The swift approach of Summer only means two things to me; firstly, the inevitable feeling of impending doom because exams are coming up. Secondly, the Wave Gotik Treffen is nearly upon us, all hail! The annual ultimate celebration of goth has been the highlight of my year since I first went to WGT in 2013. Needless to say, I was less than prepared the first time, which is why I have decided to create a non-exhaustive survival guide for goth festivals. Good luck and may the apocalypse wait until after you've visited your favourite festival.
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| Wine, chocolate, friends and good music = my (Heat) Wave Gotik Treffen 2014 in a nutshell |
- Invest in a pair of Doc. Martens or other sensible yet gothy footwear.
It is impossible to watch multiple performances and travel from venue to
venue in high heels.
- I would imagine this doesn't even need to be said, but pack sunscreen. Dying may grant
you a fair amount of goth points but looking like a lobster definitely
won't. Don't forget to also apply sunscreen underneath anything fishnet.
- Bring an umbrella as well as a parasol. Other objects that may assist
you in defying the weather: sunglasses, a handheld fan, a sunhat, swimwear, a cardigan and materials to prepare a ritual circle. Don't
forget your spellbooks!
- A small bag is a lifesaver. You really don't want to drag around a big messenger bag just for your essentials.
- Bring lots and lots of makeup wipes.
Makeup gets runny when you're out and about in the heat. Wipes will
also help if you can't be arsed to shower during the festival (no one's
blaming you) and you're feeling especially dirty. Festivals have helped me achieve a whole new level of grossness.
- If you're not planning on showering on the second day (or ever) don't tease your hair on the first day.
It will be impossible to work with and look like some unidentifyable
hellspawn on the second day. Unless of course that's the look you are going
for, then carry on.
- Bring instant coffee. Coffee coffee coffee coffee. Coffee. You will need coffee. No, that's not enough coffee. Pack more coffee.
- Make sure you plan your programs in advance and make sure you have enough time to travel
between venues. If you forget this at WGT, you will get lost and end up
crying at a busstop looking for the Gruftibahn while your favourite band
is playing in a venue you can't pronounce.
- Leave the extravagant outfits at home and pack your comfy clothes instead. Last year at WGT we had temperatures up to 35°C which resulted in many a goth's skin melting off. Your outfit may look utterly amazing but let's face it; you are probably dying a slow and horrible death, being boiled in layers and layers of black. It's also kind of impossible to attend concerts in a ballgown with a diameter of several meters.
- If you're still planning on wearing your most elaborate ensembles, plan them in advance and consider booking a hotel rather than going camping. There's only so much you can do on uneven terrain, trying to balance your makeup and a handheld mirror. If you're going camping, bring a (handheld) mirror and sob deeply while applying eyeliner.
- Don't buy new clothes to wear to the festival. You got it
mixed up. Buy them at the festival. Save up all of your hard-earned
money and spend it all in a weekend. Also don't stuff your luggage to
the brim. You will buy things. Many things. More things than you wanted
to buy. Hey, I don't make up the rules of goth, this is just how it
works.
- Wear everything you wouldn't dare to wear in daily life (but maybe not all at once). Especially the German scene is very open minded so no one will look at you funny.
- Bring wine and candles. Wear pentagrams and ankhs. Sleep in a coffin. Be stereotypical, no one will care. You may want to keep the sacrificing virgins business at home, though.
- Last but definitely not least: party hard. Seriously, this festival only takes place once a year so party as hard as you can, whatever that may mean to you.
Labels: festivals, WGT