Although i would never consider myself a critic, having been to both of the Uk's leading festivals in the last two years, i feel like it's appropriate to draw some comparisons.
Glastonbury 2013 VS Reading 2014
HEADLINERS
ARCTIC MONKEYS VS PARAMORE / QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE
THE ROLLING STONES VS ARCTIC MONKEYS
MUMFORD & SONS VS MACKLEMORE/BLINK 182
In terms if quality, they are both superb line ups. I've had the pleasure of seeing the arctic monkeys twice now. Although i've never really got in on the hype, Alex Turner is sauve, charasmatic and a wonderful frontman. In comparison, Hayley Williams led the female domination and absolutely lit up Readings arena and set of the featival with a bang! She faced a power cut and still entertained thecrowd with a very special 'the only exception' interlude! As for The Rolling Stones, although gods within their own right, i justs didnt feel they connected with the crowd very well, similarly Jake Bugg had next to no audience interaction; a massive turn off for me at a festival.
However Sunday night was so full of hyped up fans that I have never quite felt a crowd react so well to any performer Macklemore & Ryan Lewis held the reading crowd in their palm, with dancers, interaction with the crowd, flames and fireworks! I have never screamed quite so loud in my life it was absolutely incredible. That was swiftly followed by Blink 182 who absolutely rocked the closing act of the festival, although Mumford and sons are a favourite of mine, Blink did reawaken the 14 year old little rock pop punk in me.
Overall; excellent music tastes on both sides on differing sides of the spectrum.
The facilities, toilet standards are similar, however the toilets in reading's arena were a breath of very much needed fresh air! There was also a lovely carnival ( albeit pricey!) and some excellent food options though again their prices were just that little bit too high for my liking (£4 for chips?! Really reading?!) Glasto had a lot more to offer with circus acts, an arts field, the chilled field of avalon... It gave you somethingg better to do than just sitting and waiting between your favourite acts, although I am aware there is a significant size difference between the two venues.
One thing I will downright SHAME reading for is the drinking rules. Bearing in mind that alcohol has become almost part of the festival experience it annoys me to no end that you are not aloud ANY alcohol into the reading arena. With the average price inside £4.90 for a Tuborg, £4.70 for cider or any single measure and mixer with no ice, to even get a slight buzz could put you back £20!
I understand the importance of safe drinking, but I can also understand why taking drugs is a more valid option to most reading festival goers, in the long run it is cheaper to get the same hype as spending 30 quid on alcohol.
Sadly the extrotionate prices have really ruined the reading experience for me. Water is even charged at £2.20 a bottle with only one water top up facility in the main arena! This should be addressed and sorted because i've found myself having a relatively tame experience in comparison to Glastonbury.
It could be the exclusivity and competition of getting Glastonbury Tickets, but in general it attracts a different type of people. I've been pitched next to the walkway at Reading and even earplugs wont
Cover up the hideously annoying shouts of drunken groups of lads, out of their faces or the underaged girls and of course my complete favourite of middle classed man bun wearing arsehole who think that just because daddy paid for their ticket they have a god given right to push past you in a crowd which has no room in it.
Instead of focussing on being happy, many of the Reading go-er's were flattening peoples tents whilst they were in it or even setting tents alight. It's a horrible feeling especially when you are camping alone that you could be the next victim.
At Glasto, everyone was happy, there was no angry teenagers just people who genuinely enjoyed the music and put two fingers up to everyone else.
At Reading, I overheard one man say ' fuck me i'd sniff her gash! Followed by a lovely young girl state 'LETS GET FUCKING MORTAL YOU BUNGH OF C*NTS!'
I think that sums up which if the two experiences I would do again, however the end result is always the same... A desperate need of a shower, bed and new vocal chords!
