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Coca-Cola hosted their inaugural Melodic Wood area at All Together Now festival in Waterford, purely to create an atmospheric chill-out zone.

The area centred solely around sustainability and was an immersive experience thanks to the electronic music supplied by rising Irish music duo; Prizm.

Those at the festival who were drinking cans were encouraged to bring them along to be pressed into leaves for the installation, with Coca-Cola commissioning native trees in Waterford alongside Native Woodland Trust.

Coca-Cola has donated €10,300 towards the commissioning of 412 native trees to be planted in Waterford, following the success of the Melodic Wood area and it's hypnotic lights show.

The Native Woodland Trust are Ireland’s only organisation with a sole focus on preserving our ancient woodlands, and it's hard to believe that they're the only ones.

We chatted to Prizm as well as the Native Woodland trust about their time in the Melodic Wood, and the importance of Ireland's forests at this critical time in the planet's environmental history.

Image: Instagram/@we_areprizm

 Prizm are an up and coming electronic duo comprised of Ivan Nicholas and producer Aidan Bond, alumni of the Sound Training College in Temple Bar.

Their intricate knowledge of sound, coupled with their varied instrumental experience leads to standout performances. Their first headline show is set for later this year, and they're scheduled to play a string of festival performances and gigs this year. 

We were dying to ask them about their Melodic Wood gig, which acted as a useful yet artistic recycling hub for festival goers.

The Wood's eight trees were all created from recycled materials, with the area forming part of the Native Woodland Trust's wider World Without Waste initiative. World Without Waste commits to collect and recycle the equivalent of every can or bottle that they sell by 2030.

We quizzed them on everything from their first meeting to their involvement in the environmental project;

  • How do you think your music fuses with nature? 

For the song we wrote for Coca-Cola’s Melodic Wood at All Together Now 2019, part of the request was to incorporate nature sounds, we used wind and rustling trees in the intro of the track, and it worked really nicely. 

  • How did you both meet, and when did you decide to become a duo? 

We were working in the same place and got talking about music and quickly realized we both wrote and produced music. We strangely had the same vision for a project, so it kicked off from there.

Image: Instagram/@we_areprizm
  • What are your thoughts on Ireland’s attitude to sustainability?

It’s going in the right direction, small things like cardboard straws are a good start but it’s obviously a global problem, you have to start somewhere at the same time. 

  • Why are you named ‘Prizm’?”

In optics, a prism is a transparent optical element with flat, polished surfaces that refract light. At least two of the flat surfaces must have an angle between them. “ We are part of the two… it made sense for us musically and we just both totally agreed on the name.

  • How did you become involved with the Melodic Wood and All Together Now?

We put our song forward and Coca-Cola loved it. 

  • How do you think Ireland’s music scene can become more eco-friendly and sustainable?

Taking home your tents and cleaning up after yourself is simple and makes a huge difference.

  • Do you think music has the power to encourage people to focus on climate breakdown and the environment? 

No, people have the power.

  • What are your hopes for the future of your music? 

We want to release our debut song and work towards an album. Our live show is very important to us, we want to be a touring band. 

  • What would be your dream gig to play? 

Closing out a big festival. Our shows will have all the right ingredients to bring you back to life.

Image: Instagram/@we_areprizm

Prizm seem like the ideal artists to have played the Melodic Wood, as All Together Now have been an eco-focused festival from the beginning.

The band too share an interest in reducing their carbon footprint, and we were intrigued to hear what the Native Woodland Trust had to say about the installation.

The Native Woodland Trust is the only environmental organisation in Ireland with a focus on saving the last of Ireland's Ancient Woodlands, now down to as little as 0.1 percent of what originally existed.

The Trust is also the only Irish environmental organisation which has raised the funding to acquire and save some of these woodlands while also planting thousands of trees every year. The Trust now manages 11 woodlands and nature reserves across Ireland, from Donegal to Waterford. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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  • How did the Melodic Wood installation come about?

We were delighted to be contacted by Coca-Cola to provide new trees to complement their recycling concept. The Native Woodland Trust is the only non-profit in Ireland with a network of nature reserves where we plant new woodlands, so we were able to commit to planting new trees for Coca-Cola as part of the Melodic Wood initiative which comes under their World Without Waste global strategy.

  • Can you tell us a bit about Ireland’s Ancient Woods?

Ireland’s Ancient Woodlands are those that have been in continuous existence since at least 1650 – this means that they predate most imports of trees and are directly descended from the primeval forests that once covered almost all of Ireland. They are the most biodiverse habitats we have and are often home to rare and unusual species. 

