The Wickerman Festival 2010 tickets

WHY DID BEAR TENT HAVE TO GIVE YOU OPEN CANS?????

Overall rating: 4  

SAW DOCTORS WERE AWESOME, MIDNIGHT BURN AND FIRE WORKS WERE AWSOME. QUEING FOR BEER TICKETS WAS NOT GOOD - NEED TO IMPROVE. WHY IN MAIN MAIN BEER TENT DID THEY INSIST ON OPENING CANS BEFORE THEY GAVE THEM TO YOU - STUPID BAR STAFF(SPECIFICLY ONE DUMB BLONDE, YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE) COULD NOT EVEN EXPLAIN WHY - YET IN THE ACOUSTIC TENT THEY WERE HAPPY TO SUPPLY UNOPENED CANS TO TAKE WITH YOU: AS A MINIMUM STAFF SHOULD BE ABLE TO EPLAIN WHY SOMETHING IS THE WAY IT IS - ORGANISERS NEED A SIZE TEN UP THE BAHOOKY FOR THAT ONE.
FIRE WORKS WERE EXCELLENT - THIS IS A UNIQUE EVENT AND WILL CONTINUE TO IMPROVE IF NURTURED - ORGANISERS NEED TO VISIT OTHER FESTIVALS AND TAKE BACK SOME LESSONS - THEIR ALCOHOL STRATEGY NEEDS TO BE RE-THOUGHT!!

loud base tent on friday

Overall rating: 4  

i had family quiet camping tickets , friday night was not quiet at all never slept a wink. 1 nugget of a girl came back sun morning 4am shouting wakey wakey to all in the quite area , needed lynching . organisers why don,t you just allow beer into main arena it save smuggling it in. people will still buy from the beer tent.
overall a excellent time was had ny me and my family
highlight sex pistols i have now educated 2 young ones to the punk sound
bring on next year.

Taking alcohol/drinks in to main area & bar situation!

Overall rating: 4  

Excellant weekend!!!!! ONLY downside was the whole ticket thing to buy a drink, rude bar staff who didn't understand you, being served draft lager that had been sitting on the side and then running out out it, which considering your not allowed to take your own in was just stupid! which I don't see the problem with taking your drink in and juice for the wains...it has never been a problem in the past and there is plenty of other things to spend your money on so one way or another your going to get it!!!!!! please rethink the whole own drink scenario and bar situation x x

Wickerman 2010

Overall rating: 4.5  

Great weekend. Only seen one scary toilet.Felt that the Buzz****s and Bomescare should have been on the main stage as the ones that were on it were not in my opinion the ones that people came to see . Saw Doctors Brill. Roll on next year . P.S. can we have more shaded areas as fridays weather was very hot but not many places to get out off the sun

first time at Wickerman

Overall rating: 4  

First time at Wickerman camped with 2 kids....lovely location great festival with fantastic atmosphere...only downside was the prices of food beer etc on site and paid for DnD shower passes but didn't use them as there wasn't enough facilities and queues were huge.

Saw Doctors were fantasic as always.....

Fantastic time had

Overall rating: 5  

That was the first time i have been. I was with my friend and two teenage kids and could not believ how friendly everyone was. We camped at the loud campsite and we had a fantasic time. Everyone watched out for eachother.
Graet weekend

£3.40 can of tenants

Overall rating: 3.5  

Great weekend, especially Friday when the weather was great. Fantastic family atmosphere.
Only gripes were, the quiet zone wasn't quiet.
For £3.40 I would expect my pint freshly poured and certainly not to be held a cheap can !! If I remember right you run out of lager last year as well. If your going to sell tokens you need to make sure you have the beer.

Too short weekend

Overall rating: 3.5  

yes great weekend could/should have ran onto the sunday, missed so many bands as they overlapped also the scooter tent needs to get bigger or onto an outdoor stage, missed the start of the buzz****s and the whole of the undertones. beer prices are tooooo high and asked for a cider and got a pear cider. apart from that good gig roll on next year

Beer, Dance Arena, Scooter, chill out

Overall rating: 3.5  

I have been going to the wickerman since it started and wouldn't say this one of the best ones. Last year was much better. I agree with most of the other comments that the beer tockens and ridiculous queuing for them goes away from the spirit of the festival and the poorly drinks that were available as well, couldnt even get a cold pint so had to take a warm can of carling.

The dance arena was a distaster compared to last year and this showed by about 50 people turning up to watch radio one dj Kutski - had it been set up where it normally was it would have probably been packed.

Also funkademia was ruined by the closeness of the two tents so all you basically got was a soundclash. Last year i thought funkademia added an extra element to the dance area that catered for everyone. This year people couldnt appreciate it because of the set up.

Scooter take needs to be bigger if having people like buzzcoks and undertones in there - they should have been main stage - main stage line up wasnt the best but thats just my opinion.


It may be a suggestion to move quiet camping to a different area away from the main arena as it was still near the fairground etc. The chill out zone was amazing but also next to the fair which made it a bit noisy when getting massage etc. and the tarot card reader was rubbish - I wasted my money there but my fault.


It may seem I'm saying alot here but I have went to wickerman from day one and alweays enjoy it, I did thoroughly enjoy this one too however I feel its important for points to be taken on board.

The organiser of rockness Jim King, frequently holds a Q&A in the efestivals forum where festival goers can get answers but he also takes on board what people are saying - maybe someone from the wickerman organisation team could do the same. The wickerman is a great wee festival and I want it to stay that way:)

P.s I speak on the behalf of a group of ten

Thanks and looking forward to next year

Kids first Festival

Overall rating: 4  

We joined our friends for our kids all to experience their first music festival (oldest 10) and everyone of them, although really tired at the end of weekend, had a ball. Rides good, music great mix with reggae tent and main stage being fav's. Food was great and although slightly dear sometimes, portion size was of a good standard.

We went to Milkshake stall twice and my son thought it was cool that they remembered him (top marks from him)

Only thing I can say is you can tell who goes to the festival every year since they do all the things that you are told you CAN'T do. Example, We walked for ages with all our camping gear when told to park and others drove past us closer to tents, people DID have stoves (hmmm, our kids could do with a hot choc at night).

But you live and learn and we will all be back next year for Lazer Quest, milkshakes, music, rides, food and stalls, stalls, stalls...

ps maybe next year the silent disco will be working

We paid for showers and nice toilets. Showers weren't used because we were to busy having fun. On occasions I did go to use nice toilets but I found they were dirtier than the normal camping ones and they were to far away to keep dragging kids in and out for rides.

MAYBE put some nice toilets nearer the quiet camping....

Keep up the good work guys, my son has already decided we are going back next year so we'll see you then..

Carol, Dylan, Jackie, Ewan, Rachel and Calum.

having a moan

Overall rating: 3.5  

first time at wickerman iam a t in the park fan however did enjoy myself looking at the other reviews i do agree people should be allowed to take in their own drink as someone else said we will spend our money on other things. thought it was a bit jobs worth that the stweards where smelling the kiddies bottles of juice. Scooter tent to small for the bands that where their the buzz****s was one of the reasons i went and i couldnt even hear or see them very dissapointed. beer tokens not a problem as they do that at t in the park. food a rip off especialy if you have got kids as they want to eat all day. however did enjoy the undertones they made my weekend.

Next Year? maybe aye maybe naw

Overall rating: 3.5  

This was my 5th time here and agree that the queuing and obsession with checking people for alcohol was over the top. The D&D loos were in the main clean but a trek if you needed to use them so may not bother with them next time. The atmosphere at the Wickerman is always great but this time , having taken another nine friends we were all subjected to a crowd of young ( looked underage) screaming F***ing C***S and a variety of other stuff at the top of their voices all through the night outside. They did not stop they did not sleep and neither did most others around. Security just walked on. Asking them to tone it down just made them worse.Too much Alcohol after a few hours usually makes even the most seasoned drinker conk out-not this lot of glazed looking idiots-the rest of what they were on would just be guessing. Some of their pals had been removed the night before but they were less of a problem and at least played Prodigy all though the night! I'm happy with music and noise all through the night but this was aggressive and unacceptable even for T in the Park never mind the Wickerman! If the plan is to attract another 5000 like that then the Wickerman will lose it's appeal for people like me. There was also an assault and arrest at our bit as well as a fire which everyone else saw before the fire spotters who were busy chatting to one another! Sheer luck that the tents next to the fire didn't go up in smoke. Every year I say what a great festival this is and how relaxed and safe it feels ( I know nothing is completely safe)- next year I may go back but would check it out again next year to make sure I really can recommend it to others. Fireworks were excellent and staff were as usual great and helpful.

Just a thought!

Overall rating: 4  

First time there and really enjoyed the atmosphere. Undertones and Saw Doctors were brilliant. Organisers should at least double the number of DnD showers to avoid the long queues. Agree with other comments about the bar - pear cider was pants.

Have you been to any other festivals?

Only one thing wrong wi the wickerman, scooter tent needs to be on the main stage and vice versa. 200 folk outside the scooter tent for the buzz****s is out of order. The dross from the main stage barely drew a crowd till the headliners, scooter tent was full most of the day.
As for people thinking the food is too expensive, ignore this as they clearly have never been to any other festivals.

Have you been to any other festivals?

Only one thing wrong wi the wickerman, scooter tent needs to be on the main stage and vice versa. 200 folk outside the scooter tent for the buzz****s is out of order. The dross from the main stage barely drew a crowd till the headliners, scooter tent was full most of the day.
As for people thinking the food is too expensive, ignore this as they clearly have never been to any other festivals.

good and bad

Overall rating: 4  

Second time at Wickerman. Line-up (particularly main stage) quite poor. Bombskare/Sex Pistols Exp/Futureheads/Unicorn Kid brilliant. OCS rubbish. Teenage Fanclub, who I DO like, opened set saying "here's two songs from our new album". Cue exodus of people. Its a festival guys, play the hits.
VIP camping a total rip-off, don't go near it. Basically a big tent which you dont have to assemble/dismantle and piss-poor showers/toilets. There was no water for much of the weekend in the VIP field. Not good.
On the whole, slightly disappointing, particularly the line-up. Agree with comments above about Scooter Tent acts, which seem to be the most popular, being on main stage.
Forget the Brit-Pop Jonny-come-latelys and Tony bloody Christie ffs!!

W10

Overall rating: 4  

Back to top form.

Billiant yet again, just a couple of gripes

Overall rating: 4  

Not the best line up I've experienced at the Wickerman but still a wonderful and well looked forward to experience.Camping in the quiet area was a masterstroke and got three good nights sleep.

The plus points of the Wickerman are there for everybody to see, but unfortunately I have a few gripes. I was disappointed to miss some of the bands in the scooter tent, and when locked out of the Buzz****s, I sneaked in to find the place only two thirds full. There must have been 500 people refused entry.

