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Going Raw and Unplugged to a Music Festival.

Andy Robertson

The majority of music festival organisers are striving to embrace technology and provide reliable connectivity and ever sophisticated online experiences to attract more visitors and ticket buyers. Conversely the multi-day music festival can be an opportunity to unplug form all technology and get immersed in an experience far removed from the day-to-day humdrum. 


Festival-goers attend events for a variety of different reasons and whilst many want to experience a festival, they still want the creature comforts of home. Organisers satisfy this demand by providing ever better VIP, glamping and reliable connectivity services on-site. This is a popular route for the majority but there are those who want to use the music festival experience as the ultimate form of escapism and getting back to nature. 

Festivals Where Visitors Can Go Raw & Unplugged. 
There are still a handful of music festivals that offer an element of back-to-basics experiences and are often located in remote sites where connectivity is limited or non-existent. Facilities will be basic at best and there are no glamping of VIP packages available. These unplugged festivals are often much smaller and attract those who want an experience that brings them closer to nature perhaps. 

The Raw and Unplugged Festival-Goer.
Modern society can be stressful and many consider the music festival experience a form of escapism. However, as there is always connectivity available this can make if difficult to truly unplug. The early days for music festivals and the illegal raves of the late 80s were always basic with limited facilities and pre-date mobile technology. Some people still seek out this back-to-basics experience. They will rely on the cheapest ticket, leave mobile devices at home and travel light. Some may travel without tents intending to stay awake for 2 or 3 days or rely on the generosity of others to provide somewhere to sleep.

Challenges of Going Unplugged. 
Almost all tickets are now issued electronically so a barcode needs to be scanned to gain entry and may be difficult without a mobile device. Ticket buyers alternatively could print out the bar code and ticket details to ensure entry to the festival site. The other issue encountered could be paying for food and beverages as most festivals are now cashless and ATM machines are disappearing. As long as an account is pre-loaded with funds the unplugged festival-goer should be able to collect their festival card or wristband on entry to use as payment.

Going raw and unplugged to a music festival is still possible and it can be a great way to leave any baggage at home, both physical and mental. As long as unplugged festival-goers conduct appropriate research they should be able to discover any requirements for technology when attending a festival.

For festival organisers planning their events using a software management platform like Festival Pro gives them all the functionality they need manage every aspect of their event 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, ticketing, cashless payments and contactless ordering.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio via Pexels

Andy Robertson
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