  • What do you think Ireland’s woodland will look like in 30 years?

A few things will change – but gradually. We will continue to lose our old and ancient woodlands – they are not all protected and the protection is poorly policed. We will also lose some more species – some perhaps due to climate change – and gain some too – especially insects and birds. But our Ash trees, which is one of the most common trees in the country and famously used to make hurleys, will become as rare as Elm trees are today.

  • What would happen if Ireland lost its woodland and nature reserves?

We would lose a huge part of our cultural and environmental heritage. Trees and woods were a significant part of Gaelic culture – with even our native Ogham alphabet having its letters twinned with the different trees of the forest.  We would also lose our connection to the original primeval forests of Ireland – which once were thronged with bears and wolves and were the source of many myths and legends. And of course, we would lose biodiversity in a very significant way.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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  • What worries you the most about climate breakdown?

On a small island like Ireland, many species will not have the ability to simply move north – so we may lose some species. Higher temperatures and changing weather patterns may also add stress to various habitats, like woodlands and make them more prone to damage and disease. Climate change may very well alter the composition of our woodlands and change the face of our countryside.

  • How sustainable do you think Ireland’s festivals are?

They’re clearly improving hugely and its clearly part of the ethos of just about every festival now. Most festivals also now invite environmental groups to have a stand or kiosk, which is a great way to get our messages across to people and to allow them to actually engage with us in ways that we can’t do on social media or email.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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  • What does the Native Woodland Trust hope to achieve in the future, what are its aims?

We are also trying to prevent the loss of any more Ancient Woodland. We only have approximately 0.1 percent of those woodlands left – so 99.9 percent have been cut down, and yet now in the 21st century, we’re still losing some of what’s left. We would ultimately like to be able to plant a huge new forest – thousands of acres, which could make a really meaningful difference to people of wildlife.

  • How can we help the Native Woodland Trust?

There are lots of ways to help – join as a member, sponsor some trees – as presents, to offset your carbon or just because you want to. Come and volunteer with us – especially if you live near one of our reserves, there’s always lots of work to get involved with. If you run a company or work for one who will listen – get them to take out a corporate sponsorship with us.

  • Are businesses and specific corporations causing the most issues regarding the conservation of our landscapes?

Obviously agriculture and industry has a huge impact – but we as individuals are consuming these outputs and as a species, humanity needs to change its very wasteful behaviour. If we become less wasteful, we can change the behaviour of those businesses that produce them and who use up our natural resources. 

Wherever humans go, we tend to wipe out wildlife. We need to give some space back to nature and to leave it to its own devices, without human interference. 

  • What is it about Ireland’s landscapes that makes you so inspired and passionate?

For such a small island, we have such diverse landscapes, many of them as dramatic and picturesque as anywhere in the world. Within these, there are so many wild habitats that are home to our many native plants and animals. There’s something still innately wild about Ireland and its landscapes and its always a pleasure to be outdoors in nature in Ireland.

You can watch the Melodic Wood’s All Together Now journey here –and join the conversation using #WorldWithoutWaste. To volunteer with the Native Woodland Trust, click here.

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Heineken Ireland have announced the final stage times for the 'Live Your Music' stage at Electric Picnic, and yet another international headline act. 

We are being well and truly spoiled by EP this year, and we are delighted to announce that Maya Jane Coles is your latest headliner.

The British music producer and DJ is best known for her massive techno beats, as well as her skills for writing, producing, arranging, mixing, artwork design and performing all elements of her tracks.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Coles is a hugely exciting addition to the Heineken 'Live Your Music' line-up. She's played gigs at the Tate Modern and was even sampled by the Duchess of rap, Nicki Minaj herself. Her CV is top quality, basically.

The stellar line-up of artists include German DJ and producer Tensnake, London production duo Dusky; homegrown talent Erica-Cody, PrYmary Colours and George Feely.

There's also an Ibiza Classics set incoming from Live Your Music legend Davey B, karaoke fun with the hilarious Sing Along Social and floor fillers from Live Your Music resident DJ Marcus O’Laoire. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The Heineken 'Live Your Music' Lounge can be accessed by EP's Heineken 'Live Your Music' members if you need to rest the legs and have a cold brewsky before returning to the festival dancefloor.

For the chance to win tickets, access to exclusive areas and events, and to discover music that moves you sign up to Heineken 'Live Your Music' online here.

Electric Picnic is almost here, taking place at Stradbally in County Laois from August 30 until September 1.

