2021 was my first ever Bloodstock at the age of 41. After years of visiting other well-known metal and rock festivals such as Download, Sonisphere and Reading, it was somewhat strange to think that time
was right to head for the king of heavy metal festivals that is Bloodstock in my twilight years of festival-going. But something amazing happened at Catton park in the summer of first post-Covid festival. I rediscovered love for festivals.
The first thing you notice at Bloodstock is that it’s truly a heavy metal festival both in look and feel, and the music, with more people going for the love of the music rather than for the party. Consequently, although there is significant amount of drinking and partying, it’s more about essentially a big group of like-minded people hanging out rather than devouring the scene.
Second thing you notice is, for the lack of a better way of putting it, is how “nice” the heavy metal community really are. It’s a cliché, but it’s absolutely true. The demographics covers all from families and teenagers to old metal heads dusting down their leather gear and piercings for four days of head banging. If people want to party, and plenty do, they are welcome to do so, but most seem to just enjoy their beers and music. Odd and obvious thing to point out, but it was and still is, what festivals are supposed to be about; something that has gotten lost along the way in other bigger festivals.
There were no episodes of unnecessary aggression, out of control groups irritating their neighbours and people constantly worrying about their valuables being stolen. I’m sure these things happen but are the exceptions rather than what many people have come to regard as the norm for festivals.
Thirdly, it’s not overcrowded and is “compact”. It just makes it more pleasant to get around and check out different bands in different stages.
From a music perspective, if you’re a genuine heavy metal fan, or like myself, like rock and are curious to discover something that is different to what you’re normally used to, it’s a perfect festival for it. Because Bloodstock offers the platform to actually enjoy the music. From a festival point of view, it was by far the most gratifying experience I had for years.
My best mate usually has to convince me to go to a festival with him every summer. This year, I was the first to push him to get us to Bloodstock. That about sums it up.
