Butlins bound

You interrupt me during packing for my trip to the All Tomorrow's Parties festival this weekend. I'm getting a train down to Bristol tomorrow and staying overnight with Kieran at his and his brother's flat, before the two of us join Jen (making the trip from France), (Funny) Jimi, Jimi's friend Ali, and Jimi's friend Ali's unknown friend on Friday at Butlins in Minehead, Somerset, where the festival is held. I've never been to ATP before, but I'm expecting it to be completely different to the other festivals I've been to. We'll be staying in a Butlins chalet for six, thus having access to peculiar festival amenities such as showers and electricity. Plus we can take advantage of all the various activities on offer - I'm particularly looking forward to some crazy golf and fencing between bands. Not to mention the Splash Water World, which features "the almighty space bowl, where you exit the flume at 40mph." I must say I'm tremendously excited by all this. The only thing missing will be the Red Coats - I hope.

The line-up is a secutive blend of extraordinary treats and intriguing unknown quantities - which is definitely part of the appeal. I've never had a chance to see Nick Cave before, so it's particularly exciting to be seeing him. Also Joanna Newsom, who was so stunning at Sage in Gateshead earlier this year. Low, Cat Power, various members of the Bad Seeds, Josh Pearson (former Lift To Experience singer), Spiritualized, and Yann Tiersen of Amelie soundtrack notoriety. I've been looking into some of the unfamiliar acts the last few days, and Felix Lajko (maverick Yogoslavian violinist), Shannon Wright (PJ Harvey-esque delights), and Devastations (sweeping instrumentals) are particularly of note. But no doubt there'll be lots of discovery over the next few days, and no doubt I'll churn out an elongated, blow by blow account of it all when I return home. Have a nice weekend.