Feature image: Instagram/@mayajanecolesofficial

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From B*witched, 5ive, S Club Party, and Ace of Base to Johnny Logan, 2 Unlimited, The Vengaboys and Bananarama; Electric Picnic's throwback stage is undeniably legendary.

The music festival has hosted widely acclaimed acts spanning music's most influential decades, and now two more veteran musicians have been added to the bill.

Bonnie Tyler and Mr Motivator have been announced as the headline acts for Electric Ireland’s Throwback Stage at Electric Picnic, and we're over the moon. Total Eclipse of the Heart is gonna SLAP.

Queen of the power ballads will make her return to the throwback stage following her life-altering performance in 2014, and vintage is well and truly in right now.

Festival-goers are in for a throwback treat this year, as joining the star will be fitness fanatic and the legend of lycra; Mr. Motivator.

He will once again bring his unique brand of unstoppable energy to Stradbally, as well as acrobatic masters Lords of Strut.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The group also announced the details of a very special competition that will give those who missed out on tickets the chance to win their place at the sold-out event of the summer.

To be in with a chance of winning, fans must simply share a boomerang to their Instagram stories recreating the dance move demonstrated by Lords of Strut, tag Electric Ireland and use the hashtag #ThrowbackThrowdown.

Lords of Strut said: “We are absolutely ecstatic to announce the line-up for this year's Electric Ireland Throwback Stage. Talk about legends! We also get to do what we love more than anything – spread the word through dance. And what better reason to get your groove on than to win tickets to the festival of the year. See you there!” 

Bonnie Tyler said: "They don't call it the Electric Ireland Throwback Stage for nothing. After an epic show in 2014 they're bringing me back! I'm ‘between the earth and the stars’ with excitement to return to Electric Picnic this year.

"Irish people have always been among my favourite crowds and I’m sure the Electric Ireland Throwback Stage is going to be no different. Being the queen of the power ballad, I’m looking forward to bringing stacks of energy to Stradbally".

Sending a message from his home in Jamaica, Mr. Motivator said: “Mr. Motivator is going to be In Da House at Electric Picnic. I can’t wait to bring a taste of Caribbean flavour to Electric Ireland’s Throwback stage. I’ll get the crowd working, moving and happy. It’s going to be a blast!” 

As energy partner of EP, Electric Ireland installs six kilometres of energy-efficient festoon lighting around the campsites and walkways to guide festival-goers safely around the festival every year. 

We can't wait for this year's festival, kicking off on August 30 until September 1. Headline acts include The 1975, Billie Eilish, The Strokes, Hozier and Florence and the Machine.

Feature image: Instagram/@bonnietylerwings

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Music festivals are absolutely infamous for producing mass amount of waste, especially single-use plastic. This Dublin festival hopes to change the sustainability of their event, and we love it.

Beatyard takes place on August 3 and 4 this summer in Dun Laoghaire, with a stellar musical line-up, delicious food stalls, boat parties, pop-up fashion shops as well as games and entertainment.

Not to mention some class afterparties in The Lighthouse and Wigwam, if you have a weekend ticket. The party never stops during this August weekend, and if the sun decides to shine it's set to be stunning.

The acts scheduled to play on Saturday and Sunday include Groove Armada, Jungle, Chvrches, Soulé, Erica Cody, SG Lewis, Fleetmac Wood, Mount Kimbie, Todd Terje, Grandmaster Flash and Icarus. 

Boat parties are also taking place on both days for €15 a ticket (if you have a Beatyard pass) and are hosted by Gxrl Cøde, District Magazine, The Midnight Disco and Yachty by Nature.

Eatyard will of course be making an appearance, with Teddy's ice-cream, The Vegan Queen, Lala Putine, Pieman, Hells BBQ, Zero Zero Pizza, Sweet Churro, Big Blue Bus, Handsome Burger, 3FE, Taco Truck, Crepe Box, Maki, Kono Pizza, Doghouse Dogs and Buttercream Dream.

The bar closes at 10pm each day, and gates open at 12pm. Kids under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. The tickets are just €59 for one day, of €99 for the whole weekend.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The festival has a new scheme for garnering help to clean-up the litter from the sesh, and it's a decent deal if we do say so ourselves.

If you volunteer and help them sort waste for just one hour, you’ll get a free ticket to the festival that day. It sounds too good to be true, honestly, but we can vouch for the legitimacy.

According to the organisers; “The main issue we have had with waste over the years was not cleaning it up, but organising the waste into the correct containers, and bags, so that nothing gets spoiled, and the waste we put away can be efficiently recycled or wasted in the correct format.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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All you have to do is fill in your contact info, and then Beatyard will mail you the meeting point and information three weeks before the festival. You'll be put into a team with a specific but simple job for one hour.

