The Red Tent: love it or a place to avoid?

[mikey]

Jul 3, 2017 22:25:48 GMT Purpledawn said:

Oops, missed this post for some reason. Avoid, for the same reasons as Dorset Helen. The last time I went in there was in 2012 to see Disraeli and the Small Gods. Unfortunately I had a panic attack and had to leave. I'd feel claustrophobic anywhere if it has the sides down and no way of escape. I did dance outside quite a lot when Craig Charles played there, and when Hot 8 Brass Band were on last year,  but refused to venture inside on both occasions as it was far too crowded for me.

On the rare occasion I venture into the big red tent, it only seems to be crowded by the entrance, there is much more room if you manage to get closer to the front but this is not easy.  I was there for Disraeli but down the front it did not seem too crowded. I can understand a feeling of claustrophobia which is a shame for many people who are put off going in there (or unable to make their way through to the front).  But it seems the people having the best time are those just outside, either chilling or dancing to the music 😀

[bloohair]

I love the Big Red tent - for me it's another part of the eclectic music mix that I love Womad so much for.
Two years ago on a rainy Sunday lunchtime we saw the Chinese Dragon dance performers - can't remember their names, perhaps Del will. However, I love the up-beatness of it all, even if I just sit outside in the sun listening, or dancing.

[hotdrummer]

I've seen lots of great acts in big red but I do tend to avoid the pure disco 'record players and scratchers'. A few acts I remember are: Snarky Puppy, Dobet gnahore, rafiki jazz, nouvelle vague, oh and that fantastic opera thing on a thurs night once. Was it Don Giovanni ?

[grey]

I love the red tent and looking forward to seeing some top acts this year like
Clap Clap+band
Beating Heart
Ifriqiyya Electique
Benjamin Zephniah
House Gospel Choir
A real mix of styles to choose from not just banging DJ's