Article by Zena Gardner – 23/03/10
The Sonisphere Focus Group and members of Kilimanjaro Live met at a pub in London on Thursday 18th March 2010 for its Third Focus Group Meeting.
In attendance were the Focus Group members, and from Kilimanjaro Live, Zac Fox (Festival Manager), Mark Walker (Promoter), David Harrison (Art Director), Steve Jenner (Digital Director) and Lucy Levitt (Festival Assistant).
As always the meeting was a massive success, and staff of Kilimanjaro were keen to use the Focus Group for advice on points raised, and have again proved that they really want to make this event the best for its attendees.
The responses from all the questions we were asked by various attendees of the event to raise are detailed below.
Layout
• What changes have been made?
Answered in other questions below.
• Will the position of the stages change for 2010?
Yes, they will remain in similar positions but the Apollo Stage will be moving slightly further back so the flat area in front of stage will be larger, so the line of sight will be improved also. This also to make the arena area larger to accommodate the expected numbers.
• Any thought given to the idea of them being at right angles with each other?
This has been discussed, but it’s not an ideal set up and the landscape at Knebworth is not suitable for this layout, as there is not a large enough flat piece of space in a suitable stage location.
• No stalls in between the main stages please
The FG concluded after discussing this that it is a 50/50 subject. ZF explained that this is a practical set up, however with the Apollo stage being moved further back this will mean it shouldn’t get so cramped having the stalls in a similar location in 2010.
• Can the main stage move so it’s over the brow of the hill? I.e. we look down at it not up
With the Apollo stage being moved back further the issue of stage view should be improved upon.
• There’s talk of two tents of music – will be there an extra tented stage for 2010?
There will be a total of 6 stages, one of which is the Jaeger Truck which will be back and better!
• Will the band playing on the main stage be shown on the second stage screens and vice versa?
This has been discussed but isn’t yet certain.
• More shaded areas in the arena area please.
There will be more tented stages, if that counts? More shaded areas means less moving space, but there will be more tents to take shade under.
• There was mention of two screens for Saturn at the last meeting, any news on this front?
This is unlikely to happen due to high costs of implementing this, which would in turn end up being passed onto the consumer, and organisers are keen to keep ticket prices as low as possible.
• Could they have a high camera that can capture the crowd on Saturn?
This is going to be looked into.
• What are the plans for Bohemia if it gets packed out like it did a couple of times this year? Will there be a big screen outside with a few speakers?
The Bohemia stage last year, was of perfect size. Yes it got to capacity twice through the weekend, but if you increase the size for just 2 acts, it means the lower down bands feel like they are playing to half a tent if the tent is too large. It is unavoidable when a popular act plays on this stage and is unable to accommodate everyone that wants to get in to see the show. This stage will likely be the same size in 2010 and should it reach capacity security will commence a one out one in procedure as in 2009.
• Will there be an alternative to the headliners over in Bohemia this year?
This suggestion is being discussed, but as yet organisers are unsure if this will happen. ZF indicated that a large amount of bands playing on this stage do not want to be in competition with the other headliners. They will continue to ensure that there are no band type / genre clashes between stages.
There will be acts on in Bohemia after the headliners still.
Toilets
• Very good last year, any changes to location/more drainage?
Zac thanked everyone for the positive comments regarding toilets. Toilet locations will probably change slightly for 2010, but they will still be in little clumps as opposed to massive blocks, and there will be more urinals implemented this year.
• A few more in the campsite, and spread out a bit more.
Will be looked into.
• Comfy crappers again please!
Yes they will be back
Security and Police Presence
• Ensure stewards are well briefed and thoroughly check wristbands
This will be addressed with the implementation of a Steward and Information Staff Handbook “The Knebworth Knowledge”.
• The “undercover” police men were really obvious as they didn’t fit in, dress them up in camo shorts and slayer t-shirt next time.
This was noted.
Environmental Concerns
• Any new plans to reduce the amount of waste left?
There are lots of exciting plans being discussed, explored and implemented for 2010. Soni will be updating the website with more information on their plans. The cup recycling scheme will be there.
• Clearly marked drop off point for left over tents
This will be part of the overall plans for this year so watch the website for the green announcement soon.
• Scheme to pick up rubbish or just give people black bags at entrance?
There will be bin bags available at each Campsite Information Hub, if you need more rubbish bags just head on over there.
Other incentives will be revealed with future announcements.
Bars and Food outlets
• Can we have healthy stuff?