What's in it for you? A free Sunday ticket or a ticket for the festival for 2020 if you’re there on Monday. They've also continued their 'Bin It To Win It' campaign, which allows you to score a free pint.

Collect a bin bag from any of the bars, fill it with plastic pint glasses, bring it back to the designated recycling point and BOOM: Free pint. It couldn't be simpler.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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As if this wasn't incredible enough, the festival is also running it's eco-brick initiative to reduce non-biodegradable waste. They aim to build a DJ riser out of all the eco-bricks they create and collect.

For each two-litre eco-brick you produce, they'll give you a pint token for the bar. Drop it off at The Bernard Shaw when you get a chance and it's free pint city. Here's instructions on how to make them.

Get your tickets for Beatyard here, and sign-up for volunteering by filling out this quick form

Feature image: Beatyard/Instagram

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Can you believe it's been two years since April 28, 2017? 

The day when mass chaos occurred in the Bahamas after Fyre Fest descended into disarray, with musical acts dropping out, no food and water and fake amenities similar to a refugee camp.

Marketed by the industry's most valuable influencers such as Hailey Baldwin and Kendall Jenner as the Coachella of the tropical islands, the festival organisers committed total fraud and lost thousands of dollars.

The upper class scandal led to a Hulu and Netflix documentary, GoFundMe pages set up for all the staff who were duped out of money in their home of the Bahamas, and arrests being made.

Tickets cost thousands of dollars and gained notoriety through the famous 'orange tile' advertising by famous models on Instagram such as Bella Hadid.

Let's just say it DEFINITELY was not what it was advertised, with glamorous rich folks receiving sad pieces of cheese on bread instead of gourmet meals, and had no place to lodge at all in the middle of a deserted island.

The festival organiser, Billy McFarland, 'fully postponed' the event after pretty much everyone had already arrived. Smart.

"After assessing the situation this morning and looking at best options for our guests, we cannot move forward as we hoped we could. At this time, we are working tirelessly to get flights scheduled and get all travelers home safely," they quoted at the time.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Ja Rule, a rapper who befriended Billy McFarland at the time and co-organised the event, assured attendees that Fyre Fest was "not a scam" and that he was heartbroken about the scenario. He faced his share of backlash, deservedly so.

He tweeted;  "I too was hustled, scammed, bamboozled, hood winked, lead astray!!!" Mmmmhmmm. McFarland was charged with wire fraud and sentenced to six years in prison, where he currently is still serving his time in Otisville

GIF by Team Coco

Where are they now, though? Let's start with good old Billy McFarland.

McFarland is sharing a prison with Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino. He was found guilty of defrauding investors of the festival out of a whopping $26 million in November 2018.

He plead guilty to two counts of wire fraud, and faces three years of supervised release when he completes his sentence. The 27-year-old issued an apology to People, saying;

"I am incredibly sorry for my collective actions and will right the wrongs I have delivered to my family, friends, partners, associates and, you, the general public," he said.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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"I've always sought – and dreamed – to accomplish incredible things by pushing the envelope to deliver for a common good, but I made many wrong and immature decisions along the way and I caused agony."

"As a result, I've lived every day in prison with pain, and I will continue to do so until I am able to make up for some of this harm through work and actions that society finds respectable."

The Hulu documentary claims that McFarland is teaching a music entrepreneurship class to fellow inmates of the Otisville Federal Correctional Facility in NYC.

Ja Rule

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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While the rapper didn't take part in either documentary, he was heavily featured in both. Fair enough, considering he was Fyre's co-founder and worked very closely with McFarland.

The 42-year-old has remained seemingly in the clear since his partner went behind bars, famously defending himself as clueless on social media,

"I had an amazing vision to create a festival like NO OTHER! I would NEVER SCAM or FRAUD anyone what sense does that make?" he tweeted.  Nevertheless, he was subjected to multiple lawsuits due to his ties.

Ja Rule has since begun a new investment in an app called ICONN, a "celebrity entertainment book & concierge  service." Hmmm, we feel like we've heard this one before. "It's very different, but it's similar," he admitted.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Andy King, AKA The Team Player

Bless his wee soul. Poor Andy is now remembered as the key player who attempted to save the doomed festival through using any means necessary.

He quickly became an Internet sensation after the Netflix documentary aired, with McFarland asking him to "take one for the team" and perform oral sex on a customs official so they could get bottled water delivered.

