July 2023

Creamfields South 2023

July, 2023

Huge Operation:

On the last day of this year’s Creamfields South, my daughter and I went to the festival for a day out. (She had won a free weekend ticket, and offered me the opportunity to accompany her …big smile!!!)

After a (non-fruitful) merry go round to get to our correct entry gate (Orange) we were eventually let in by the security guys via the ‘day tickets’ gate. Prior to this, I was observing the average age of the festival goers, and began to have a sinking feeling that I was probably one of the oldest. In a bold move, I started a ‘spot an older person’ quiz and walked on confidently.

We noticed two young boys diligently pushing a large rubbish bin from the car park area, across the path and towards the perimeter fence. Our initial curiosity turned to silent admiration, as we realised that this was their ‘ticket’ to the festival. They quickly scampered onto the lid and scaled over the fence, leaving the ‘ticket machine’ leaning against their ‘gate’ as other people quickly scrambled to gain access. As I watched in amusement, I loudly pondered why anybody would leave their home and make their way here without a ticket. As if on cue, a passer-by asked if I had any spare tickets, whilst my daughter responded to my poser with ‘they are just teenagers, probably bored and looking for what to do’, bringing me back to earth and in context.

Once inside, I was taken aback by the variety of what was on offer. It was like a mini amusement venue/High street. There were several food stalls, different rides, clothes shops, ‘corner shop’ hats/sunglasses shop, jewellery, vape/tobacco shop, several bars, cocktail lounges and ice cream vans dotted around the venue. In addition to the main stage, there were 3 other huge music tents with music blaring.

There were tens of thousands of people there, the atmosphere was light and happy, dress code was ‘very scanty’, ‘most revealing’ or ‘various stages of undress’ (Lord have mercy!!) I noticed a male who looked older than me, gyrating to the music from the DJ on the main stage. Without missing a heartbeat, I quickly pointed him out to my daughter, ‘He is definitely older than me, and his stomach is CERTAINLY BIGGER than mine’ as she guffawed and nodded in agreement. (I ended this quiz after about 20 minutes and I had already observed at least a dozen people who beat me on this age score)

There were a few curious things I noted though. There was a bank of cash machines, even though NO STALL was accepting cash? McDonald had the longest queue among the food stalls. It seemed like every 5th person was drinking ‘Liquid death’. (At a point I asked my tolerant daughter, ‘why would ANYBODY be drinking something named liquid death?’) In all honesty I thought it was an alcoholic beverage, only to realise -long after my question- it was actually flavoured water, and has very strong sustainability credentials. There was no restriction to smoking… I thought it had been banned in all public spaces. There was a huge presence of security staff, but they were primarily at the entrance gates, and a few located on the perimeter of the stage to keep back the crowd. There were hardly any mingling with the crowd and by my cursory observation, there were a few, minor shady goings on.

All in all, as an operations professional with an understanding of the behind-the- scenes planning, management and execution of large scale events, I was really impressed with the outcome. It was a huge, mammoth effort and very well organised. Top marks!

Below is a line-up of confirmed appearances with our Jerk Station Mobile Foodstation:

23rd July CITY GARDEN - Bond Street, Chelmsford
29th July FEEL GOOD FESTIVAL Garon Park, Southend On Sea
6th August CITY GARDEN, Bond Street, Chelmsford
20th August CITY GARDEN, Bond Street Chelmsford
27th & 28th August SUMMER JOUST, Castle Hedingham, Halstead
27th & 28th August COUNTESS OF WARWICK SHOW, Great Dunmow.

This year’s Summer is fully booked

now, but if you are thinking of anything for

next year, then get in touch!

‘SUCCESS’ DOES NOT HAPPEN BY ACCIDENT:

As the evening was drawing to a close, we spent 90 minutes dancing to music from the legendary DJ, musician and producer, Fat Boy Slim. As he was performing, I was pondering how he has been in the top flight for decades, and what it takes to remain relevant in an ever-changing world. He has been active since 1979 and holds the Guinness world record for most top 40 hits under different names. He has also won 9 MTV Video Music Awards and 2 Brit Awards, yet he is still packing out venues including gen Z dancers. It is clear to me that it does not happen by accident. He was ‘present’, full on, and serving us to the very best of his ability. His stage presence and background video clips were engaging and got my respect.

It confirmed to me again that commitment ultimately leads to quality and consistent innovation leads to Iongevity in the marketplace. Eventually I reluctantly dragged myself away from that tent because my boss (Daughter) wanted to get to the main stage where Swedish House Mafia band were the last act for the night. There was a lot of energy and fireworks and the heaving crowd was ecstatic. After their hit song ‘Don’t you worry child’ just before 23.00 hours, we made a dash for the exit gate with the lyrics going round and round in my head.

A good day out and a well organised bank holiday weekend event.

Well done.

Caribbean &

African Food

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Over the summer months, in addition to our regular Friday and Saturday slots at Chelmsford High Street market, we also hit the road and may be coming to a festival or event near you!

Below is a line-up of confirmed appearances with our Jerk Station Mobile Foodstation: