I'll run off the cliff, arms wide apart, head on first. 😉
MummycavAdministratorGraduate
Hi BaddieThePirate …having lost my brother to Covid in Feb I am definitely a ‘dont go’ person…but…that’s entirely up to you…I personally wouldn’t feel comfortable but normality has to resume at some point I suppose…we’re def not out of the woods yet & with things opening back up & events happening we’ll just have to wait & see
Sorry to hear about your brother. It’s so painful to lose a sibling.
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