He famously declared that he took a shower, rinsed his mouth with mouthwash and drove across town to do the deed. Thankfully, the situation didn't escalate to sexual coercion, but Andy is still revered nonetheless.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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"I just don't want to necessarily be known as the Blow Job Kind of the world," he said. Well, nowadays he's doing amazingly well considering his reputation. One might even call him a breakout star?

King admitted in a recent Netflix video that he was "completely blown away" (LOL) by the public response to the interview. "I am now a noun, a verb, an adjective…it's mind-blogging." 

The Billy Whisperer admitted to the L.A. Times he hasn't cut his ties with his imprisoned protégé; "No, I'm not done with him. I know- I'm Uncle Whackjob," he said.

"We come from a preppy background. Half my friends have sons his age. I didn't have somebody to mentor me at that age. He's not a horrible guy. He has hurt a lot of people. Will I probably go visit him someday? Yeah, I will probably. And maybe that's the closure I need."

The 57-year-old is still working as an event producer, and aided the start if a GoFundMe to help pay back all of the local Bahamian staff members.

Last but not least; Maryanne Rolle

Rolle was the caterer at the Exuma Point Resort in the tropical islands of the Bahamas, and lost her ENTIRE life savings to feed the staff of the festival.

Of course, anyone who watched the documentary had a huge amount of sympathy for her, and began a GoFundMe campaign to help her out.

It raised over $123,000 dollars and exceeded the goal, with many of the festival organisers offering donations.

Maryanne and her husband, Elvis Rolle, have found the attention highly difficult, and revealed in an interview that she has fallen ill due to the stress, "She can't cope with it all," Elvis told The National. "I hope she feels better soon."

As for the amazing GoFundMe campaign, he said, ""It means everything, it means we get something back from everything we put in. It is like God is watching over us."

So there you have it. Most of them are still embroiled in the law, but at least Maryanne got her savings back? We wish her well.

Feature image credit: Hypebeast

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The countdown to one of Ireland's biggest summer festivals is well and truly on, and now Longitude have only gone and given us 22 more glorious acts to see.

They've also entrusted us with the break-up of which days certain artists are playing over the weekend, so we're pretty much ecstatic.

The new acts include; Ave, Bugzy Malone, Fredo, Wild Youth, Little Simz, NOT3S, Headlie One, YBN Cordae, Chasing Abbey, Kneecap, Biig Piig, Grace Carter, Amber Mark, Saweetie, Buddy, Ama Lou, Adekunle Gold, Mallrat, JYELLOWL, Nealo, Why-Axis and Barny Fletcher.

Stage times will be announced over the next few weeks, so stay tuned.

Unforch, H.E.R. and Clairo cannot perform at Longitude 2019 due to scheduling conflicts. We're gutted, especially about H.E.R., but thank the Lord we have 22 new acts to worship.

The festival will take place in Marlay Park from July 5 until July 7, 2019. There are still some limited tickets left for the full three days, so get on that FAST.

For further festival information see: www.longitude.ie | www.mcd.ie

Feature image: Instagram/@longitudefest

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Festival season is officially around the corner, and with all the chat about Longitude and Indiependence, we're getting a little nostalgic for the ghosts of festivals past. 

Oxegen was one of the first music festival experiences many Irish folk had, and despite it's slightly scaldy reputation towards the end, the three-day rager will always have a special place in our hearts. 

Here's why: 

10. All….that….mud….

You could have made a clay pot for your granny with all the mud you had to sluice out of your clothes after the great Oxegen mud slide of 2011.

The mud-spattered masses never let the germ level and quicksand-like consistency of the mud deter them. 

Image result for festival mud

9. The amount of teenyboppers

Perhaps you hated them or perhaps you were even one of them.

You'd never get away with it now, but for some reason the collective age of quite a few people at the rager of a festival seemed to sometimes be on the wrong side of 18. 

8. Festival huns

As Oxegen was around in the time period when it was still socially acceptable to don a massive flower crown or a Native American headdress as the male equivalent, the sites were rife with them.

Your Oxegen wardrobe wasn't complete without the biggest garland of flowers you could find teamed with a pair of Penneys denim hot pants.  

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7. The microphone man

If there was one foolproof way to amuse yourself on the way into Oxegen it was to listen to the dulcet tones of the microphone man that blared out over the campsites.

For humorous musings mixed with safety information and instructions, he was your man. 

6. Baby wipes

The showering services at the festival left quite a lot to be desired, so making friends with your neighbour to nab a few baby wipes was the name of the game.

