I think I can give an honest opinion here because for the past 5 years I've been attending Earthdance Mpumalanga. Earthdance might sound new to you but this event happens around the world more or less on the same day. "Earthdance is a world of communities, working and playing together to create a culture of peace, through music and dance events, synchronized global link-ups, and social activism. More than just an epic party, Earthdance is a flash forward to an alt peaceful future." - Earthdance website
But Earthdance MP is run by a brother and sister team, Damian and Raquel. If you follow us on Facebook you should know that Raquel is part of Small Town Music team. Knowing how much work go into it I decided to give you a little "survival guide" to those first timers or a guide (I hope to those) that knows best as well. Feel free to leave comments or advice to fellow ED supporters.
Helpful tips for attending Earthdance Mpumalanga:
Get there early
There is something in seeing a venue being filled out from the beginning and finding a parking spot will be easier. Plus if you are planning to camp then the earlier you get there the better shade spot you can get.
Gates open at 11AM more than enough time to sleep in, get ready and party
Bring cash
Any festival attendee will tell you the same thing - make sure you have enough cash. Since there won't be a wide choice of ATM's you need cash to buy drinks, food and support the market there. You don't want to run out of cash, drive back into town just to miss the party (and perhaps drive past the cops)
Stay hydrated
This is a bar tender advice - drink water and lots of it. Yes drink your cider/beer/vodka/whisky/wine what ever your flavour but it's hot now in the Lowveld and the sun can be a real drainer. If you drink water between drinks you won't get to smashed too quickly. Or if you are smashed and the idea of downing another beer makes your mouth as dry as the Kalahari then order some water.
When you go to bed make sure you drink some water as well having a glass of H2O next to your bed, it really helps with your hangover
Bring some warm clothes
Last year the evening was quite warm but the next day it was cloudy and cold. If you are dressing up for summer then take at least a jacket or something (or someone) to keep you warm. Last year I saw many people who didn't think about it and when the temperature dropped during the night they were shivering. You can dance you all you want but it's once you out of that body heat circle
Bring a friend(s)
You need a wing man, a girl friend to have a tequila with. A friend is always good as you can take care of each other plus to share the wonderful experience with. And if you happen to meet that someone there, make sure you let your friends know where you are. It's a big place still
Comfortable shoes
Sneakers always works best since you are going to dance and rock like it's no one's business. Sneakers helps protects your feet against the rocks and sand. If you are going to go bare foot just remember the next day you won't be able to walk - that's how much fun you going to have
Bring the kids
A lot parents with kids tend to miss out on these events because of their children. Some of the people involved with Earthdance have kids under the age of 6 so they understand parents predicament. Kids are welcome, there are a kid zone just for them where they can play safely. The bar does sell cold drinks which is of course kid friendly. Plus the venue is open with no busy streets with cars racing up and down, it will do you and the kids good to have some fresh air while enjoying some live music.
***Kids under the age of 12 are free***
No Pets
Your wagging tail friend otherwise known as a dog is not going to like it when the music is too loud. You might love it but it's not good for a pup ears. Plus there are other dogs that live in the area who might not like Buddy that much. If you can't leave him/her alone at home get a pet setter - they like baby sitters only for the fur kind of kids
Don't drink and drive
The R40 is one of our busiest roads and while you might be a good driver the other driver might not be. If you did drink too much there is lots of space to pass out or just ask one of the staff to help you. The cops will LOVE to lock you up if they found you are DUI (Driving Under the Influence)
A good attitude
Everyone and anyone is welcome at Earthdance, a nuclear family thrown together.
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| What a view - taken at Bardolino Artist Retreat venue of Earthdance Mpumalanga 2013 |
Campers
This is for those that are going to camp. I'm sure that those that have past experience will agree or add to it.
Tent
Yes bring one, I slept in my car last year and woke up with a stiff neck. A tent also gives you a different feel to the whole event, almost like an adventure just 6 km's outside of Nelspruit. With it a sleeping bag, pillow for you head after a wild night and an extra blanket (or person to cuddle with)
Torch
I didn't think of this last year and it will help you to get back and forth to your tent. If you can tuff it out fine but I don't want to step on a snake or someone foot. Plus be the light for yourself in the dark
Food
There will be food on sale during the event I do suggest you bring some food with you for the next day munchies. If you need to cook something a gas camping stove is going to do wondersbut please make sure first of the venue fire policy. It is still very dry in the Lowveld so any unattended fires might cause some serious damage.
Cigarettes
If you are a smoker make sure you got enough cigarettes. If you smoke rollies make sure you got enough rolling papers since those tend to be gold later in the night and weekend. And with it a few extra lighters and a matches just to be safe
Swim suite
Yes there is a pool for those who is camping and it's going to be a hot weekend ahead of us
In case you didn't read the press release for Earthdance you can read it up on the STM blog by clicking here there is information about the line up, how much tickets go for and what to expect other than a good time.
Make sure you invited everybody and everyone to this awesome event!
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