There's no excuse for running out of beer, warm cans of Tennents for £3.40 (cost price around 30p)was a poor substitute for a cold and freshly poured pint.

Compared to other festivals, the Wickerman remains my favourite and look forward to the 200 mile trek next year.

Tim & Liz

pretty good

Overall rating: 3.5  

Scooter tent too small or move some of the bands on to the main stage - Bombscare, Undertones etc.
Food was OK.
Campsite on Friday night was unsleepable, the dance tent too close to the camping area, kept me awake all night - didn't stop my brother in law snoring all night tho ;-).
Line up on the main stage was a bit poor in the afternoons.
Did not think too much about the beer situation that others have been complaining about but I certainly wont be complaining if they improve things next year.

Wickerman 2010 was ace!!

Overall rating: 5  

First time at Wickerman and I have done a whole load of other festivals beforehand.

I went with two 15 year olds, myself (30) and a friend (46). We had an amazing time and really enjoyed the comedy and poetry tent - a god send for us oldies while waiting for the artists we wanted to hear.

Found food prices to be really good considering prices at other festivals and the variety was good. Festival shops were all ace aswell.

Staff were all incredibly helpfull and friendly, porto loo's were ace here (cheers!)

Loved the diversity of people and the Wickerman is one of the best festivals I have been to for families with young children.


It may be an idea to have a camping site for families with young children, a quiet site (without children under 14) and a party/noisey site. We were in the quiet camping site and so were many families with screaming/teething babies and children running around shooting toy guns and arrows and kicking footballs etc. I understand babies need to cry and young kids love running about and having fun but this is a pain when your trying to catch some sleep but can't because kids have hit a ball off your tent (again) or are chasing each other, shouting and tripping over your tent. Families with young kids are not quiet and so can they please not camp in a quiet section?!!

It would also be really cool if there was a jam station in the campsite for all of the campers with guitars and drums to get together for a session and some cool live music. You never know...you might find some undiscovered talent plus it's a great way for campers to get together for some chat and it means you don't have to listen to it if your trying to sleep!!

Really enjoyed the diversity of the artists and have to agree with the comments about the Buzz****'s - they should have been on the main.

Burning of the wickerman was ace and the fireworks were amazing.

Didn't buy from beer tents or bars as could not be bothered with queing while missing bands etc. plus I only like sambuca so took some in in a hip flask. Would have bought drink from the venue if it was not such a pain to obtain!!


Well done and thank you to everyone involved in making this festival happen and well done to the festival goer's who were all cool as ****!! Seriously....go to this festival next year and check out the headphone Disco!!

Ok Social Club were superb

Overall rating: 4  

My second year and thoroughly enjoyed it. Would agree about the Scooter tent, the bigger acts should have been on the big stage but the stewarding was also poor. Waited ages in the queue a few times only to go in and find loads of room.

Some great stuff at the Solus tent, Ok Social Club in particular were excellent. Loved 808 State, and Sons and Daughters deserve to be bigger than they are. The reggae tent was brilliant and a great atmosphere until the early hours.

The only downside, apart from the daft alcohol policy, was the eejit playing his guitar till 5 am in the morning in the Quiet Area. I know its a festival but if you are reading this you were out of order and I would gladly have torched your tent and guitar at 4.45 am this morning!!

Still my favourite

Overall rating: 4  

My 3rd year of Wickerman since i worked in the Scooter tent as bar staff in 2008....acts were ok although the previous 2 years saw a better line up..The Charlatans were brilliant as were Goldie Lookin' Chain.

Overall the atmosphere was fantastic. I'm hoping that this festival doesn't become overrun with people who just come to get rubbered for the weekend and who are the less well mannered kind...ie some TITP revellers.

The campsite was noisy but bearable...we pitched near to the entrance to the main arena so it was to be expected....burning of the Wickerman was a highlight and my best mate joined me for the first time as i rave about this festival every year...downside is that my purse was taken from my pocket but again im a silly mare for keeping it in such an unsafe place. Will continue to go to Wickerman as long as it stays the cool, hippy, alternative festival it claims to be. Roll on 2011.

family and friends

Overall rating: 4  

Great time this weekend - my nearly 5 year old loved 'all of it - especially the wickerman burning and the next best bit of it was making a kite!'

Holistic yurts were excellent and the programme of therapies a real treat - loved the yoga too - maybe move it away from the 'shows' as they take away from the 'chill' experience but look forward to it next year - would love a children's yoga session in there too!!!

Atmosphere brill - people friendly so many kids around and not too many people off their faces - a great weekend.

Food - great value for money and great choice of foods too - Would be great if stalls were open in the morning for breakfast - spoke to a guy with stall who said there were not allowed so they were losing business - remember there are loads of families -kids wake early and we need to entertain - feed -and refresh ourselves with a decent coffee - just look at the queue at the porridge stand at 9am on Sat morn to see you could have folks making business and us lot spending dosh and we are all happy!!

Quiet camping - great atmosphere but only noise problem came from security and those bloody wee buggy car things that seemed to zoom up and down ALL NIGHT LONG and when they had trailers sounded like a freight train - at 5am this is not QUIET - please think through what is quiet and who are following these rules as there was no problem with other festivellers just the staff and why this was a necessary time to transport things or 'visit' other staff for a blether - language was quite awful and we had 6 kids with us so would appreciate staff being aware of this.

Showers - a con - although hot -queue way too long, people skipping the queue and nobody checked wrist bands so why did I bother - need more showers before you get my money again!!


PS - noticed more people arriving early on the Thursday so will need to get there even sharper next year for a space to share with friends.

See you next year !!
Amanda

Wickerman - great family weekend

Overall rating: 4  

This was our first festival with kids. Every one had a great time and really enjoyed themselves. The venue was well staffed, clean, well serviced and well lit. The w.c's were cleaned regularly and as a whole were satisfactory to use, could have used a few more dotted about though. The camp site had a great atmosphere although bit noisy at times, we felt comfotable letting the kids out to play and every one was so friendly from our neighbours to all the Elvis's and the ginger bread man. Facillities were good on main site from food to the fair and childrens areas. In all will be going back kids and all and would recomend to families.

Second time and will be a regular on my calendar

Overall rating: 4  

Hi, The alcohol situation needs looking at we did sneak some in(good job as you ran out again)bought a lot as well, not sure the ticket thing worked, but understand why! This is my second time and brought my girlfriend (42) or (38) depending who is reading this, her daughter (21) and grand son (16 months)for the first time. We had a great time and camped in the quiet area. The hi-lights were Tony Christie, Goldie Looking chain (AWESOME) and The undertones. Just one thing couldn't get into Buzz****s or sex pistols experience, perhaps you can look at taking the front of the tent off for such big acts, if not putting them on to the main stage or having a second stage!!!

Great event and will return again and again Thanks!

campers without tents!?!

Overall rating: 3.5  

Third year at Wickerman for me - would agree with earlier comments re line up this year. Bands in Scooter tent too big for that wee space - sweaty but great fun thrashing about to Buzz****s, Undertones etc with all the other folk who were old enough to know better!Things could have got nasty wih crowd surging to get in though.
Disappointed to find no Dangleberries this year - aren't they a local band?? VERY pleased to see More From Jim again this year after really enjoying their performance last year but totally wasted in graveyard slot (12 noon??)on main stage and too short a set. Not sure about their dancers (!)but bought the CD :)

Thought having the kids, acoustic village etc at top of hill a better arrangement.

No Noodle bar?? Missed my noodles n tempura.

Drink situation clearly problematic. Drinks expensive and queueing for tickets a joke. Not as big a joke as the lax interpretation of the different camping areas. Two years running we have paid extra to go in the caravan/campervan area and two years running we have been subjected to seriously antisocial behaviour from "neighbours" who have neither caravans nor campervans and therefore stay up all night drinking, shouting, swearing, emptying their bladders in hedges and throwing rubbish everywhere. Clearly the staff on the entrance do not know the difference between a white VAN (full of morons)and a caravan. Also heard someone from "Quiet/family" area complaining to a steward aboutsomeone camping next to them who did not fulfil either description. That's what the Late n Loud camping is for folks!

Was the Wickerman himself this year or are my eyes getting worse?
Who cares - we'll be back. See you next year!

wickerman 2010

Overall rating: 4.5  

first time at wickerman with husband and 3 kids 9, 12,17,had a excellent time, kids all enjoy themself and all whant to go back next year 1 down side could not bring your own drink in, which can be very expencive on a hot day with 3 kids and paying 1.70/2.00 a bottle of coke staff helpful and all in all had a great time

1st festival with kids...fantastic

Overall rating: 4  

First time at a festival with our kids (9 and 7) although we are both festival veterans. Thought staff and security we're very friendly but would have beend better if we could take our juice and water in. The kids had a fantastic time and they even managed to get 8hrs sleep on friday and saturday, i wish we did!! This was our first time at Wickerman and we loved it and we will be back, its a fantastic, unique event i just hope it doesn't get commericalised like other festivals!! Cu next year although i will be in quiet camping area(wish i knew about this year).

Wickerman 2010

Overall rating: 4.5  

First wickerman and first festival with our kids. Had a great time, atmosphere brilliant and very friendly. Loads of room, loads of stuff for the troops (2,4,&7) to do and see. Only complaint was noise in the quiet camping, I'm getting to old to be kept awake all night then rise at 0700 with the kids. Strongly recommend this festival to anyone but particularly to young families. Cheers everyone.

the price of basics

Overall rating: 3.5  

Yes it was brill.down sides have been posted before me.why was I threatened by the security staff that if I did'nt show my wristband I would not be allowed to leave the arena ?? who are these untrained people who adopt a jobsworth attitude with people with a festival spirit ? Don't rip us off,might return next year as it was my daughters first festival,Bruce

FIRST TIMERS

Overall rating: 4.5  

Was a blast. Pity bout the weather sat nite but didnt detract from the great atmosphere. Was annoyed watching people with gas stoves when the website said they were not allowed! The kids were agog at the burning and fireworks, and then announced that they def wish to return next year! Took a friend who's allergic to rain and even she wants a rerun! Food good and not too pricy, but sort out the beer situation.
Roll on next year!

Families aren't quiet

Overall rating: 4  

As always fab. Been tons of time and Scooter and Solas as always great, but agree that they need to be bigger. Couldn't really take kids in too squashed. These 2 tents are what make WM special (see the summerisle acts before at blander festies). Can we have a mini-Eden? Also need a bigger spoken word tent.

Loved - Unicorn Kid, 808 State, I blame Coco, Hip Parade, Pama Int. and Banna Sessions.

Staff fine if alittle too over enthused about bands on way oot! Prices were okay this year.

