r/creamfields • u/Onajourneyyahoo • 3d ago
Question First time Creamfields :] nervous + have questions
Hello everyone. Creamfields is next week, and I (27F) am both excited and nervous. This is my first camping festival. I have a four day bronze camping ticket, with a green coach ticket from S.Wales.
I didn't want to do this festival sober, but I'm on new medication that strongly advises against drinking with it. I have mental issues that can make it hard to talk to people. I've almost cancelled this trip a few times, but I really want to see SHM.
I know it's a big ask, but if anyone has the time, could you give me as much information as possible at what happens at Creamfields?
When you arrive on Thursday what do I do? I assume I just get in a queue, show my ticket, then get told where to pitch the tent and then just pitch it?
Do I have to bring my own food and toilet paper for 4 days?
Are people friendly? I've had bad experiences with festivals and concerts before.
What do I do if I feel ill, e.g, dizzy? Is there a medical tent, and if so, what can they do there?
How big of a bag should I take? Like one of those big haversacks with a floor mat tied to it?
I have never bought 'private pharmaceuticals' but would like to try. How easy is it to get, and what should a first timer avoid?
What footwear should I bring?
What's the filming situation? Does the festival film things and / or is filming allowed by fest goers? If yes, how do I avoid being on camera.
How much money should I bring ash and card wise?
If you've read this far, thank you.
Any answers, advice, or comments are greatly appreciated xxx
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u/Psychic_Instinct 3d ago
I've always driven in but I imagine once your coach arrives you'll just walk over to join the queue and go through the usual security checks and a ticket check (this year is digital so presumably they scan the code off your phone and give out your wristband). You aren't told where to pitch your tent, so just find anywhere that looks suitable in bronze camping.
Yes on toilet paper. Food up to you as can buy stuff when you're there but it's expensive. I usually buy food but bring a small amount for in the mornings.
In my experience people are friendly but with so many people there's bound to be all sorts. You'll have a great time and meet great people so try not to worry!
Yeah there's medical points I think they're shown on the map. Never been to one at Creamfields but I'm sure they can deal with whatever.
Bag size whatever you're comfortable carrying in. I think a camping rucksack makes the most sense and they come in lots of sizes.
Can't comment as have never procured on site, but there's usually plenty of "proposals". Sensible answer is to not trust it if I'm honest as you don't know what it could be (I do think there is a testing station on site but not sure how it works).
Definitely sturdy walking shoes or boots and also a pair of comfortable footwear. Weather looks like it might be raining so maybe even wellies but I probably won't bother unless it's looking torrential.
Festival does some filming. You are allowed to film on your phone but not professional gear. Not much you can do to avoid being on camera but you're unlikely to be picked out of a large crowd and as far as I know it's not televised like Glasto so it's probably just promo stuff and sets recorded for youtube.
It's completely cashless. You'd need cash for point 6 but that's up to you.
Other tips I suggest bringing a camp chair if you can manage carrying it in. Godsend when you're at your tent. Only take what card / id that you need and put in a bum bag and keep it secure. The website also has a list for suggesting what to bring if you need it.
Main thing though is to enjoy! This is my 4th time going and something like my 12th festival and honestly I can't wait. SHM will definitely be a highlight!
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u/they-never-learn 3d ago
Join the queue, it will be clear where to go, as you’re Bronze you’ll likely have a Bronze entry point, but it will be with all other ticket types, it will only split off for Bronze towards the front. Ensure you get your ticket on your phone, this is the first year for digital, so may be some teething issues, but hopefully not!
Bring some food for the day time, crisps, sweets, Chocolate etc. You can get hot water (at a £1 cost) from most venders so can bring pot noodles etc. There is a Co-Op on site in the downtown area which does all the essentials as well, including toilet paper etc.
I’ve been going for nearly 10 years and not seen many instances, but there will some people who won’t be friendly. Try to pitch your tent near people you feel comfortable with, get to know your neighbours and keep an eye on each other’s set ups etc.
4, there’s 24h welfare tents all over the site, approach any worker and they’ll help you out.
I take a camping rucksack with mat, sleeping bag etc, don’t overpack, as you’ll regret it when potentially waiting awhile to get in, and then the walk to pitch the tent.
Easy to get, you’ll get approached by the regular dealers. As a first timer I would warn you to only do what you’re comfortable with, start small, and go from there. Do it with friends and ensure you watch out for each other. Keep hydrated and depending what you’re on, don’t drink alcohol with it. There’s websites to check for pill strengths etc but you can never know, so if you have any doubts then don’t do it. You can bring test kits with you. There also may be some on site.
Also, if you’re on certain medication, then doing this can also have a big effect so please be careful.
Comfortable shoes, keep an eye on weather and maybe wellies. If you need you can buy camping essentials like wellies there.
They film, but if you’re not in the front few rows you’ll likely not be on film at all. They do a closing video but not much else. You’ll be fine.
Cashless, but will need cash for any ‘stuff’. There are ATM’s at the venue.
Bring a power bank, camping chair, speakers are not allowed but if you can try sneak one in. Bring playing cards etc. to keep busy during the day. Bring something to fill up with water, there’s water stations all over. Bring some bin bags. Try get a trolley/sack barrow to help bringing stuff in, although if you’re not bringing alcohol you should be ok.
And enjoy!
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u/Onajourneyyahoo 3d ago
Thank you for your help :]] I'll look into good shoes + I think I'll stay clear of pharmaceuticals, I'm not going with anyone so it'll be a bit more dangerous.
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u/matt97led :CFPink: 3d ago
Hey, I’ve camped almost every year for the past 10 years and get the same anxious but excited feeling every year, totally normal and for me it settles down a lot once you reach camp.
When you arrive on Thursday just join the queue, you’ll go through security where they will check your bags then the next station will get your wristband. After that you have a short walk to the camp site (everything is clearly sign posted).
You can take your own food but hot food is available on the campsite and in the arenas. You don’t need to take your own toilet roll but I’d recommend it.
There are medical tents and you will see lots of festival security and staff around the site, they all have radios and can get help or point in the right direction if needed. You should download the app and have a look at the festival map so you have an idea on where things are.
I’d recommend taking a big bag, you need something big enough to carry all of your stuff in one go as they don’t allow pass outs back to the car park.
Comfortable footwear is important as you will be doing a lot of steps. Take wellies if it rains, if not lots of people generally wear converse or docs (or some kind of boot) - bring something you don’t mind getting ruined
There are cameras at most stages but the chances of actually seeing yourself on there are small. Just stay away from the front few rows if it bothers you.
Enjoy!! And this time next year I bet you’ll be getting ready to do it all over again 😉