There were places last year to get a healthier alternative to burger and chips a la grease. To help you find them there will be a list in the info point this year which will tell you what is available and where they are located.
• Could we have ‘beer gardens’ near the bars with tables and chairs?
There was a beer garden area in 2009 in Bohemia which will be there in 2010 and will hopefully be a little larger. There will not be any more implemented.
• Can we get clarification as to when the VIP bar will be open from? It’s not clear on the website and last year it wasn’t open till the Saturday.
The issues regarding the VIP Bar have been ironed out this year. Hours will be;
Friday – 3pm to 2am
Saturday – 8am to 2am
Sunday – 8am to 2am
The VIP bar will also be serving breakfasts.
• Can we have more spirits?
There were some spirits in the arena bars and spirits in other bars around site. Arena bars are generally normally more lager / cider based.
• Everybody loved the stall selling mugs of tea/coffee/hot chocolate – please bring this back this year! “(twas the gypsy style wooden caravan thing near the Comfy Crappers)”
These have all been asked to return to Soni 2010, so hopefully we will see them all again this year.
• Can we have a milkshake Stand?
Cue a rendition of My Milkshake brings all the boys to the yard by “Hysteria”.
ZF has requested a Milkshake company. VIP will definitely have one.
• Ice for sale please
Ice is available in the Campsite Supermarket.
• Can we have some identification procedure for identifying places that sell Vegetarian Food?
There will be a list of vendors and the foods that they sell located at the Main Information point, this list will indicate which stalls provide a Vegetarian option and any other useful information on each vendor that we can gather.
Disabled Customers
• If some disabled people are going VIP then there should be some facilities for them there.
There are disabled toilets in VIP, however each disabled person who purchases a ticket, VIP or other, are explained the benefits of camping the specific Accessible Camping area. Those who choose to still go VIP are aware that facilities in VIP are lesser than in Accessible camping so it is each persons choice which they choose.
• They need more toilets by the viewing platform and a bigger platform.
The policy for the platform is 1 carer to accompany 1 disabled wristband holder. This is the same policy at every event, if there is space then more may be able to use platform, but if it gets busy additional carers may be asked to leave the platform or be refused entry to it.
The platform this year will be slightly increased in size, and there will be enough toilets appropriate to the size of platform.
Merchandise
• Label opening/closing times
Yes this will be available
• More stock
Yes there will be.
• Will there be a European Tour t-shirt this year?
There will be a Big 4 T-Shirt available online in next couple of weeks.
• Will there be a separate t-shirt for each event with only that line-up on the back?
Yes
• Will there be proper girls t-shirts with the line-up on the back? And can the girls vests/sleeveless ones be better quality cause they were those horrible ribbed ones that stretch their pattern really badly over boobs & also shrink to short and wide after a couple of wears (boob test required…)
There are big improvements coming with merchandise this year. The designs will be better, the quality will be better, there will be a larger variety of colours and there will be boys and girls merch available.
A few of the FG Members expressed an interest in assisting with the boob testing, if this is available, surprisingly none of them had boobs, we think they just wanted to watch girls wearing tight vest tops!!!!!!!.
• At the last meeting, Sonisphere branded gear was suggested and SG said he would look into the possibility of something like a back pack, any news?
There will be some Sonisphere Branded tents available. Other branded items are Zip Hoodies, Baseball hats and Jersey Tops.
Travel/Car Parking
• Better signage on road needed, not just from motorway.
Soni are already aware of the signposting issues.
• No way to get from Hospital back to the festival except for a 2 hour walk back to the train station and then queue for a bus.
Soni will make sure that all Ambulance drivers have a local taxi firm number on board, for anyone that needs a taxi back from the Hospital. Although everyone should really try not to end up there.
• It was impossible to get a cab from the site when we tried, perhaps a designated taxi rank that is clearly signposted please?
Sonisphere does have a dedicated taxi rank, which will be available, improved and more highly promoted this year. Soni will also provide transport for VIP campers to get from VIP camp to Taxi Rank.
• Are you expanding their coach travel this year to more places including Scotland/Wales?
Yes. Tickets can now also be booked with Big Green Coach Company.
FMC
• Will the system be the same as last year?
Answered in following questions.
• How will the party work? Will there be enough room/free drink again?
We received confirmation that there will indeed be an FMC Party, which would be Rocky Horror Picture Show themed, with Fancy Dress being hugely encouraged. It will run on Friday @ 5pm before Bohemia kicks in, so it will sort of be like a Launch Party for the event. The event will last for 1 hour and there are discussions on entertainment for the party. You should be able to get a free drink or two again.
