Not so secret garden
Thursday, July 22, 2010 Surprised to find the train from London teeming with people in their twenties wearing sandals, wellies and flip-flops. I was even more surprised when they got off at my station and I had to navigate my way past scores of rucksacks and other paraphernalia.
If you've never heard of the Secret Garden Party you're not alone. I hadn't heard of it either, despite the fact that this four-day festival is taking place a short distance from where I live.
I've just checked out the website and this is what it has to say:
The Secret Garden Party is a temporary community that is as free, irreverent, friendly and engaging as it is possible to be ... The Secret Garden Party brings people together by removing all barriers – you will do things you never thought you had the nerve or bombast to do. We set a few rules and ask you to respect them. Then we ask you to let go and do as you wish.
PS. A friend has just emailed to say that she's going!! She also sent me a report, published today, entitled Smoking, drinking and drug use among young people in England 2009.
I'll have a look at it and get back to you.
Image H/T Secret Garden Party gallery
Reader Comments (3)
Table 3.11 is interesting - Major Factors Inflluencing regular smoking. No mention of advertising, films or displays. Is the argument that these only initate smoking not encourage regular smoking?
Elsewhere it shpws links with Smoking and Alcohol.
Also at the BBC we find Death rates at lowest ever levels in England and Wales Not at all sure what this means but no mention of SHS, The smoking ban or plain old tobacco.
Yes, The Secret Garden Party invites you to its happening where you can be free, brave and wild as long as you
- don't expect to BBQ
- bring your dog
-exceed the alcohol limit of six cans of lager/beer/cider and one bottle of wine per person (decanted into plastic - NO bottles allowed) which is allowed on first entry only
Needless to say, illegal drugs are also banned.
What's the bet that smoking will be frowned on by the 'free spirits' who will quite probably be utterly fazed if their freedom to behave crazily isn't regulated....
Woodstock, it ain't
From the SGP website (under the heading "Rebels and Intellectuals)
"- Christina Greenland is an expert in dance, therapy and movement. She will be running sensory exploration dance workshops that anyone can join. Expect bubble wrap."
LOL now doesn't that make you want to throw off your bra, throw on your kaftan and roar down to Cambridgeshire in your painted dormobile?
(As an old hippie, if I were dead, I'd be spinning in my grave).