Big Green Gathering 2006... We build - They destroy

Oh the rain - the rain. The fest got off to an unusually wet start. On our arrival, we saw the heavy vehicles dealing with the problem, laying extra tracks, and helping out the unfortunates who got stuck. It had rained more or less continuously for several days before the fest started, one of the potential banes of the UK festy scene. It was reassuring to see that the first class organisation of the BGG managed to deal with this eventuality efficiently, averting the disaster which might have ruined many other less well-run festivals.

Still, the marquees were packed with festival-goers enjoying the theatre, food, and music etc, which, as usual, was of a very high standard. On friday, the rain stopped, and the week- end brought continuous wonderful sunshine - Hooray!

As I wandered about, I began to appreciate the sheer size of the new Cheddar site. Like Glastonbury, it is impossible to see everything, even though, unlike Glastonbury, the BGG is on for five days.

The BGG is powered entirely by solar, wind, and pedal power. There are horse-drawn carts to ferry equipment and people around, which made light work of moving through this years muddy conditions. Families and children are well catered for. There is a special "Kid's field" and large Healing field. The pervading atmosphere of friendliness and peace is a must for those seeking tranquility. It should be remembered that the BGG was created to show that non-polluting, self-sustaining, technologies are a real alternative. Todays society is gradually realizing this in its experiments with wind, wave and solar power, so visit the BGG for what might hopefully be a glimpse into the future. For me, it is definitely the best fest, and offers very good value for money.
Enjoy the pics.
Trev