• Silver members will have the poster ruined/nicked by the end of the weekend…just so you know. Can they come in a tube please?
These posters will be put into a tube, but you will also have the opportunity to collect your poster after the event. These posters will be limited edition and only available to FMC Members attending the party.
• What will the free drink vouchers be like?
Like drinks vouchers!
• Will they have a limit on what they can be spent on? (E.g. Beer, Cider, Coke, Shot?)
They will probably have a monetary value, so you can use more than 1 token to buy a more expensive drink or 1 token = 1 beer.
• Will under 18s be able to use them in a place to buy ‘soft drinks’?
Yes
• Will there be any other way to ‘Win’ free drinks?
Maybe
• Make sure there is enough stock (e.g. posters) for every FMC member who has so many referrals.
Yes
• Will it be the same guild lines as last year regarding collecting your FMC Wristband’s etc. or will there be a different way of doing it this year?
It was agreed that last years set up was too complicated, so this year it will be different, and you will be able to get your wristband inside the site, so you can set up and get sorted and then get your FMC wristband.
• What will be the procedure re Black FMC members getting their free tickets for 2010?
They are being sent out to people in the post nearer the event time when all other tickets are printed and despatched. You should have all received a confirmation email about this, if you haven’t please email zee@thebetterfestivalgroup.com.
Guest/VIP
• What improvements are planned for this year given the increase in price?
There will be better toilets and showers.
The main reason for the price increase has been an increase with costs associated with providing the VIP Camping area. For example the hotel costs have increased for that time of year due to the hotel companies realising the market for a nearby festival.
• Will there be food stalls in the VIP area this year?
Yes, there will definitely be a breakfast bar and a tea place, and maybe more.
• Can VIP Tickets be included in the deposit next year?
No as they are so limited.
• More toilets and more showers, preferably with both on some sort of supportive mats to stop the quagmire that appeared later on through overflowing etc.
The toilet and shower issues were noted and the reason they became so poor was that they were being over used as there was not enough in place, this will be avoided by an increased number available.
• Police presence in VIP would also be good.
The police are on site and their main station isn’t far from the VIP campsite. There isn’t really a need for police to be in the campsite permanently as there are stewards and security posted there for the entire event. If anyone has a problem they can talk to a member of security who will be able to contact the police if appropriate.
• Will VIP Ticket Holders be able to get into normal camping this year?
Yes they should have been allowed last year.
• Instead of a cardboard hanger parking pass, if you offered stickers, people would be more inclined to leave them stuck on the car all year round thus advertising the event.
Nice suggestion but those passes cost a lot more to produce and guess who would pay for that!
Miscellaneous
• Lanyards – Instead of having a stage on each page could we have the day on each page for convenience?
Yes, this will be passed onto the designer.
• Camp ‘pack’ idea – Have the ability to make your camp official to some degree. Basically apply to have a camp and once so many people sign up to it, you receive an ‘official camp status’ which includes a ‘camp pack’. Things that could be included in the pack: T-shirts with a design selected by the camp, designated area to camp with a flag pole (and flag designed by camp). More ideas to be discussed.
There will not be a “camp pack” but Sonisphere have agreed to erect flagpoles for each Official Camp (who have registered their interest by DATE) before the campsites open. It will be the responsibility of the Camp to make sure someone arrives early enough to grab a flag pole, launch their flag and wait for the rest of their camp to locate the flag and flock around it.
There is however to be no “non friendly” rivalry between camps otherwise this opportunity will not be repeated.
You are also asked not to be rude to people who do camp in or near your space or ask you about the flag pole you have commandeered. This suggestion is not to provide each camp with their own dedicated portion of camping space, but is intended to make it super easy for camp members to spot their camp.
• After last year’s accident, have they taken more precautions into which people use their space for the fairground?
The incident is still under investigation by the HSE and Sonisphere asks that people don’t jump to conclusions about where the blame might lay.
The fairground operators are chosen using a few criteria which cover both finances and the way that the operators work. ZF said that the people behind last year’s fairground are amongst the best around as they become an integral and valued part of the event that they are present at. They were as upset by the incident as everyone.
The decision about who will be running the fairground hasn’t been made yet. However, if there were any doubts in bringing back the same company it wouldn’t happen so if they are successful again your support of both the fairground group and Soni’s decision would be appreciated.
