Live from Wythenshawe Park, thoughts and advice (should you want it).

After last weekends gigs in Wythenshawe Park, I read a lot of posts about how bad a venue it is, that it has major access issues (I don’t think it’s great if you have accessibility needs, I suspect that’s part of a wider issue) and that people should avoid it at all cost. I know, people moaning on the internet, who’d have thought. So here’s me to set the record straight and offer another opinion that the internet doesn’t really need.

As outdoor non-purpose-built gig venues go, Wythenshawe Park is pretty great. There’s several routes in and out, whichever direction you’re coming from, so you don’t have to walk half way around it (it’s pretty big) to get in. There’s tons of flat space, which makes viewing pretty decent, even at the back (although watch out for that dip in the middle of the field to the right of the stage) …and it’s surrounded by trees, which not only makes it look nice, but helps the sound if the wind picks up (to a point, you’re still outside, if it’s blowing a gale, no PA is gonna cut it). It also holds a capacity of 25,000, meaning you’ve got a fair crack at getting a ticket for bands like The Cure and Pulp. Yes we’d all love to see bands like this in small intimate venues, but it’s not gonna happen is it. It does also mean that you’re going to be in a big crowd, probably with quite a few idiots and certainly a lot of drunk people. Moving around will not be easy, especially in a group and do not expect to get in or out quickly, particularly out, as once it’s dark, moving 25,000 people gets trickier. You can moan at the stewards and even the police, but please don’t, it’s most likely they’re doing a decent enough job in tough conditions and you’re just being a pillock. I’ve read people whinging that the toilets are too far away from the stage and the same of the bars and food stands. Why on earth they think putting this stuff near the stage is a good idea is beyond me, I can only assume they’ve not been to a large scale outdoor gig before. Trust me, you don’t want the toilets anywhere near the stage, but just to note, that isn’t an excuse to start pissing in the pit, be it in a pint pot or up some poor sods leg. My advice to navigate all this, is planning. Know where you’re going in, check the map (they publicise it enough), definitely know which is the best way out for you, it can be disorientating once it’s dark (even with generator lights) and you’ve just found yourself utterly lost in the music of your favourite band. Be it to the left of the fairground or right, pick a landmark, know which way you’re headed. The band’s curfew is 22:30 and they try to get everyone out for 23:00. During the gig, pick a spot and stick to it, especially if you’re in a group and if you’ve got teenagers or a Dad with no sense of direction, maybe pick somewhere as you’re coming in and altogether, where you can meet if separated. Don’t bring a picnic blanket, you get the space your body occupies in a crowd this size, nothing more. It’s probably a good idea to know what you can and can’t bring in, there’s a lot you can’t bring on site and you arguing with the security at the gate, that won’t let you in with your hamper and deck chairs just slows it down for everyone. If you want to be down the front and as far away from the fairground rides as possible (I agree they should be told to turn their music off while the headliners are on), then you’re best getting in early. Doors are usually around 4pm, if you rock up at 7pm and find you can’t get close to the front, that’s just the way it goes. There’s no last entry, but the earlier the better, you might discover a new favourite band. I know it might be a Friday and you might’ve been at work, but modern life is shit sometimes. By all means try and work your way forward if you want, but do it politely, don’t be that entitled cunt who comes crashing through people, knocking drinks and acting like a twat. The food isn’t cheap inside the site, maybe eat before you arrive, although the food is good this year, why not treat yourself while you watch some bands. The bars I won’t comment on. If you want to drink, you will spend a lot of time queuing and will get fleeced. There’s a simple solution (no it’s not getting hammered before you arrive). Ultimately, go in with a positive mindset and make the most of it. You’re getting to see bands you love in a beautiful park, the sun might even be shining. This should all read like common sense and hopefully most readers will get to this conclusion and think this was a pointless read. Sadly though, some people need telling. Don’t bring a fucking kazoo! Love and support live music.

https://livefromwythenshawepark.co.uk