Liked new arrangement of site, but agree with Craigma's post re "eejit with guitar in quiet camping". Eejit's songs included - "Nothing really matters" - will it did, and "Wish you were here" - no, and please don't come back. I arrived staight from Kutski at 3AM feeling really chilled under the pink moon, and didn't need these old folkies gie'n it laldie till dawn.

Also loads of rubbish piles left in campsite - plese clear up after yourselves!

Friends turned away at 10am Friday saying Quiet camping full - then more people pitching tents later - strange.

Agree could have a Quiet area and a seperate family area. Agree kids aren't quiet, [guilty] our kids were among those with those anoying guns (but at least we could hear where they were), however I agree with those complaining about fooballs. The big beach balls are fine, but please dont let your kids play hardball on the campsite, some kids burst a large mitre throught the velcro flysheet door into our tent (lucky we wern't one of those illict stovies).

Showers! More please. Hard enough to get kids into a shower but can't make then queue for an hour!

All-in-all better organised than ever (above just suggestions).

Queues+Rip-offs.

Overall rating: 3  

General campside was first class.toilets,and washing facilities,kept reasonably clean.with plenty of bins for rubbish.DnDirty rip-off,why the massive queues???Huge queues,AGAIN,4 dear beer Tokens,drop the prices and stop running out.[£2 for SMALL bottle of WATER?]thats a Rip-off...The Stewarding at the Scooter tent was pathetic,no communication,[outside/inside]causeing yet again,QUEUES....The majority of the punters make this festival what it is today,,,,LETS KEEP IT GOOD....Roll on next year.

Jobsworth wannabe cop !

Overall rating: 4.5  

What was with that guy?[Sat afternoon,main entrance].
Stand still,arms out to the side,turn around
DO IT NOW!...
All in front of a long line of laughing people
all laughing at him,no less.

The drink laws are a joke and are easily bypassed and stupid.
I only bought two pints/cans but I spent plenty at the food stalls.

Berthed between a Stag night and a gaggle of Tweenies ,sleep never arrived !

This Festival has come leaps and bounds
in all directions.

Yet,year after year,it still manages to scrape through.as one of the coolest,most laid back Festivals
on the Planet.

Can I get a cheap ticket now????????.

Still good - although slight ned element creeping in maybe?

Overall rating: 4  

2nd time for me,the missus and youngest son and pal; 1st time for 4 more of their pals, all 17ish. We did quiet camping again which was ok in our bit although you still hear the bass camp stuff all night.

Thanks to the guy who gave me 3 baby tomatoes for my burger :)

The lads were fairly well behaved we thought (?). They would come in late and laugh and joke but hardly any effing and c-ing compared to some stereo typical ned types that we saw more of this year.

Also the practice of lobbing "liquids" (which i know has always happened at gigs) seemed to be on the increase, especially by the coward who threw a cup of beer at me from about 15ft behind and hid from my un-amused glare(they couldn;t have been any further becasue of the sides of the tent)and almost knocked my decent camera out of my hand during the Pistols - hey ho, rock'n'roll i suppose but we're not T in the Park here.

I know the foods cheap campared to other festivals, but surely if it was cheaper they would sell more?

The drink think will always be a problem until you can freely take it in. People will still buy from the bar when their cans have warmed up and taste crap. And again, the prices are a bit cheeky especially for the cans when the draught ran out. Also why were staff opening the cans? I can't afford to throw it and surely there's a health and safety issue with them touching the bit I'm gonna drink out of?

All in all, still a good festival, just need to tweek a few things - PLEASE :)

P.S. There seemed to be less "wicker" on the wicker man this year

Weekend of the Year

Overall rating: 3.5  

Personally, I had a great weekend. 2nd WM with wife and kids (14 & 12).
Music was so-so for me, however The Undertones were a highlight with Sons & Daughters a close second. Tony Christie was entertaining enough; sadly missed virtually all of The Charlatans. Buzzc0cks sound was cack so we left the tent and were amazed to see so many people queuing outside. Andy Fleming and Mark Thomson in the Ingrid Pit were fantastic. Missed Alex Kapranoss surprise set in the Acoustic Tent by 5 mins! Pama Outernational were great, Hip Parade were amusing and United Fruit blew my head of.
Re Beer Prices; I have to say I have more issue with the selection of alcohol on offer than the prices. The Grenman staff were bordering on the aggressively nonchalant about what they were serving and needed to be almost interrogated to find out that they had something other than Tuborg lager on tap (the Wickerman Ale was kinda ok-ish). Tuborg? Who the f*** drinks Tuborg out of choice? And PEAR cider, Odins Teeth, if youre gonna serve pear cider, at least have normal cider too. By far the better place to buy yer skoosh was the Acoustic Tent, at least they had a few proper beers to choose from Criffel was lovely and the Innes & Gunn was tops. Alcohol ban seemed to work even less well this year than last; I saw dozens of people supping non-approved products from cans theyd managed to get in.
Food prices? I agree with others that surely if the prices were more moderate they would sell more; comments that other festivals are even more expensive merely underlines what a ripoff they are.
So, generally; The Wickerman Rocks :) :) :).

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Overall rating: 3  

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layout

Overall rating: 3.5  

NOW I HAVE COOLED OFF AND PUT SOME FURTHER THOUGHT INTO THIS..........
WE TOOK OUR 4 KIDS LAST YEAR AND FOUND IT QUITE UNCHILD FRIENDLY - STEWARDS UNHELPFUL - CAMPING NOISY - TOILETS SCARY - SO THIS YEAR JUST US TWO.
THE CHILD ACTIVITIES IN ARENA THIS YEAR MUCH IMPROVED - WE HAVE BEEN SPOILED BY SOLFEST FOR PAST TEN YEARS - IF YOU'VE GOT KIDS THEY WILL LOVE SOLFEST: THEIR LAID BACK ALCOHOL POLICY IS SENSIBLE AND THERE IS NO SPANISH INQUISITION OF KIDS WATER BOTTLES!!
QUIET CAMPING SO CLOSE TO THE ARENA - ARE YOU GUYS THAT STUPID?
THE POOR ARTISTS IN THE "A COO STICK TENT" WERE COMPETING WITH OTHER CLOSE-BY AMPED MUSIC WAS A SHAME. LAST YEAR WAS MUCH BETTER, ALTHOUGH PUTTING THIS AND KIDS AREA NEAR THE QUIET CAMPING WAS MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.
I ENJOY A GOOD SWEAR FROM TIME TO TIME BUT ANNOUNCERS SWEARING ON MAIN STAGE IS NOT OK.
AFTER HAVING SAID ALL THAT WE'LL COME BACK AGAIN AND AGAIN BECAUSE THE MIDNIGHT BURNING AND FIREWORKS ARE SPECTACULAR. NOT YET READY TO BRING THE KIDS BACK - ORGANISERS (WITH THE INFLUENCE TO MAKE CHANGES) SHOULD ATTEND OTHER FESTIVALS AS PUNTERS, SMELL THE COFFEE BOYS AND GIRLS!

Wickerman Too Noisy

Overall rating: 3  

This was our 2nd year at the Wickerman Festival and I didn't enjoy it as much as last year. The main problem we had was the sound coming from the dance tent until 5am on the Sunday morning when we had to get up and drive home. If we go again then I think it would be to the quiet camping although I'm not sure how much quieter it could actually be!!
There did seem to be more of a 'ned' element this year, also, and the amount of people tripping over our guy ropes was a joke. Again, this didn't happen last year.

So, camping was not as fun an experience - MOVE THE DANCE TENT! as the year before. But the actual acts were great, although shame Codeine Velvet Club weren't there.

The food, entertainment, and music were very enjoyable, and, depending on the acts for next year, I'd consider it again.

Stop Wingeing

Overall rating: 4  

Ok I've already done a review but I can't stop myself replying the the constantly moaning whingers. READ THE WEBSITE, that's what its there for and you will learn.

Because the website said that the really NOISY TENT had been moved over the the red area, we decided to move to the quiet area, and got as much sleep as we wanted. Of course there were kids there having a good time, why shouldn't they?

If the whingers who want peace and quiet, perhaps the organisers can allocate another field, well away from the arena, upwind of the noise and where kids are banned. Lights out of course would have to be no later than 10.30pm.

I spent three days at Leeds Festival last year.... believe me after that you'd never complain about Wickerman toilets again.

As I said in a previous post.... sort out the Scooter Tent (never underestimate the popularity of 80's punk and ska bands) and the beer situation for next year.

Can I have my own field?

Great festie - shame about the rip off prices!

Overall rating: 3.5  

What an enjoyable weekend we've just had! Great atmosphere, friendly crowd and even some top notch weather!!
Charlatans were a highlight for me, as were Goldie Lookin Chain for my son. Loved the reggae tent, and the burning of the Wickerman was awesome!

I have only one real complaint and that's the price of food and drink in the arena. Some of you are saying that it's cheaper than other festivals, as if that makes the exorbitant prices acceptable. I'm sorry but it doesn't.
There is nothing chilled, hipped out or alternative about charging the equivalent of £3.30 for a thimbleful of Pimms, or a warm can of Tennants. My son was hungry the whole weekend through (all the fresh air) and I was taken the piss out of left, right and centre trying to keep him fed and watered. How the stall holders can stand there with a straight face and ask for £5 for three falafel in a serving, I do not know. I hemorrhaged cash this weekend and am not pleased that some mickey taking grabby tossers with a trapped audience are enjoying the fruits of my hard work, just because they could. Not cool, not cool at all.

chilled out but bogged out

Overall rating: 4  

This was my first year at Wickerman, having sampled T in the park for many years and Rockness the past three, I found Wickerman a completely different experience. The atmosphere was very chilled out which was good, my friends had trouble sleeping but I slept like a log!

I was impressed by the veggie options for food and I liked that we could cook in our area - didn't realise we weren't meant to use gas stoves, but then I saw load of people using them so we musn't have been the only ones. The campsite was very clean which is a big change from the other festivals and I think this is partly due to a more responsible crowd.

Toilets - kept fairly clean over the festival, saturday during the day was a bit of a low point however. Is there any need for the urinals in the portaloos if they are outside too? It was fine for all the men out there but when you are faced with sitting in direct line with one it isn't so pleasant.

Signage - more signage on the way to the festival. we used the websites instructions and got lost twice.

Overall, I felt the festival was great. I don't think people should be criticised for giving feedback, as said before they give feedback for Rockness and I really feel that organisers take heed of customer feedback.