Used to clear the mud off your wellies and the sweat from your brow, venturing into the campsite without some wet wipes was a bit fat nope for anyone who cared abut personal hygiene. 

Image result for festival hygiene

5. Portaloo problems

Okay, this one isn't exclusive to Oxegen, but it happened a hell of a lot.

Some bunch of eejits would knock over half the Portaloos in the middle of the night hoping that some poor soul was trapped within. For their sake we hope there never was. 

4. The Dutch Gold vendors

Seeing as pints are exorbitantly priced inside any festival arena, there would always be a few lads tipping around Oxegen on the Sunday, trying to sell off their spare cans after being over-zealous in the alcohol department pre-festival. 

Usually, the lukewarm and slightly muddy cans would be sold for the highly competitive rate of three for a tenner, and us drought-driven desperados would always commit to the purchase. 

3. Tent flipping

Tent flipping was a national pastime at the Punchestown festival.

Fingers crossed your tent wasn't in the firing line for this annoying as f*** degenerate hobby. 

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2. Tent burning

A step up from tent flipping, this crime was ony executed by the biggest twats imaginable. 

Sometimes they'd burn their own tents just for the fun of it. Arson isn't cool, kids. 

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1. Paying 10 quid for a hot chicken roll and a can of Coke 

Extortion is the only word for the price of the food in the campsite shops.

After you battled through the masses to get to the shop, then queued for what felt like hours for your roll, only then to discover that the price of your roll is practically the same as your ticket into the entire festival. 

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Summer 2019 is looking pure STUNNING from where we're standing…why? Well, brand new Forbidden Fruit acts have been announced, and we can't get enough of this amazing line-up.

As if we weren't already hyped up for the upcoming June sunshine with headliners like Skepta, Elbow, First Aid Kit, Jon Hopkins and Mura Masa, there are even more artists on the list to enjoy. 

Among the newbies added are Spiritualized, MEUTE, Franc Moody, HAAi, Peach, Daithi, Prospa, Cromby and Pillow Queens. Absolute fire if we've ever seen it.

The Irish Museum of Modern Art are hosting one very sweet bank holiday this June; hold on to your hats. Space rock overlords Spiritualized returned last year with new album And Nothing Hurt; their first LP since 2012's Sweet Heart Sweet Light.

Their three-decade-long run has resulted in Jason Pierce's band releasing critically acclaimed records with their trademark euphoric-cosmic-gospel fuzz-flecked space-rock sounds.

Also joining the Monday line up are Dublin quartet Pillow Queens, who pepper their tracks with Dublin slang. Their single Gay Girls was released at the end of last year, and we're in love.

Some more Sunday acts include Meute, Daithi, Aussie Dj HAAi and Peach. Meute are an 11-man marching band from Hamburg with brassband, party fiesta records. Daithi is a well-known electronic music producer who is oBSESSED by Irish culture.

The Choice Award nominee combines nature recordings, old Irish samples and analog synths to create a one-of-a-kind type of house music. HAAi is influenced by house, afro, acid, disco and techno, would you believe? She calls on heavily percussive and primal records.

Peach is from Toronto, and is found on internet radio waves and, of course; raves. She's now based in London and hosts a monthly NTS Radio show with creative sets.

Saturday’s line up looks just as tasty.

Prospa are a rising electronic duo named Harvey Blumler and Gosha Smith, from Leeds. They've played Creamfields and ADE for BBC Introducing, with unique reimagining of classic dance.

Cromby is an Irish DJ and producer living in Berlin, with tracks that have been picked up around the world. Pete Tong named Retribution his Essential New Tune in December on his Radio 1 show so he's gonna be BIG.

Franc Moody is a collective of like-minded musicians led by Ned Franc and Jon Moody, and released Dopamine and Super Star Struck back in 2018. They've been garnering attention from underground party and festival goers.

We're so damn excited for these gigs, grab those tickets right now before they're gone.

Weekend tickets start from €129 and day tickets from €69.50, nab 'em here.

Feature image: Instagram/@forbiddenfruitfestival

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The Fyre Festival has gone down as one of the greatest fails of the modern era; the celebrity endorsed festival was branded as the elite, luxurious partying experience. Think Coachella but on a tropical island.

The intention of the festival was to promote the Fyre music booking app, scheduled to go ahead on the Bahamian island of Great Exuma in April and May of 2017.

Social media influencers and socialites like Kendall Jenner, Hailey Baldwin, Emily Ratajkowski and Bella Hadid were all promoters of the festival, many of whom failed to mention that they were being paid to promote it.

