Would I call myself a festival-goer? Perhaps, but I certainly don’t fit the mold. I buy festival tickets without looking at the lineup, I’m a hygiene freak and hate camping. But, I have never not enjoyed myself at a festival. Hence, when my friends tell me to buy a ticket, I do.

Prior to ‘Splendour in the Grass Mud,’ the only camping festival I had been to was ‘Falls Festival’ in Lorne. I have been to Falls twice, and am planning to return this coming New Years. I believe it is the only way to welcome in the New Year. I know every second person and its summer! Given the weather, I was apprehensive about Splendour, to say the least, but it turned out to be the most amazing four nights and five days.

Undoubtedly, my favorite act was ‘Mumford and Sons.’ I was only going to see them, to say that I had seen them. Only knowing three songs, I knew I would enjoy myself but didn’t anticipate they would blow me away. After the opening song, however, I was eating my words. Mumford and Sons are true entertainers. Marcus Mumford effortlessly jumped between vocals, guitar, drums and mandolin. Even the light show that accompanied the performance was astounding and added to the warmth, depth and uplifting nature of the music. There were “candles” (or props that looked like candles), red lights which spanned over the huge audience and smoke. It was splendid!

This experience was further enhanced by the ‘festival atmosphere.’ Everyone there has a passion for music. They aren’t concerned by the weather or how they look, drinks are flowing and often people have come with a large group of friends. It just isn’t the same as seeing someone in concert.