"Could do better"

Overall rating: 4  

Generally, great. Good bands, well organised.
Three areas that need some work :
1. D&D Showers ; not enough of them. Simply not good enough to wait 1 - 1h30mins.
2. Some very popular bands were consigned to the Scooter tents, with MANY people left queueing outside. Even people getting there a bit early were left outside. Felt that gauging a band's popularity, (if that was a a decision making criteria where to put them), was wrong. Felt The Undertones should have been on main stage, or, make the Scooter tent a lot bigger.
3. In the "Green Man" bar tent, a security guy accused my friend of smoking - none of us smoke. He was mistaken. All my friend had was a pair of sunlglasses in his hand which may have glinted. Felt he could have handled the situation a bit better.

first timers

Overall rating: 3.5  

this was our first wickerman festival, and came with friends who had been before.found it very friendly, great choice of music to suit all our tastes. pity we were all stopped from getting in to see the buzz****s in the scooter tent- massive queue, but strangely when I got into see the undertones on the saturday there was plenty of room - need to get those bands on the main stage! kids had a great time in the kids area on the friday and Aidan hoola-hooped himself dizzy! why was there a charge of £2 per child on the satruday though? seems a bit greedy!dance tent was fab and was a great introduction to dance music for the kids as they got in too.pity the food and drink was a bit pricey - seemed to spend a fortune on food,and why just pear cider - yuk!the quiet camping was not quiet - too close to the festival site and the dance tent which was still going strong till 5am - I remember hearing 'the doors' for the last tune of the nite!toilets were cleaned during the weekend and whole festival area was kept tidy too. on the whole a great festival and will be back with the kids next year and some more friends too. just need to catch up on some sleep now...

STAY AT HOME

Iv already posted too, however after reading some others i must post again.
If you dont like noise late at night and cant go without some kip, i suggest you dont go to festivals!!!!!????? its pretty niaeve to expect it to be like a holiday chalet set up isnt it? youd need to be in dumfries before youd not hear basecamp ffs. The wickerman web explains EVERYTHING, READ THE BLOODY THING! half the moans here are answered in the PRE festival info.
The neds are managing to seep thru tho, there were loads there, lets hope next year is not just a mini titp. NEDS DONT BELONG AT FESTIVALS, IF THE MANAGMENT RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE ENTRY, SUSPECTED NEDS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THEIR APPROPRIATE CRIME RIDDEN SCHEMES, THEY DONT KNOW WHAT THEY ARE THERE FOR ANYWAY, THEY THINK ITS A BIG "RAVE". NEDS WILL DESTROY WM JUST LIKE THEY DID AT TITP, THEY WERE JUMPIN AROUND THE REGGAE TENT TRYIN TO GET FOLK TO "RAVE DANCE" F**K OFF!!!!!!
WE DONT NEED THEM, DONT TOLERATE THEM. Im afraid the wickerman has already went a bit titp, next year will be the true test.
Scotty Mitch Fae the Burgh

Sunday too?

Overall rating: 4.5  

This was the 2nd Wickerman for me & my partner, & 6 of our friends, we also have been to every TITP. I found staff friendly & helpful, prices slightly better, and food better.Thought Goldie Looking Chain were lively, they got the crowd going, also enjoyed Ocean Colour Scene & 808 State. Think its a great idea to havea DJ set on the main stage after the Wickerman burning. D&D toilets stayed clean all weekend, could also do with them elsewhere in the campsite, didnt use showers due to queues. Feel Scooter tent should either be made in to a 2nd stage or the big acts on the main stage, couldnt get in for the Buzz****s. Slept great Thursday & Ssturday, didnt really notice the noise, but the person with the vuvuzeula on the Friday night is lucky to be alive, think a few people will agree there, & security done anothing about him. Lastly, hope organisers extend the festival to include Sunday next year, as we all felt could have enjoyed another day. All in all i think its well organised and friendly, we will be back next year with some more friends.

Wickerman 2010

Overall rating: 4.5  

Excellent. Well organised and chilled. More space in the campsite would be a plus and allowing cars to drop gear off would also help.
Music was great - facilities not too shabby - All in all a great weekend. Thanks.

To those complaining of noise....

I agree that it seems rather bizarre to come to an open air music festival, and then complain about the noise!!
Suggest Center Parcs as an alternative? Silly people.

Wicked Wicka

Overall rating: 3.5  

So another Wicka and I'm still recovering as we speak. Charlatans and 808 state (how many times was "MANCHESTER" dropped in ??)highlight. My pal rediscovered her old rave groove thanks to them . . . .
Would recommend a tepee. Clean site, some shower problems though.Where was the Belhaven Best? That Wickerman ale was watery ****e. Will defo be back again next year.

QUIET FIELD? WHAT QUIET FIELD???

Overall rating: 3.5  

As much as we enjoyed the festival itself, we left on Saturday. Took our 2 kids (10 and 11)but didnt feel there was that much laid on for them. The worst part was being directed to the quiet field only to find a spot right next to the noisiest tent! The worst was yet to come though. Being awoke at 1am by a gathering crowd partying around our 2 tents! My husband went out and sat in the car and didnt sleep a wink - at 5.30am, after listening to every drunken work I finally flipped and gave them a mouthfull. To their credit they were really apologetic and didnt realise they were in the family area. 10 years ago I would have joined them! The organisers really need to try and regulate who camps where in future as this can ruin an otherwise enjoyable experience. Also, ditch the mini Hitler's masquerading as staff!

Less neds and Killing Joke next year please!!

Overall rating: 3  

Ive been going to the WM for a number of years now and was on my own with my two daughters 9 and 4 this year. Stayed in the camper van field as usual and had no real complaints apart from the fact that there were noisy groups who had no campervans or caravans, just vans and tents. These were the noisy and troublesome groups.. Undertones and buzz****s should have been on the main stage and must say that while the kids area was great, there was a tiring cacophony of noise from the various stages that became a pain in the **** as you couldnt hear a particular band, just noise.. I agree with everyone else on here about the alcohol ban and drink pricing. Bands on the main stage were generally mince actually and its about time that you made sure that get Killing Joke for the Sat night headline spot..... The kids loved it and I will be back next year.

Sorry but I was disappointed

Overall rating: 3  

This was my 1st Wickerman and I was looking forward to a chilled, relax festival vibe, what we got was nedfest. I have been to TITP a few times and can honestly say this was as bad for jaked out, potty mouthed louts of all ages. I though because of the line-up (The Buzz****s were immense) that this element would not be present but how wrong I was. We also made the mistake of paying for DnD showers and toilets what a waste of money. Are you honestly supposed to leave the arena every time you need to go? They need decent toilets inside the arena, the ones next to the main stage were manky inside and out by the time Friday night rolled in. Drinks were overpriced - £3.40 for a half full paper cup of lager but the food was reasonably priced and a good selection, particularly of veggie stuff . The camping area was good in terms of the soft grounds to pitch up on but there were really limited facilities for washing plates etc and the dance tent and the reggae tent competing with each other until 5am was a joke. I think those tents should be far enough way so that if people want they can get a few hours kip. Really wanted to love this festival but it would need to be an awesome line up for me to go back.

Great Weekend but with issues

Overall rating: 4  

Had a fantastic weekend, met some really nice people, enjoyed some fantastic music but had the following issues (as did others):

£3.40 for a multi-pack can of tennants which probably cost no more than 70p is simply unacceptable and cannot be justified on any grounds.

The attraction of the acts in the Scooter tent was seriously underestimated - time to seriously increase the size of this tent or allow punk/ ska acts onto the main stage.

There clearly was a much larger 'ned' element this year and lets be totally honest here, both the main arena and the camp site are virtually unpoliced. This should receive as much focus from event and security staff as the effort put in to trying to stop people taking their own bevvy into the main arena. I have no problem with people getting as drunk as they want - as long as it doesnt impact directly on me! Unfortunately there were too many 'totally out of it' people who were impacting on others.

Great mix of acts although i felt the main stage line up on the Saturday was much weaker than the Friday although this could just as easily be down to my personal taste!

For those people moaning about the cost of food at the festival - it isn't compulsory to buy it! provide the bulk of your meals yourself, it isn't difficult

This probably sounds like a fairly negative review, however, the points highlighted above did nothing to seriously dampen what was a great weekend and yes i will be back again next year.

Ingrid Pitt once said I have nice teeth.

Overall rating: 3.5  

Bands: Panda Su, Strawberry Blondes, Ok Social Club, Pistols Exp, United Fruits, Buzzcks, Undertones and Gillian Christie all hit the mark. Also wish I hadnt felt so shattered on the Friday night and Id have stayed for Sing along a Wickerman in the Scooter Tent it looked hilarious but had to retire

Good Points:
Continuous effort in keeping the toilets clean and supplied with bog roll, soap and water. Much appreciated! Plenty of them too.

Bulk of those attending make it what it is.

Food was ok quality and choice wise, brought lots with me so didn't eat much inside.

Camping plenty of space.


Bad Points:
The organization at The Scooter prior to the Buzzcks was a shambles. I was right at the front of the queue only to be told that I was standing at an exit (no signage though) and no one was getting in. Others behind me informed they had been told the same story at the other side. Eventually 5 songs into their set we were told the tent was closed due to health and safety reasons then 3 minutes later everyone was allowed in. Total shambles.

Bevvy - The price of the drink is one thing however the selection is awful. Tuborg has to be about the worlds worst lager and can only conclude it offers the best mark up / profit for the promoters. The only cider was pear cider and that is simply not good enough. Prices, lack of choice, and extensive queues encourage people to bring in their own drink.

Food As another post points out just because its a bit cheaper than other festivals does not in itself justify the pricing. Way too expensive.

Camping not expecting a noise free experience by any means but the Base tent thumping out through the night resulted in little sleep. Ill know better next time and avoid the adjacent campsite as I really just want to sleep once Ive hit the tent at night. Why is dance music played throughout the night when other styles cease at 11pm? Each to their own I guess but its nonsense to insist on no amplified music on the campsite when you have to tolerate the Base Camp till 5am.

Neds yeh there were a couple and thats unfortunate given the friendly vibe that the other 99% generate. Unfortunately as the WMF grows it will inevitably attract more neds and lose the feel that its known for. TITP is simply a ned fest these days, wouldnt think of returning to it, shame if the WMF ends up that way.

All in all a good weekend with the bad points not bad enough to outweigh the better elements of the experience but you can see where the festival is heading and at some point it probably will not be worth going to. Until then enjoy it !!!!!!!!!!!!

Family with caravan first time at Wickerman

Overall rating: 3.5  

Good bits.
Great atmosphere and everyone we net was very friendly. The campervan/caravan area was well laid out with plenty room. We had good neighbours and late night noise wasn't too bad.
Music. Great and we were able to sit down and still have a good view. The tents were ace with good variety.
Compared to some festivals everything was close enough to reach easily.