• What is happening about flag’s this year?
Soni likes flags and last year there didn’t seem to be too much of a problem. With most things this is subject to change should we get a situation where all you can see when hearing a band is a wall of flags! But until the flag issue becomes an obvious problem, they will be allowed. However if your flag is deemed a nuisance then you may be asked to take it down, or move further to the side of the main stage.
• Post information emails (i.e. Poland offer, FMC members etc.) on the Focus Group thread on the forum first so we can review them and ask the questions we would expect people to ask based on the information in the email. If the Focus Group proof read it, it could eliminate a lot of unneeded hassle for TS. We often spot opportunities or potential problems looking at things from a customer’s perspective!
This would give a delay in getting important information out to people. This won’t be implemented, but if anyone does spot a glaring issue with information they should use the contact form on the website to advise Kili, who will address it straight away.
• Any plans for any helicopter/blimp footage?
No
• Although it’s a three day event, is it music for the whole Friday or just from 6 till 11? Also where’s the music going to be?
Yes it is only music from 6pm although will likely go on later than 11pm. Alice Cooper will be closing the night on the open air stage.
• Have a diary room like at HRH III where people could go and tell the camera of their experiences and the best bits going online.
Will be discussed. Some rather obscure things were suggested, none of which I really understood, so just wait to see if Soni provide any more information on this.
• Could the maps be clearer/more detailed rather than in a sketchy style?
Yes.
• Information prior to the festival was a little thin on the ground last year.
Unless Soni know what information you were missing they can’t address this, if you wanted information on something that was not available please use the website to email information to Kili.
• Help tent people seemed uninformed e.g. not knowing location of nearest medical tent. Perhaps a cheap booklet/guide could be made for stewards and staff?
As mentioned previously all staff will be issued with the “Knebworth Knowledge” Staff Handbook which should reduce this issue largely.
• If the wheelbarrows are coming back then the opening hours could do with being extended.
Wheelbarrows are not coming back but trolleys are taking their place. As it’s a new thing they can arrange to have it available for longer.
• Perhaps slightly more medicinal help? Rather than just a medical centre, it might be useful to have a few paramedics patrolling the campsites, much the same way as the police did?
There were medical centres around the site and stewards and security are both able to contact the medical team directly and immediately.
• Time warp world record attempt (or most zombies ever in one place 4001 needed (lets face it we all look like zombies come Monday morning lol)) on Friday – Make it official and get Soni in the GBoR
Kili are looking into the process for registering a Record Breaking Attempt and finding out what is involved. They are really keen to do this and you will be encouraged to dress up if you fancy it. There will also be a Time Warp tutorial video put up on the website so there is no excuse not to join in and help with this Record Breaker.
More information will follow … but isn’t it exciting!
• Could there be a specific area in the campsite for boardies?
Flagpole set up has been mentioned earlier in this document.
• “Keep up the good work and bring me the Big Four, if history is to be made then let it be made at the jewel in Sonisphere’s crown, Knebworth.”
Can’t be done this year.
• Are Gazebos going to be allowed this year? Will you be stricter with enforcing this?
Gazebos weren’t allowed last year. Please don’t bring one because at some point they will be taken down.
• More signage about where you are in the campsites, i.e. Zones and have those zones indicated on the map
Soni will look into improving this but say that there was a lot of signage around the campsites, and it’s not really that large a space.
• Any chance of having some unsigned bands?
Maybe.
• If Soni are attempting to make the event family friendly some suggestions to consider are; A chill out area, with maybe some kids movies on, juice, milk and biscuits sold in it, bean bags, face painting etc Could be open so parents can take their kids there but not leave them, or could be like a crèche facility depending on feasibility. Each adult who brings a child would get an adult’s wristband so only people who brought children can go in, to avoid any unsavoury people getting access, and 1 parent per child to avoid overcrowding. Would have to have the entrance stewarded? Could probably be as simple or as complex as you feel necessary.
Soni are not planning to implement any child areas in the arena but anyone camping in the family camping area will have access to Fort Knebworth play area, so the kids have somewhere to go and play throughout the weekend.
• Will the VIP Area have a BBQ Pit?
Yes as will everywhere else. There is a no barbecue policy unless your BBQ is in a BBQ pit. All BBQs being used outside this designated area will be requested to be moved to a BBQ pit or will be put out.
• The website should have more information
As previously mentioned if there is information you want but it isn’t available on the website, use the site to contact Kili with the information they are missing and they will address it.
~ The End ~
