Music Festival Reading List.

For festival–goers interested in books there are many great titles to choose from so anyone unable to attend a festival in person can at least read about it. Equally many books provide an insight in the music festival world even for those that have never attended a festival but have a keen interest to know more.

There are some great fictional works and practical guides too, perfect for anyone stuck at home in lockdown or as a gift for festival fans. Here is a selection of the most popular publications about music festivals. 

Fiction.

Grass Stains by Kirsty Robinson.
This romantic comedy is a story about a style guide editor who goes on assignment at a music festival with a great insight into festival culture.

Three Day Summer by Sarvenaz Tash.
A coming-of-age romance set at the time of the Woodstock festival the story follows two teenagers as they tackle the usual teenage conundrums.

The Middle of Somewhere by Clifford Henderson.
Road trip story and adventures of an urban lesbian who sets off to the Michigan Womyn's Music Festival in search of a new life.  

I See You Baby by Kevin Brooks, Catherine Forde.
Romantic comedy that kicks off at a music festival backstage and twists and turns with gripping developments as their true identifies are revealed.

Factual.

Festivals: A Music Lover’s Guide To the Festivals You need to Know by Oliver Keens.
A superb guide to some of the best festivals in the world including stories and images the guide covers festivals of all sizes and genres. This book makes a great gift for festival-goers and anyone interested in the festival scene.

Glastonbury 50 by Michael & Emily Eavis.
This is the official publication written by the founders and organisers of Glastonbury festival and is a celebration of 50 years of one of the world’s most renowned music festivals. The book includes many behind-the-scenes and inside stories too.

The Art of Burning Man by NK Guy.
The book documents the development of the outdoor art and sculptures featured in over 16 years of the Burning Man festival. An easy read with some great photography to absorb. 

Festivalized by Ian Abrahams, Bridget Wishart.
More of a documentary covering the history of every aspect of the UK’s free festival movement through from the 70’s to the early 90’s. 

Guides.

Haynes Explains Festivals by Michael Odell.
From the publishers that tell you how to fix everything comes a light-hearted approach to how a music festival works including exploded views, flow charts and fault diagnosis. 

Music Festivals: An Essential Pocket Guide to Surviving in Style by Tamsin King.
A handy mini sized pocket guide for festival newbies with hints and tips on how to get the most out of the music festival experience.

Edith Bowman’s Guide to Festivals.
Perhaps a little dated this practical guide to music festivals may feel stuck in the past because of the rapid change and development of festivals over time. Nevertheless, a good read to learn how to extract the most out of a festival experience.

For event organisers planning their festival using a software management platform like Festival Pro gives them all the functionality they need manage every aspect of their festival logistics. The guys who are responsible for this software have been in the front line of event management for many years and the features are built from that experience and are performance artists themselves. The Festival Pro platform is easy to use and has comprehensive features with specific modules for managing artists, contractors, venues/stages, vendors, volunteers, sponsors guestlists and ticketing.

Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

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