Bad bits.
£6 Showers. Despite visiting at various times between 8am and 2pm there was always enough of a queue to put us off waiting. Reviews from last year complained of exactly the same thing yet nothing was done. We were lucky enough to have an alternative. Sort it out...
Security. The lengths security went to just to stop folk taking in alcohol was ridiculous, why split men and women into different queues? My daughters (11 15) were funneled into a different queue from me and despite wearing an open jacket I was still patted down each time. I must look dodgy.
Tokens for drinks. Huge queues and ticket booths closed. £1.70 for a childs drink and no bottle top to save the drink for later or pay £2 from a food vendor and get a bottle top. If I have to pay £3.40 for a pint at least make it as simple as possible.
Extras. £5 for crazy golf, £2 for childrens area. We didn't bother looking at anything else.
Toilets. The urinals near Pims bar were overflowing from Friday. £6 dnd toilets only available outside arena!

Overall we enjoyed Wickerman but it seemed designed to maximise profit rather than haste ye back.
Too many other festivals around to put up with this sort of vibe.

Wicker

Overall rating: 4  

Word up peeps

This the year music in the dance area was spot on - especially Zodiac Cartel, Calvertron and DD ( www.dirtpromotions.co.uk/dd ). Skiddle tent seemed rather lacklustre in comparison and the MCs totally ruined Fabio and Utah Jazz's sets (and they were the best djs booked in there imho.) Once again the U&A tent was much better than the skiddle.

The main stage was a bit weak in my opinion - last year and the year before had a better mixture - ie dreadzone, kelis, candi staton, human league and Utah Saints who were all excellent. This year it seemed to be all indie dullness with a only The Sons and Daughters and 808 State being the exceptions.

Banana Sessions were also a stand out on the accoustic.

The stewards were, as usual, rude and unhelpful - some festivals get oxfam volunteers to that job and it works a treat as they are actually enjoying their job and it's free.

Mostly i was there for the friendly banter which was absolutely spot on!

Sort out the DRINKS

Overall rating: 4  

Great time had by all our party.The drink thing needs to be resolved, you can't run out! What would have happened had the weather had been nicer Saturday! You would have run out much earlier ! ! Queing for drink you don't like is a nonsense.
OCS, 808,SAW DOCTORS........ excellent !

Can I also Add....

Overall rating: 3  

That Glastonbury allows u to take your own drinks in and the bars are still full. I take my own there but still by from bars. Needs to be seriously reconsidered.

Wickerman 2010

Overall rating: 3.5  

This was the second time my partner and myself have been to the Wickerman. We were looking forward to a chilled out weekend away from our everyday lives. On the whole that is what we got.(though NO SLEEP!!!) We were very disappointed with the caravan site. When we first arrived the young woman at the entrance wasn't going to let us in because we didn't have our car reg number printed on the ticket. We explained that we had downloaded it like that. She was really confused because she had been told not to allow anyone in without it. We were surprised that there didn't seem to be any consideration or respect for the people camping next to you. I agree that you have to expect noise at a festival it's part of it and I wouldn't want to stop others having a good time. What I really didn't like, was the amount of teenagers that were dropped off by 'mummy and daddy' with copious amounts of alcohol and allowed to behave as they pleased. We arrived at 12pm and the teenagers behind us at the same time. They didn't stop drinking and peeing up the side of their caravan all weekend. More of them arrived over the weekend and pitched up a tent around the caravan. The language was typical teenage(apauling)which you expect, but it was awful to see the families next to them with small children trying to carry on regardless. To spend most of your time around a caravan just drinking seems pointless. There was some fantastic music being played. The acoustic village is always a must, but a lot of the bands were drowned out by the other tents and the main stage, which was a shame. The chillout area was great and everyone was so friendly. The atmosphere there was perfect for a festival. I think everyones' comments are valid as we all experience different things, but I would say that the lack of consideration and respect for others was a downside for me. I felt extremely sad that so many young people's idea of a good time is to be off your head. (Lots of adult too) They really missed out on what a festival is really about......THE MUSIC. I think the organisers have a wonderful product on their hands, and the burning of the fantastic Wickerman at the end is priceless, but the 'spirit' of the event is brought down I think. (Just my opinion) We don't think we will travel up again, but we will recommend it to our friends, with the obvious warnings. Sorry!!!

Sad

Overall rating: 3  

Another Wicker has passed. This had to be for me the worst Wicker yet (been going for years) I know festival toilets are never very good but this year they were worse than ever overflowing urinals NICE. Porterloos full of pee and poo and not in the bowl. How can people do that.
The line up was not the strongest i have seen there, undertones were fantastic though.
Beer overpriced badly run beer tent, hitlers on the entrance get a grip jobsworth. How can you run out of beer unheard of.
Why oh why dont you put the dnd toilets in the arena it wasnt so bad when you could exit via the entrance if you needed a pee. Why move the exit further down the field?
It would appear The Wickerman has lost its way and become more about maximum profit margins than putting on a fun enjoyable weekend.
Gonna try Sol fest in Aug if its all its cracked up to be they will get my money in future.
So Wickerman sort it out or i reckon i wont be the only looking elsewhere.
Scooter tent was ridiculous you used to be able enter and exit from both sides and this system worked if its not broke dont mend it.

Oh well i may give it another go next year. See how sol works out.

A sad upset Wicker regular.

Fantastic

Overall rating: 4  

First time here with my 2 kids age 8 and 10 had a fabulous time we stayed in our campervan in the caravan/campervan field and had no problem with noise. However my little boy managed to sleep in front of the main stage while OCS were on proving if you are tired enough you can always sleep. I didn't have a problem with the food prices as we were staying in the van we brought loads of our own. I would agree the beer situation could do with sorting out I bought tokens during the day when it was quiet but later in the evening it was far to busy to que for tokens then at the bar, I will be honest and admit I sneaked a couple of cans in. Overall fantastic will be back.

Wicka, Wicka, Wicka

Overall rating: 4  

A highlight of my gigging year, when we all get together for some ritualistic pyrmania! The Charlatans and 808 State offered some madchester magic, dance tent into the wee small hours of Saturday morning was massive. The best though was Bombskare on Saturday afternoon, physiking us all up for some fun at the main stage with the Go Team! Love this festival.

I'll be going again.

Overall rating: 4  

Second Wickerman, I'm not sure I can compare them too much since they were totally different. Plus I think most people covered the good and bad points.

Would still go again. Its cheap over all compared to other fests, and still has a family vibe.

See you next year!

wickerman 2010

Overall rating: 2  

OKish

Overall rating: 3.5  

First time here and went with friends who are regulars. Really disappointed that the best acts were in the scooter tent which was way too small to accomodate everyone. After being crushed by the surge trying to get into the Buzz****s I asked to get out of the front of the queue and 15 minutes later was still there, still being crushed against the barriers and having to shout at over zealous stewards who did not have a clue as to how to manage the situation. One of the stewards then bashed the barrier off my leg in an act of gross incompetence. Queue for DnD showers was a joke and if you are paying for the toilets why are they outside the arena? Move some into the arena next year. Stewards were unprofessional and rude a lot of the time. And why can't adults take some drink in - we spend more than enough money inside anyway. Also disappointed that foul mouthed neds were allowed to camp in the family area and our kids were exposed to their offensive and abusive language.

Having said all that, the atmosphere was great with the punters even though the main stage artists were so so. We would probably come back.

Changes for the better but room for improvement

Overall rating: 4.5  

This is the third year me and my family have been to Wickerman there is normally 8 of us, however this year due to enjoyment we actully came in a group of 14 and had a great time as usual.

MUSIC

Charlatans, Bombscare, Ocean Colour Scene and even Goldie Lookin Chain were awesome. Not many down sides to the actual music, however agree the Scooter tent is far too small for the acts that were staged there this year especially when smaller less attended acts were on the main stage.

FOOD

People moaning about the food prices should remember what the current climate is for companies and think how much pices have risen over the past year. Bring your own it is cheaper and might stop you moaning. Or go to one of the bigger vestivals and see hwta they charge.

TOILETS AND SHOWERE ETC

Seemed to me to be alot less toilets than last year this in turn left them in a scary mess at points over the weekend. This is a big worry for families with kids using them (well mine anyway). Get back to the same levels as last year. One of the group bought a DnD pass and queued for over 2 hours each day for a shower terrible.

THINGS TO DO

Have to say having extra things for the kids this year was fantastic. Both my kids did grass sledging and laser quest and for a fiver for half and hour kept the quiet and contented for all of Friday. They would have played golf (£5 cheaper than last year) on saturday had it not been such poor weather. Ice rink was poor so they did not want to go on it.

BEER AND DRINKS

Biggest let down of this year, long queues for tokens then rubbish beer. And running out of beer is unacceptable. Drop brothers and get back to Belhaven supplying the beer tent. I run pubs for a living and only paying 40 pence more for a drink is not that bad if it was decent lager and cider, not the cheapest on the market. No Bottle tops what is that all about when then food stalls do. Bar staff also not very informed. Had to buy a carton of fresh orange which was not available at barnthen told not allowed on site GET A GRIP.

Have to agree that the crowd this year did have an ned element and the security seemed happy to leave them to being ar****les. Perhaps a new security company needs to be sought.

Although there are a few moans this is still in my opinion the most family friendly festival about. We will back next year with bells on and recommend this to all families.

Wickerman 2010 Scooter Tent end of the road!

I have been the last 4 years out of 5 and this time i had 4 kids ages 10 to 13 best improvement was moving the dance tent down next to the headphone arena, near ned valley sleep at last or so i thought in the so called quiet camping area, where ****s were up singing and playing guitars, (where were the gestapo at the entrance's when you need them),i noticed that it finished at 5.00am and not 6.00am, maybe next year it will be 4.00am hopefully, i could'nt understand why the bungee ball was not with the rest of the Amusements? as its repeated music was intefering, with adjacent tents, also with the amount of kids attending why not get half a dozen 6 aside nets and volleyball nets as there was plenty of space next to the disabled camping, this will lessen the amount of kids running around tents in the morning And also move the village shop to the other side of the entrance. the beer situation was also unacceptable, and this has to be the last year for the scooter tent i have missed Bad Manners last year, Buzz****s n Undertones (two bands which were the reason i went) this year, its not difficult to resolve half the tent in two open it up and point the opening towards the wickerman in the field to lessen the sound clashing. As for food with 4 boys next year we will bring our own. IF WE GO

Won't be back

Overall rating: 3  

I was hoping for a chilled festival of music and fun but instead I'm feeling appalled by my fellow men/women.

We camped next to some Raul Moat fans, (I couldn't believe the crap they were talking), and some 16 year olds who thought it was ok to try to piss on our tent. Everywhere the bass was turned up to 11, why? And yes I do want to sleep even though I'm at a festival. Get rid of the dance tent, let the neds go somewhere else. Put on more reggae, world music, more punk, disco, 80's cheese instead.

