Here’s a handy guest blog from our sponsors Christian Connection …
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Tickets bought? Travel plans made? Tent cleaned? It’s almost time to start packing for Greenbelt 2016, Silent Stars.
Whether you’re coming to Greenbelt for the first time, or returning after a break, we’ve compiled some helpful hints on how to get the most from the festival.
Get excited
It’s been said that much of the enjoyment is in the anticipation, so here are some ways you can start getting in the festival mood: check out the line-up and follow links to artist profiles; listen to the official playlist on Spotify (perfect for the journey); dig out your old Greenbelt t-shirts and other old merch; listen over talks from past years to get your juices flowing; talk to friends to find out who else might be going.
Come prepared
If you’ve not been to Boughton House before, prepare to be wowed. The grounds are stunning and there’s plenty to explore in the fields, lakes and woodlands – but remember it’s a completely greenfield site, so embrace the great British summer and come prepared for all weather. Aside from your tent, sleeping bag and camping gear; your Greenbelt kit should include wellies, waterproof jacket, hat, suncream, folding chair, toilet paper, hand gel, warm clothes, a torch, ear-plugs and cash for the food vans.
Get an official tour
Once you’ve pitched up, the best way to get orientated is to head over to the Village Hall for the Welcome to Greenbelt session on Friday at 5:30pm. After a brief welcome and introduction, tour guides will show you around the site, pointing out where to eat, what to see in each venue, share a little about the history of Greenbelt and what not to miss over the weekend.
Make plans, break plans
There’s so much going on at any one time, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and let FOMO creep in (fear of missing out). Pick up a festival guide and circle a few ‘not to be missed’ events, but don’t worry too much about sticking to your plan. Go with the flow over the weekend – take time to catch up with friends you bump into, or follow your ears if you hear an interesting performer. Remember, you can always download talks from the website after the weekend.
Embrace the space
Festivals create liminal space, which can allow us to explore new ideas and experiences. So embrace the mix of faith, arts and justice and come prepared to challenge your preconceptions, try something new and broaden your horizons. There’s also very limited mobile reception on site, so you could use it as an opportunity for a digital detox.
For more detailed information, check out Greenbelt’s Essential Information.
If you are on your own and want a little structure to meeting others, take a look at the Christian Connection events this year:
Festival welcome and tour
Friday 5:30pm and Saturday 11am, at the Village Hall
Social drinks for single Greenbelters
Saturday 7pm, inside the Jesus Arms
Communion meetup for anyone on their own
Sunday 10am, at Glade Big Top (meet outside The Tank)
OuterSpace LGBTQ social drinks
Sunday 7pm, inside the Jesus Arms
Discussion panel: Has online dating changed everything?
Monday 3:30pm, Treehouse
Look out for our flags and umbrellas at the events. Full details are in the Festival Guide.
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ChristianConnection.com is an award-winning dating site, dedicated to matching single Christians in the UK.