#backstageatreading

By taking your cups and recyclable waste to the Greenpeace tent, you can earn £1 for every 10 you bring back. But earning money isn’t the only incentive. Apparently, most people who bring their waste to recycle don’t realise they can top up their wallets in exchange for plastic, paper and cans.

To stop "picking" at your savings and to do your bit for the environment, take your waste to the Greenpeace tent before 11:00pm. It’s situated to the left of the main stage, so it’s super easy to watch your favourite headliner and then dump your empty cups straight into their bins.

Glitter is a big thing here at Reading Festival, and fortunately GoGetGlitter and Oxfam are using biodegradable glitter. It’s good to know that if any comes off you while you’re dancing it won’t negatively impact the environment!

Laura

The crowd at Krept x Konan’s set was full of young people, with a good mix in terms of gender. But before they got to experience the London-based rap duo, a DJ warmed them up with a trio of songs.

Of course, once Krept x Konan did hit the stage, the crowd went wild and instantly chanted along to every lyric.

Even though I don’t usually listen to this kind of music, I did appreciate the atmosphere and how they hyped up the crowd.

One of the reasons I’m not a fan of their music is because of the lyrics. For example, “On My Life”, may have had the crowd rapping along, but it features so much swearing.

This aside, they did a great job at getting the crowd jumping, and seeing Karl ‘Konan’ Wilson crowdsurf was a great way to end the set.

Finn

Similarly to Krept x Konan, Nadia Rose had a mixed crowd. Not only that, but she also had a DJ open up for her with three songs.

She began rapping as soon as she stepped onto the stage, which sent the energy levels soaring into the top of the tent. 

As she is an up-and-coming artist, the audience didn’t know all the words to her songs unlike most other acts I’ve watched over the weekend. But that wasn’t enough to stop them from dancing along.

Rose asked the crowd, ‘Who is ready to dance right now?!’ and received a huge cheer in return. Her four background dancers kept the audience engaged – pointing, jeering and twerking – and throwing plenty of sass into an already impressive performance.

This was one of the most energetic sets I’ve seen over the weekend, and I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed it.

What did we think overall?

When reflecting on the performances, we think we found more similarities than differences. It was interesting that they both had a DJ on to hype up the crowd. It’s a clever tactic – what better way to ensure you come out on stage to a warm welcome?

What’s your favourite part of the job?

Going out and doing original stuff, interviewing people and filming some more long-form pieces.

Do you have any advice for young aspiring journalists?

I think it depends what you’re going into, because it’s such a broad industry. What I would say – and I hate saying this – is be prepared to do a lot for free to begin with. But once you’ve proved yourself, and you’ve worked your way up the ladder, it gets easier and easier. Once someone trusts you to do something they’ll give you a bigger job, and everything will gradually get bigger from there.

On the other hand, do have the confidence to be asked to pay for something sometimes. But don’t be too arrogant. And if you’re going to do work experience, prove yourself but don’t walk away and expect a call back – but do push those people! Don’t be afraid, because everyone’s been there, so everyone understands where you’re coming from.

Another piece of advice would be to find who the section heads are of things that you’re interested in. Tweet them if you’re really interested in that area, and keep trying until you get a response.

Name: Justine Welsh

From: Glasgow

Where’s your outfit from? The shoes are from H&M – I’m on my fourth pair now – the playsuit is New Look, and I bought this jacket from Primark especially for festivals as it’s great to just throw on.

Who are you looking forward to seeing today? Kings of Leon. I saw them two nights ago and they were amazing!

Name: Matt East

From: London

Where’s your outfit from? My hoodie is from Weekdays and the dungarees are Bershka. Also the hat’s from a company called Counterparts.

Who are you looking forward to seeing today? We’ve got Don Broco and Lil Pump to go to today.

Name: Ashton Collinson

From: Kent

Where’s your outfit from? The shirt was from Leeds Festival and it’s the best one I’ve ever owned  – it’s so warm! The trousers are Topshop, the t-shirt is from a Billy Idol concert, jacket is Missguided and I have a New Look bum bag. The shoes are my staple Docs. 

What services does the welfare tent offer?

We provide safe spaces, monitored rest and recovery areas, general information and signposting. Additionally, we offer basic supplies for people who have run out of something or are in an emergency spot. It is quite a broad spectrum of services, and we are made up of volunteers who are mainly from different public sectors.

Why did you decide to work as a volunteer for the Welfare Services team?

I love music festivals and I have been going to them since I was 18. I always used to buy tickets and this year I decided to work as a volunteer instead. I give a little bit to the festival and I get a little bit back, which is great. 

What services do you offer specifically for women?

People come for advice once we establish that they are disclosing sexual assault cases or rape. We give them the advice about speaking to the police and how the medical procedure works. We are a confidential service, but if there are any safeguarding concerns, we have a duty to report it to the police. We have a secluded safe space here, which is a private area for them to talk to the police. Additionally, we just give out basic information or advice. 

Have got any tips to stay safe and happy?

Know who your friends are, don’t go off on your own.

If you are getting intoxicated, be safe, try and be sensible.

Have a plan in case you lose your friends.

Have a phone on charge.