The food was good, the staff friendly, and i agree NOT ENOUGH SHOWERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AND WHY WERE THE NICER TOILETS SO FAR AWAY????

Ok I sound middle aged but we've got money to spend on overpriced beer too, organisers, you know what to do.

I thought the sound quality in the scooter tent was pretty poor. Grown men pushing past small kids to get into the Buzz****s!!!!!!!!!!!! Sick.

This was the second time my partner and myself have been to the Wickerman. We were looking forward to a chilled out weekend away from our everyday lives. On the whole that is what we got.(though NO SLEEP!!!) We were very disappointed with the caravan site. When we first arrived the young woman at the entrance wasn't going to let us in because we didn't have our car reg number printed on the ticket. We explained that we had downloaded it like that. She was really confused because she had been told not to allow anyone in without it. We were surprised that there didn't seem to be any consideration or respect for the people camping next to you. I agree that you have to expect noise at a festival it's part of it and I wouldn't want to stop others having a good time. What I really didn't like, was the amount of teenagers that were dropped off by 'mummy and daddy' with copious amounts of alcohol and allowed to behave as they pleased. We arrived at 12pm and the teenagers behind us at the same time. They didn't stop drinking and peeing up the side of their caravan all weekend. More of them arrived over the weekend and pitched up a tent around the caravan. The language was typical teenage(apauling)which you expect, but it was awful to see the families next to them with small children trying to carry on regardless. To spend most of your time around a caravan just drinking seems pointless. There was some fantastic music being played. The acoustic village is always a must, but a lot of the bands were drowned out by the other tents and the main stage, which was a shame. The chillout area was great and everyone was so friendly. The atmosphere there was perfect for a festival. I think everyones' comments are valid as we all experience different things, but I would say that the lack of consideration and respect for others was a downside for me. I felt extremely sad that so many young people's idea of a good time is to be off your head. (Lots of adult too) They really missed out on what a festival is really about......THE MUSIC. I think the organisers have a wonderful product on their hands, and the burning of the fantastic Wickerman at the end is priceless, but the 'spirit' of the event is brought down I think. (Just my opinion) We don't think we will travel up again, but we will recommend it to our friends, with the obvious warnings. Sorry!!!

good but not as good as last year!

Overall rating: 4.5  

Its a great venue but my comments run pretty close to the previous ones. Namely:-
1. we missed most of the bands in the Scooter tent which was way too small and the bands should've been on the mainstage.
2. Chavs/neds/whatevertheyare! sure they're a nuisance - they treat it like a big rave - not the chilled out festival experience its meant to be! Seemed to be more of them this year chucking 'liquid' about.
3. same chavs turned the campervan/caravan area into an allnighter (without vans!)- we luv music and enjoy ourselves but these folks were just loudmouthed foul pissheads. Surely security can ensure that the campervan area is as it says on the can/ticket....."no tents"!

All said, this Festival is brilliant and unique and we loved it, although the line up could have been better - we booked our tickets early and the line up wasn't released until very late.Where's Paolo Nutini when you need him????? either way though the Wickerman rocks and we'll see ya next year!

wickerman 2010

Overall rating: 4.5  

this was our 6th wickerman this year,and as per usual was fantastic! there was alot more rowdy inconciderate randoms there especially in dance tents&campsite in fact one of our friends tents got there tent raided and all his belongings taken! a wee bit more security is needed especially when the wickerman is gettin burnt..pefect oppertunity for thieves to be going in and out of tents and helping themselves,apart from that we will be back nxt year without a doubt..x

Generally good

Overall rating: 4  

I was there with my wife, 19 year old daughter, my sister and her friend and my mate with his 12 year old son and friend, so you will agree we had a pretty mixed party. We all had a good time and although the line up wasn't as strong as previous years there were some great sets from GLC, Root System (again), More From Jim, The Buzz****s, The Futureheads and the Undertones, who I had not seen since 1979 and was unsure how they would be without Feargal, but I was pleasantly surprised. Yet again The Scooter tent was my place of choice and this year my wife had to agree. Just one or two gripes, first being the lack of ladies loos nearby the beer tent or any loos near ( even in the scooter tent which is ffar too small and I have to agree with others about opening the back up for the headliners to save the crushing. Yet again the drink Nazi's were at it with their searches, seems to me the only reason for this is to get more profit from the beer tent under the guise of health and safety. As for the folk moaning about NEDs what about live and let live, we had a whole load staying close to us and they spent all day on Buckfast etc but we took time to be friendly and have a crack with them and in return got respect from them, as well as more than a little cheek. But in my book thats what its all about, we were all young once but some of us are big enough to give other people a bit of leeway and take the rough with the smooth.I will be back next year and hope that there is more ska and punk to keep me pogoing and skanking into the future.

Mostly fab!

Overall rating: 4  

We had a great time generally and I agree with most of the complaints about the placing of toilets, cost of food and overzealous security.

I really enjoyed the Chill Out Zone but what numpty decided to place is across from the incredibly noisy funfair rides? Two opposites in approach could not be found! What a shame. Hated the constant euro-pap noise coming from the rides as well...a hude distraction and another way to get money off kids. I'll go to Blackpool or the Irn Bru carnival if I want that sort of thing!

Retail therapy was great, bought some fab hats! Food was good butm yes, pricey. 2 quid for a bottle of water from an Aldi multipack?? Grrrr!

Bought DnD passes but they were so far away from anything that we didn't use them. Also the open air urinal near the Pimm's tent wafted a lovely aroma down the hill all Friday afternoon.

Quiet camping was good mostly but poor washing up facilities let it down. Again...why so few toilets?? However the ones there were usually okay and I have seen a lot worse. Why exactly did I have to pay an extra fiver to park there?

Music, yes the line up was not strong and I agree totally with all of the Scooter tent comments...too many people missed the Buzz****s because of poor organisation (room at the from, squashed at the back). Most of those acts should have been main stage, it would have really got things going.

Trevor Leat's Wickerman was stunning and a highpoint for me was the spontaneous drumming just before the burning. Foggy drama, what an amazing atmosphere!

Yes, we will be back. I just hope the Wickerman organisers take on board the comments posted here and do something about where they put things (toilets, camping and chill out zones0!

In agreement...

Overall rating: 3.5  

5th Wickerman.
I never go for the bands, but sometimes catch some stuff that really appeals depending on the moment. I DO, however, go for the atmosphere, the people, and the chance to chill out with my friends. I am happy with the food prices as they are on a par with every other festival. The toilets are always hit and miss but generally they are 100x better than the ones at bigger festivals (T in the Park, Download etc.) The late night noise didn't bother me as I had ear plugs, and there were very few idiots in camps near us.
We all had a great time, with fancy dress on both Friday and Saturday.

My only serious complaint is the same as mentioned before. A dozen or more "security" people on the entrance gates to stop people bringing in alcohol?? Overblown and unnecessary. It seemed to become their mission to upset, aggravate and annoy as many people as possible with an over zealous bullish attitude in many cases. People always get round it if they want to, they only caught the ones who didn't know how to hide their stash of alcohol, so it made a mockery of the situation. They should do what they do at many big festivals, the rule then is NO GLASS! Then, people carrying water in don't get penalised (where were all the water taps?), and idiots don't drink as much as possible on the camp site before heading in, so getting totally wasted in the hope it will last longer. Oh dear, such a shame.

Generally, this has been my favourite festival for many years, but I think some discussion needs to happen re: Dance music and Neds, alcohol bans and camping arrangements.

survey from wickerman website

Overall rating: 3  

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/wickerman2010

Here is the actual survey from the website if anyone hasnt filled it in:)

Wickerman 2010

Overall rating: 4  

11 hours travel to Wickerman but it was worth it.

To sum up.
Gripes:
1) Bass noise was ridiculously loud close to the quiet area.
2) Food prices too high.
3) Scooter tent too small. Most bands here should have been on the main stage.
4) No problem with staff and 'hitler' attitude but they could have exercised that better with drunken assholes.

Compliments:

1) Music was great.
2) Camping set up was perfect. I loved the high towers of the bungee being close to the quiet area. It was easy for the kids to find our campsite.
3) I appreciate the amount of free stuff for the kids. This is definitely a big plus for me.
4) Toilets were ok better than most concerts.

Suggestions:
1) More policing and get rid of aggressive drunks.
2) Endeavour to keep the quiet area quietish.
3) Please keep this a family orientated festival.
4) Please keep promoting the festival as family orientated.
5) Family, family, family and family.

:)

fun fire frolics

Overall rating: 3.5  

Most of the comments i've read seem to be spot on.
Overall enjoyed this one (the seventh time i've been).Beer prices need looking at £3:40 for an opened can of warm lager is just OFFENSIVE.I'd like the organizers to justify that to me.
Not being allowed to bring water in is wrong.
Saturday was so hot that kids were struggling and parents found it hard to pay £2 every time their kids needed a drink.
Scooter tent situation needs looking at.Maybe bring back the second stage.Line up for main stage was the weakest ever.Looks like W/Man could go the way of TITP,please don't put profit first.

stinky loos blue zone

Overall rating: 4  

this is our 6th wickerman and as ever we had a fab time. main complaints were the banning of liquids eg water to be taken in to the main arena, we like many who attend the festival are on a tight budget and cannot afford to pay for over priced bottles of water/alcohol etc. secondly the TOILETS in the blue camping zone were disgusting, they were constantly over flowing the sinks leaking and the smell pungent! we are use to the festival way of life and enjoy the whole experience but those toilets were a health risk!!!
the burning of the wickerman is awesome! but I feel the experience could be enhanced by adding some music eg: drummers/ bagpipes.
on the whole we had a great time and will be back next year. thanks

good times

Overall rating: 3  

it's my 7th Wickerman...no problem with the camping...quite enjoyed whoever was playing the guitar in the quiet camping area on the Saturday night..line up not as strong as in recent years but still enjoyable. 808 state were awesome.had no problem getting alcohol into the main area...ways and means lol.
going to try eden this year because i think WM has slightly lost it's way....but far better than last year...will be back

Drinks for kids

Just to add....

My friend and I had brought a bottle of squash and a Sigo water bottle so we would be able to give the kids plenty to drink throughout our time spent in the arena. We were not permitted to take it in.
It's a pretty bloody disgusting state of affairs when you are pretty much forced to hand over £2 a time to give your kids a drink. That was a lot of £2s that neither my friend or I had budgeted for.
And the fact that there wasn't even any water points in the arena, and you had to buy water at a ridiculously over inflated price, when you have young children in tow. Bad patter.
Not very 'family friendly' is it?
Sheer greed folks. Yuck.