As everyone figured out pretty damn quick, the event was a complete SHAMBLES.

Problems relating to food, security, and accommodation arose, and they also had no artists to play as they couldn't even travel to the island.

Instead of the luxury they branded and were promised, influencers paid thousands of dollars to be housed in FEMA tents, and eat prepackaged sandwiches. All hell broke loose, as you can imagine. Rich folks like to be treated as such…

The organisers are now the subject of at least eight lawsuits, such as defrauding ticket buyers and millions of dollars of damages. CEO of Fyre Media Inc, Billy McFarland, has been charged with wire fraud and in 2018 was sentenced to six years in prison.

Hulu and Netflix have each released documentaries on the failure, Fyre Fraud and Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened. The festival and it's employers had a hugely negative impact on people who live on the island itself.

A GoFundMe was set up for one amazing woman living on the island who helped to cater for the festival, but was never given any form of payment.

The GoFundMe has now SURPASSED it's $123,000 goal, miraculously. Maryann Rolle, who owns the venue, gave $50,000 of her own money into the event to attempt to cover costs and pay the additional staff who were flown in to meet demands.

In the description, she wrote; "As I make this plea it’s hard to believe and embarrassing to admit that I was not paid…I was left in a big hole! My life was changed forever, and my credit was ruined by Fyre Fest."

Luckily, the account raised $128,000 in just one week, so Maryann can get her life back on track. Oh, the follies of rich people, typically tramping on those less fortunate than them. Fulfilling the stereotype never looked so trashy.

Now, some absolute GENIUS has created a mock Fyre Festival to take the absolute PISS out of influencers who paid thousands of cash for trash, and marketed it without mentioning their affiliation to their followers.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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An artist has created an INSTALLATION which allows members of the public to pretend they're at the real life Fyre Festival, and it's hilarious.

Infamous creative The Most Famous Artist (Real name Matty Mo) and his company SelfieCircus have created The Fyre Experience, and we are living for this classy humour.

They've got a Bahamas backdrop, cardboard cut-outs of pretentious influencers, pathetic sandwiches to create a realistic portrayal of the shambolic festival.

Remember Andy King and the NSFW experience he was told to perform in order to get Evian water through customs? We wonder have they somehow inserted him into their joke..

Bravo, this is pure gold. Visitors to Mo's installation are promised an ''ultra luxurious" experience and VIP packages, only to meet disappointment. 

The recreation of the 'beach front' hot tub full of Evian bottles and a sandy beach background honestly has us cackling, these lads went ALL OUT.

There's an Orange Square selfie spot and fake piggies for all those who want in on the joke. Our personal favourite addition is Billy McFarland in a prison outfit in the background. Gas.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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'Ex-influencers' looking for work wielding cardboard signs are also present, naturally. The influencers who were paid to endorse an absolute sham have deservedly been given a slagging.

They're already annoying as hell, but when you market something as elitist as a private island festival for thousands of dollars which almost ruins the lives of those who actually LIVE on the island, be prepared to face some serious consequences.

Yes Bella Hadid, we're looking at you over our cat-eye sunglasses. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The fake private jet also makes a guest reappearance. This was one of Mo's previous installations, and allows people to take those all important selfies and create a glamorous, false illusion for Instagram. 

The things we do for the 'gram, honestly. It's slightly depressing. Mo spoke to Insider about the mock festival, saying;

“This is a satire and experience meant to drive offline to online engagement. We call this participatory art. I created the project to ride a cultural wave created by Netflix and Hulu. I hope to show that participatory art is the future of retail.”

Located in Los Angeles, the pop-up 'experience laboratory' is free to attend and celebrities have schedules appearances. We can't wait to see the pics from this, we stan a good slagging.

Feature image credit; @kevinlosani/Instagram

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Music festivals are truly hallmarks of an excellent summer. 

While the likes of Forbidden Fruit, Longitude and Electric Picnic are beyond epic, sometimes our sense of adventure takes us further a field to quench our musical thirst. 

There has been a huge trend in Ireland for young people to book flights abroad to attend international music festivals. While many of the basic tips remain the same, there are a few extra essentials to consider when going abroad for a camping extravaganza.

Whether it's Lollapalooza, Creamfields or Mad Cool, here are a few things you may not have considered.

European Health insurance

Sorry to be a party pooper, but it's really important to get yourself some cover when going abroad.

After all, accidents happen when you least expect them.

Try applying for a European Health Insurance Card just in case you fall ill or hurt yourself while raving in a field over yonder.

The European Health Insurance Card allows the holder to access health care services when travelling to or on holiday in another EU or EEA country.