3rd time and had a Blast as always

Overall rating: 4  

another year another superb wickerman festival, arrived early thursday and got a cracking spot with the mates... sun came out late that night which was magic and headed into the main arena for a giggle in the silent disco which is always a hit!!!

Friday weather was the bizness... highlight for me was the charlatans, alot of people thought they were not up for it or took a but of time to get into it but i think burgess and co were slightly concerned about the mosh pit at the front as it was bit wild as i was right at the front and people were getting really badly crushed!!!....belted out his classics which was superb.... also enjoyed teenage fanclub
highlights saturday were unicorn kid, saw docs
OCS were alright and the 808 states boys played a classic set list, hats off to them ...

thought the dance tents were nothing great this year unfortunatley ...the U&A tent i really enjoyed as the atmposphere was jumping...as for skiddle tent, couldnt really feel the same in there.....

drink prices were a joke ...a hot can of lager once the crappy draught ran out was scandlous for 2 tokens (£3.40)....

food imo was great ... loved the haggis stall and one of my mates must have ate about 8 Hog Rolls lol...

and finally regarding the noise... its a festival full of drunk people who are there for a party all weekend, yes we all need sleep at some point so take a set of ear plugs next year and you should be fine no matter where u sleep.....

roll on 2011..... and thanks again to all the organisers...

Great weekend

Overall rating: 4.5  

Third time for me and every bit as enjoyable.

I've read all the reviews and opinions so far and agree with some, disagree with others but understand why we all have our own gripes.
One of my gripes, doughnuts £1 each or 4 for £4, what the!!!
I seem to be on my own about the Scooter tent though. I think it was the right size. The biggest crowd we seen was for the Undertones and we got in, great atmosphere. In fact we got into the tent for every act we wanted to see. It took us a few songs before we were allowed into the Buzz****s, but did get in. I think the Security people learned from that. But to the Security person that told me to move from the back to nearer the front at the Sex Pistols Experience to let more people in. Get real, did you really think someone my age was going to go in among the pogo's. Great to watch but not my idea of fun to join in.
Yes some of the acts could have graced the main stage, but the Scooter tent is what it is, a great place to watch those types of bands. Loved the big screens as well, nice touch. Maybe an idea would be to bring some of those back next year for the main stage.

The Wickerman attraction is its size. I for one don't really want to walk any further than it is, things have to be close together, so I don't really get the complaints about this too close to that etc. They have to be, it's a small festival. I think on the whole they got it right.

Own drink not allowed in the arena, I agree with the principal but we brought a few cans in each time we came from the campsite, sometimes we got caught, but hey we weren't sent to prison, just sent away to think again about being a little bit smarter and inventive, all good fun, nothing to get hung up about. Still spent a fortune at the bars though.

Thought the Policing was good, they integrated with good humour and dealt with what they needed to, not an easy balance to get right but felt they achieved it.

Food was generally good, don't know about the doughnuts though, we all have our price point, and they surpassed mine! Shame I like doughnuts.
Drink: pear cider was my tipple from the bar and ahem Carlsberg from my tent. I think the drink was expensive but again it was always going to be, it's a festival. One thing that puzzles me, why can I buy Brothers pear cider at Tesco which says on the bottle "festival strength" and it's about 7 something in alchohol volume but at the festival it was only 4 something???

Have to admit it was annoying going to the trough for a pee and finding it overflowing, didn't like that at all. Don't know who to blame for that though, punters throwing things in them or rubbish troughs, don't know.

Purchased D&D toilets and shower and was glad I did, bit of a long wait on Saturday morning for a shower, but I was doing nothing else, and it was worth the wait.

Anyway, the bands, I enjoyed the whole weekend, rambling about seeing different ones, The Go Team surprised me, I'd never heard of them and thought they were brilliant, The Charlatans were musically perfect, Tony Christie was a nice addition, like Candi Statton last year, there's a place for these kind of acts at Wickerman. 808 State, I don't really like that kind of stuff but thoroughly enjoyed them, the sound and light show were immense. I think it is a great idea to put something like that on after the amazing burning of the Wickerman, there clearly was an audience for it. William Douglas and the Wheel was a great act to watch in the Ingrid Pitt tent.

All in all we had an amazing time and will be back next year. Please don't mess too much with the Wickerman formula, you're not far away from perfection, maybe cheaper doughnuts and you're there.

yeay :)

Overall rating: 4  

Great festival, as always. The only disruption we encountered were on the most part, sadly I think, down to the hardcore that had turned up solely for OCS / Charlatans.

For folk saying that they had to pay £2 to get water, it might be worth bearing in mind next time that tap water is *always* free from the bars. Nice to have that advertised maybe though organisers please?

Security / Bar staff - last year the security at the gates to the arena were IME on more than one occasion, pretty rude. This year those that I encountered were on the whole very friendly and did their best to get queues in quickly. The only complaint I heard was from one guy in the reggae tent who had an aggressive steward shout at him to put a cigarette out when there were 6 people smoking joints right next to him who weren't spoken to at all.

Prices for food - a little higher than last year perhaps but all in all on a level with every other festival in the UK.

Toilets - for the most part fine, apart from sunday morning / very last thing sat night, as expected. Once again really disappointed that cubicles were only in two locations in the arena, meaning that us girls drinking in the bar area had to walk across/through the main stage crowd to get to the ones by the headphone disco. Any chance there could be some put by the urinals by the greenman? pleeeeease?

The only real gripe I have is nothing to do with the festival organisers or staff - but the ignorant f***ers who left their rubbish strewn across the campsite. Takes two minutes to clear up after yourselves guys.

So yeah, thanks to everyone involved, see you next year!

Am I going again? Hmmm. It's a tricky one...

Overall rating: 3.5  

Had a blast as usual. But the security on the gates really p*ssed me off. I got searched three times...and that after never having been searched during any of my two previous visits to WM.

The fact that the security guards are searching people at all is, in my view, contrary to the spirit of the festival I encountered when I first attended three years ago - where the security guards weren't really giving a toss, and the whole atmosphere was far more chilled as a result.

Another gripe about the searches is that they caused huge queues on the main gate - again something I had never encountered at the WM before; and again something I got pretty crabby about.

Honestly, guys, if I was wanting to put up with this sort of hassle I'd go to TITP (where, incidentally, I've never been searched, and never had to queue for so long to get in!).

I thus agree wholeheartedly with the other posters who have suggested turning down the gate security a notch and having a more relaxed attitude about taking drink in - at the end of the day, the organisers are still going to sell a shed load of booze - and perhaps even more, as most people would go to the arena earlier, instead of drinking their carry-outs at their tents.

But I fear that the security won't be toned down - the WM's just getting too big and too commercialised.

Having said all this, I still enjoyed it. But I don't know if I'll go back. I might give it one more stab, just for nostalgia's sake. But if I encounter the same problems again that will be that.

Why allow the stalls to be so noisy??

Overall rating: 4  

Great weekend - great music - my highlight was Pama International - fantastic sound.

Only real gripe was the excess noise around the food area - the noise from the machine was really louds and repetitive and the Solus tent was way too loud.

addition

I must agree with a point in an earlier post, the ned element was encouraged by the charlatans and ocs, i grew up in the charlatans era and respect their musical abilities and do almost like a couple of tunes (ocs, in my opinion, music fir folk who dont like music, boooooring), but its inevitable they will draw dullards who dont know what a festival is. Sorry to sound like throwing stereotypes and sweeping generalizations, but you know its true!
The festival will still be as popular without such acts, keep it alternative, let the neds have "Stabbed in the dark" and we can keep our chilled, scumbag free WM!!!!!!!

Another good year

Overall rating: 4  

I've been to the Wickerman afew times before and each time it seems to improve. I had no problems with security who (compared to previous years) were friendly. The D & D toilets were a marked improvement over last year. As for not being able to take drinks in I can understand that they want people to buy alcohol on site (they do have to make a profit)and as for soft drinks who can say if a bottle contains coke or vodka and coke. Overall the atmosphere was very friendly although there was one or two people who let the side down. I will be attending next year.

Wickahwickahwaaahhh

Overall rating: 4  

It was our first Wickerman this year after finally accepting that the UNBEATABLE Connect Festival was not returning...and I was not disappointed...the size of the venue and crowd was ideal, as I refuse to deal with the neds and madness at TITP anymore (now I've left my twenties lol). A few gripes, yes, the shower queue was too long (more please) and no point in buying the DnD toilet pass if it was outside the venue....a truly wasted £6. The fact that booze was not allowed into the venue was a joke, I've never been to a festival with this insane rule - surely a no glass rule is sufficient?? Food should have been beside the Chillout zone, where it would have been nice to sit and eat...not in front of the bungee rocket - noise was driving me mental while eating my DELISHHH hog roll!

Thursday night in the beer tent having a dance to a live band then a dj with some awesomely cheesy tracks was a highlight, so why no more of that for the rest of the weekend? 808 was great on saturday but theres only so much dance fuelled beats I can deal with at 4am!!

Charlatans rocked my world!! Missed the Buzz****s due to the tiny Scooter tent fiasco...some great bands in Solus..Withered Hand, Conquering Animal Sounds etc!

Also loved being surrounded by happy young kids, gave the festival a great vibe!

I will deffo be back next year (with an inflatable mattress this time....)

Had a blast-again!

Overall rating: 4.5  

My 6th WM,my BFs 3rd and my 13yr old sons 1st,decided to pitch in quiet camping this year as bass camp moved down bottom of arena,was so glad we did although you could still hear it till 5am!Big thankyou to Sherpas who drove us and all our gear up in their pick-up truck from bottom of carpark,youre amazing!
Have to agree with majority of posters that main stage line-up was pretty poor this year,spent most of our time in the scooter tent(when we could get in)acoustic and reggae tent,best price for juice and muffins for no 1 son by the way.Only searched once when we went in on thursday night through main entrance,well my BF was and I was the one with the drink stashed lol.Security was a lot more laid back at the Q camping entrance,walked in with bottles of water(need to keep hydrated when youre smuggling in OVD n coke lol)and was never challenged.Must have an honest face.
Still spent money at bar,even though overpriced and crap,loved stormin norman,he should be on every night.
My son loved his first festival especially the burning and asked about going back next year when we were on the(not so)happy bus back.
Didnt see too much nediness thankfully probably due to where we camped.
Toilets were good most of weekend but definitely less of them in main arena every year that ive been.
Took most of our own food,we have always taken a small campingas stove and never had a problem,but indulged in a few hog rolls,lovely.
Overall had a blast but please sort out the scooter tent for next year,missed most of the bands I wanted to see!

didn't know what to expect

Overall rating: 3  

As wickerman virgins, although accompanied by some veterans of the festival, we were pleasently surprised by the scale, set up and suuroundings - all v impressive. the music was eclectic, enjoyable and we found some hidden treasures in the solus tent, and we loved the friendliness and chilled feel to it all. the sacrifice of WM himself on Sat night was great.