You can also download the free EHIC App to help you contact health services in the country you are visiting for quick assistance.

Phone insurance

We're all partial to losing things from time to time, but it's so much easier when abroad, and especially easy at a festival. 

Even if you never lose things, being away from a normal routine with only temporary places for things, your precious gadgets could easily go astray. 

If you've been meaning to get insurance ever since you bought that new iPhone, before heading abroad is the time to do it. 

Bear in mind that some insurance companies insist that you be signed up to them for a full month before providing cover, so make sure you have this one ticked off the list in advance. 

The Cloud

In accordance with the above tip, make sure your Cloud storage is up to date before heading abroad. 

One of the worst things about losing a phone while on a trip is all of the amazing memories you lose in your Camera Roll (well, that and the expensive inconvenience of repurchasing a phone) so make sure you have extra Cloud Storage to preserve your precious memories. 

Weather packing 

It can be easy to think 'ah, it will never rain while I'm away' when heading to a festival in a country with a reputation for hot summers. 

Don't be fooled by the forecast, always pack for every extreme of weather possible. 

Even if you just bring one rain poncho to go over your denim shorts and crop top, you'll be damn grateful if you end up needing it. Even if it doesn't rain, you can use it to sit on.

Sunscreen, sunglasses, a rain poncho and one cardigan in case it gets cold at night, and you should be sorted. 

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Tent distinction

If you're heading to an international festival for the first time, you might not be ready for the sheer scale of the events. 

Acres of tents covering unfamiliar terrain may leave you scratching your head when you return to the campsites, and getting lost in a sea of tents in never fun. 

Something as simple as draping an Irish flag across the side of your tent, or arranging your tents in a circle if you are wih multiple freinds, can make finding your way back to bed much easier. 

 

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While we adore heading to festivals during the summer, sometimes we can find ourselves looking around and honesty wondering if the entire Transition Year population of Ireland is also in attendance. 

Not that there's anything wrong with festivals allowing over-16's, but we'd really like to go to a festival just once and not here the words, 'ah, sorry? Would you mind buying us some pints, we'll give you the money.'

Luckily, 2018 will see the launch of All Together Now, a over-21's festival based in Curraghmore House, Co Waterford. 

The setting could not be more picturesque, with the Curraghmore estate's 3000 acres of tiered lawns, ancient forests and elaborate water features. 

All Together Now promises to bring together the realms of  music, spoken word, comedy, theatre, debate, art and workshops in one three-day event across the August Bank Holiday. 

There's no word yet on the musical line-up, but we're hoping that the alltogethernow.ie site will give us some details ahead of ticket release. 

Early Bird tickets go on sale next Friday, February 23rd, for €149.50 from Ticketmaster. 

Children between the ages of two and 12 can attend free of charge, accompanied by a parent with a family ticket, so if you're on the market for a family event without the teens (sorry teens).

The festival is a camping festival, but they promise to also offer 'bespoke accommodation' options which sound right up our alley. 

Will you be making the pilgrimage to Waterford? 

 

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The Irish festival season is officially upon us, with Foirbidden Fruit just passed.

Now, Castlepalooza is gearing up for their massive three-day music sesh, and the indie festival have added a whole host of new acts to their already stellar line-up. 

Joining the already amazing list of acts is Le Galaxie, Denney, Hiva Oa, Liza Flume, Oddsocks, RSAG, Bitch Falcon, Daithí, Dublin Ukulele Collective, Floor Staff, Hot Cops, Ivy Nations, Prymary Colours, Dip Djs, Third Smoke, Tiz McNamara, Wastefellow, Elaine Mai and Chasing Abbey. 

Also taking to the stage at Charleville Castel, Tullamore will be Le Boom, Thumper, Participant, Rosa Nutty, Phare, Cinema, Frankenstein Bolts, Wolff, and Video Blue.

Show Fur, Damola, Apella, Nimino, Tu-Ki, Lumigraph, Apres Ski, Barry Redsetta, Aik J, Oh Boland, Let’s Sail and Robocobra Quartet are also scheduled to entertain the masses at the fest. 

The musical line-up is pretty epic, but that's not all the festival has to offer.

 

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Colm O’Regan, Deirdre O’Kane, Fred Cooke, Kevin Mc Gahern, PJ Gallagher and Shane Clifford will all be sharing their comedic talent at the festivals Vodafone Laughter Lounge

The festival runs from Friday August 4 to Sunday August 6, with tickets priced at €119.00, and there are still more acts to be announced.

Feature image: Instagram/evadonlon

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