However, there weren't enough loo facilities in the main areana (esp if you then have to queue to get back in to the arena afer nipping to the DnD ones a fair way away), the drinks were too pricey when there was an unneccesary embargo on BYO, and those bloody rides! why oh why did that awful bungee thing have to sit inbetween the solus and scooter tents, doing its best to drown them both out? really annoying. the solus tent was great, but too loud, even for my deteriorating hearing. and there was a completely unneccessary and embarrassing show by the security in there who frog marched a poor guy out and summoned the police when he jumped over the barrier to get a CD encouraged by the band who'd thrown the CD in the first place. totally uncalled for. Apparently some of the bands were even put off by the noise of those rides in the acoustic tent.

We will be back next year, but we are also afraid it will become too money hungry and security will be even more ridiculous, and if so, I'm afraid that'll be our last.

PS the venison kebabs and haggis were spot on!

Wickerman Virgins

We attended WM as a family of first timers, (the kids are 10,7 & 6 ) We had a really great time, and the atmosphere and friendliness of those around us was great. We camped in Disabled facilty which is right next to the arena but were so tired out after all the trekking and dancing that we had no probs sleeping. Even with the endless noise from the bungee thing and the screaming from the funfair. I had no probs taking drinks (in kids own juice bottles) in for them but was searched every time, must look dodgy(a throwback from my distant youth!!) We all had DnD passes and never used them due to lack of facilties and huge queues, won`t waste the money again!!

Agree with most of the comments about the Scooter tent, we really wanted to hear the Buzz***ks, undertones and Bombskare but couldn`t get in!! These acts should have been main stage.

Praise to the Axis Rreggae tent for some great tunes and a decent cuppa well priced. Even had normal priced snacks - well done and a favourite with us and our friends.

The burning of the fabulous Wickerman was a real highlight and nice ending to a great weekend. Kids say we are going next year so that will be that!

Last time I think

Overall rating: 3  

This was our (me, other half and two mates) 4th Wickerman and despite wanting to keep it to ourselves we decided to bring another mate along. We wanted to keep it quiet cos it used to be great, friendly, hassle free which is good news for a festival but not any more.
The state of the main campsite was a disgrace. I don't want to camp surrounded by other people's crap. In earlier years everyone used to bin their rubbish and keep the site pretty tidy but now they feel it's ok to just chuck it outside their tent.
The security onto the main field was rubbish, one person per queue to search etc was looking for trouble.
I don't understand why security didn't check people coming off the camper van field though - a couple I talked to in the acoustic tent had a full bottle of vodka that they'd brought in a rucksack yet my mate had his rucksack searched at the main entrance. If you're going to search people then the rule should apply to everybody especially when you're paying over 3 quid a pop for a beer - maybe folks are more trustworthy on the other fields!
DnD tickets were a waste of time - why aren't there any additional toilets in the main field. Why aren't there enough toilets on the main field full stop. Alright if you're a bloke with all the urinals dotted about but no bogs next to the bar - come on.
This is also the first time that I've had anything lifted. Within half an hour of getting on the camping field my mate's chair had been nicked. When I came back to my tent on Friday night my sleeping bag had been pinched from insude the zipped up sleeping area of the tent. It's bad enough that someone feels it's ok to go in someone else's tent and help themselves but I have an 'extreme conditions' sleeping bag worth over £100 so I hope the little scrote who nicked it enjoyed his cozy kip.
I'm not an old fart and have been going to festivals for years but I'll be looking for another one instead next July.

had a great time

Overall rating: 4  

this is my second wf and i have two boys age 4 and 6 there is a group of bout 30 of of us go and bout 18 kids aged from 1-16 i thought it was very relaxing and all the kids loved it people who complain bout noise im sorry but. what do you expect from a open aired festival. will defo be back next year good time had by all.

Enjoyable

Overall rating: 4.5  

Another enjoyable year at the Wickerman.

Found the quiet area remarkably quieter this year compared to last year, with the dance tents moved to the bottom of the other field, with the odd exception of a couple returning to tent at early morning (Sat.) with loud voices and swearing. But if you go to a festival you can not expect it to be tranquil.

Prices at festival, again it is a festival so you expect to pay higher prices, did not appear more expensive than last year. Apart from the doughnuts as noted in an earlier post. £1 a doughnut, but you do not have to buy, it is not compulsory.

Stewards that were encountered appeared reasonable, and not unduly concerned about having bag searched a couple of times, which contained bottles of water so not a problem.

Toilets at quiet area not a problem, seen a lot worse, and they were cleaned in morning then late afternoon, but since they do not flow into a sewer then they will fill up.

Overall organisation of festival is good, with musical tastes for all well catered. Line ups will not to be everyones liking, and that getting into to scooter tent for buzz****s may have been a problem for some. But goes to show the popularity of some of the old bands still on the go.

It's not really getting better - but it's still good!

Overall rating: 3  

This was our fourth Wickerman on the trot and, although we're already planning next year's trip up, I'm sorry to say that each year the festival moves further away from the chilled out event we first attended.
For the most part, the security was a little better than last year, with less searching. But those who were searched seemed to have this done in a way I've only seen when people set the alarm off at the airport or to away fans at Premier League games where trouble is expected. A quick look in a bag is one thing, but making people stand with arms outstretched whilst security people run their hands over arms, legs etc - is this really necessary for a family orientated festival?
And as many of us say - why is is such a big deal for people to bring in a bit of booze - when our cans get warm we invariably turn to the delights of a cold one from the bar! You will still turn a good profit - honest!
Then there's the thing with water. Please signpost drinking water we can get for free if you insist on turning back anyone with an opened water bottle.
Drinks prices seem OK to me - but then we're used to paying over £3 for a pint down south! But please can we have some real draught cider (as well as pear) next year? And I absolutely agree with the poster who commented on the fact that Brothers festival cider sold in Tescos is stronger than that on offer at a festival!
My last comment on securrity - we had something stolen and a few people around us (ordinary camping field) also had the same experience. Might the security firm be instructed to do a little more patrolling to try to preserve property and discourage excesses such as peeing up the sides of tents and a little less booze searching?
I've seen some complaints about not being able to use camping stoves - presumably gas ones. We had no idea there was any prohibition and cooked all weekend on gas. Does anyone know if this was a real rule imposed or just one steward's lack of knowledge or misinterpreation of instructions?
Music - not so much to my own taste this year - Charlatans and OCS never did anything for me at the time, but my son and his mates all enjoyed them. Friday seemed a bit samey to me so I enjoyed the more eclectic line up on Saturday - a bit of bluegrass followed by a gospel choir was really refreshing early on. Shame we couldn't have a good old reggae band like last year and Max Romeo in 2008. Thusrday night in the Green Man a real highlight - but where were the Dangleberries - get them back next year (main stage), no matter what you have to pay them!!
Compliments to the staff acting as stewards on entry - we found then really friendly on Thursday lunchtime. But didn't notice litter pickers this year? And the campsite seemed to be much dirtier than previously - not the festival organisers' fault, just us great British public I'm afraid. Might it be an idea to go back to having people coming round the tents giving out black bags as opposed to us asking for them up at the wristband station?
Toilets seem to me to be just about OK - they didn't seem to be cleaned as much as last year, but still mostly not too awful. But surely someone could do something to improve the flow in the urinals (especially those by the cigarette booth). And, although not my own problem, I agree with some female posters - how about arranging some toilets a little closer to the bar for women (even if you make them fermale only)?
So, yes some moans but my son and his mates are already planning next year's trip, so it can't be all that bad!
Final point - had anyone ever seen any responses to the points we are making from the festival organisers? It would be nice to hear their views and explanations, even if (as I suspect) they will only tell us that the booze bans are necessary for health and safety reasons and that other problems are outwith their control.

Wickerman Festival

Overall rating: 3  

Festival was publicised as family friendly but was not. Goldie looking Chain was on main stage late in the afternoon on the Friday, with many children present. Gratuitously crude and foul language, offensive lyrics, none of which children should be exposed to. I am no prude and some swear words would not be that big a deal for children to hear. But Goldie looking Chain put off everyone in my group. They should have been in a small tent at a much later hour. The Fun fare very loud until quite late. Dance music played until 04:30!!!! Not ok by any standards! Got no sleep on Friday night so myself and others in my tent packed up and camped elsewhere Saturday night. Nothing special (the weather was good though!) and I will not return. I think the festival was trying to be too many things to too many people. Don't say it is family friendly if it is not - having a loud fun fare does not make it family friendly.

Goodbye Wickerman its been emotional

Overall rating: 3.5  

Alas my fellow festival goers this is it the end is in sight. Wickerman as we all know and love it is unfortunatelly falling victim to its own successs and following in same doomed path as our other festivals. Beer tokens is just a total rip off to say the least. I remember when you could take cans of beer and plastic bottles of booze into the festival sight and it encouraged us to go into the festival earlier spend the day on the grass, buy food,buy MORE DRINK walk round the festival stalls buying something which was always very different from other festivals but not this year, again it was a total rip off and I could have closed my eyes and been at any other "BIG" TITP, Rockness etc festival. But this year my group of 18 in total aged from 18 - 45yrs stayed in the main campsite and waited till it was time to see the headliners. Toilets were good this year. I do believe Wickerman needs to evolve, rejuvenate every year but at what cost. Your going the right way of becoming mainstream and not beautifully chilled, different, friendly. You can just tell with the total carnage that was left in the campsite it was disgraceful and those who dont clean up after themselves should be made stay to clean their mess. I couldn't believe the personal rubbish left behind by inconsiderate pigs. I have really missed the dangleberries again this year bring them back......love to all....I'm hanging up my Wickerman Wellies. I want to be left with my memories of Wickerman before it becomes a copy cat of every other festival that circuits the UK every year.

Wasnt worth the treck

Overall rating: 3.5  

We trecked up from Lancashire. The dance part was pretty good but other than the scooter tent I found the rest of the festival rather boiring. This was not helped by the rain.

The best Festival in Britain!

Overall rating: 4.5  

This weekend is always fan-effin-tastic! Great music, good people, easy-going atmosphere and, best of all, LOTS OF SPACE TO MOVE AROUND.
Other fests would try to fit twice as many into the site, but here there's no feeling of being penned in. It has an amazing atmosphere of openness and freedom to move from tent to event; there's so much to experience that this is very important.
The music and ambience are very important to the Wickerman experience but the best thing is the overall theme - it may seem strange to admire the 30ft sculpture as a work of Art for three days, then cheer enthusiastically when it burns and the night explodes in a massive fireworks display, but hey, you gotta be there!