Festpod

In episode 82 of Festpod - the Unofficial Rock Festival Guide, with hosts Neill Wilkinson & Rich Holmes:

We discuss ‪Mediterranea Metal Cruise‬. It's a metal holiday!

• The value for money compared to other fests
• Varied activities onboard
• Passengers were from varied backgrounds around the world.

with our sponsor:

Fat Frank's Camping Shop

https://fatfrankscampingshop.com

Video playlist:    • Festpod - The Unofficial Rock Festival Guide  

Please support us on Patreon!   / festpod  

https://festpod.co.uk

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In episode 81 of Festpod - the Unofficial Rock Festival Guide, with hosts Neill Wilkinson & Rich Holmes:

As heavy metal music fans, we've been going to rock festivals for a long time - but never outside of the UK, and certainly not on a cruise ship! That's exactly what Mediterranea Metal Cruise is! And we're talking LUXURY. Amazing food, beautiful views of Greece and incredible metal acts make a festival far beyond the ones we're used to in the fields and parks of the UK.

Join us aboard the Celestyal Discovery as we talk about our first impressions of cruise life and the Mediterranea Metal Cruise festival so far.

with our sponsor:

Fat Frank's Camping Shop

https://fatfrankscampingshop.com

Find all our video podcast episodes in this playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlfyhNTZm6HBHjHm4kSORo_HykWXf0KGu&si=_5FbNi1-Rfe0sU1t

Please support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/festpod

If you'd like to buy our merch, visit our merch store here: https://etsy.com/uk/shop/Festpod

All our links here: https://festpod.co.uk

Timestamps ⏱:

0:00 - Pre Titles

0:16 - Fat Frank's Camping Shop - 1st sponsor spot

0:57 - Title sequence

01:18 - Welcome

01:59 - First Impressions

04:05 - The cabin

05:46 - Food onboard

06:21 - Fun on The Pool Deck

07:25 - Kuşadası excursion

09:21 - Turkish Carpets

12:37 - The bands

14:26 - The atmosphere

15:53 - Mykonos walking tour

17:10 - Stray dogs and cats

18:08 - Still to come

18:50 - Santorini drinking contest

20:19 - Everyone together

-- Outro --

21:37 - Thank you

22:13 - Goodbye

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In episode 80 of Festpod, hosts Neill Wilkinson, Rich Holmes, and Arran Prime discuss:

- Download Festival lineup teased and a commemorative coin is available.

- Bloodstock lineup additions.

- Live Nation is investigated over monopoly fears.

- Reading Rising creators are interviewed about this year's event.

with our sponsor:

Fat Frank's Camping Shop

https://fatfrankscampingshop.com

Find all our video podcast episodes in this playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlfyhNTZm6HBHjHm4kSORo_HykWXf0KGu&si=_5FbNi1-Rfe0sU1t

Please support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/festpod

If you'd like to buy our merch, visit our merch store here: https://etsy.com/uk/shop/Festpod

All our links here: https://festpod.co.uk

Timestamps ⏱:

0:00 - Pre Titles

0:28 - Fat Frank's Camping Shop - 1st sponsor spot

01:09 - Title sequence

01:35 - Welcome

-- Festival News --

03:53 - Download lineup tease

07:18 - Download Collector's Coin

09:33 - Download 2026 teaser video

11:05 - 5ive to headline

13:55 - Should Live Nation be broken up?

39:58 - Bloodstock adds 27 bands to lineup

45:46 - Bloodstock '26 site additions

49:08 - Camping at Bloodstock

56:12 - Slaughter To Prevail controversy is their own fault

1:10:24 - Sheffield Independent Venues Alliance

1:13:46 - Takedown Festival lineup

1:19:59 - Birmingham to change airport name to Ozzy?

1:22:50 - Heavy Music Awards winners

-- Ad Break --

1:26:58 -  @godethband  break bumper

1:27:14 -  @fatfrankscamping1991  Frank's Camping Shop - 2nd sponsor spot

--- Part 2 --

1:28:05 - Reading Rising Interview

-- Gig Guide --

1:43:56 - Bloodstock Winter Gathering

1:45:00 - Reading Rising

1:46:05 - Mediterranea Metal Cruise

-- Festpod Favourites --

1:52:43 - https://metalforgood.org

1:54:37 - https://www.bowlingforsoup.com

1:57:12 - Pop-up stool https://www.fatfrankscampingshop.com/product/summit-pop-up-stool-with-carry-handle/

-- Outro --

1:59:57 - Host plugs

2:04:49 - Goodbye

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In episode 79 of Festpod, hosts Neill Wilkinson and Rich Holmes discuss:

- The branding and merchandise updates from Download Festival;

- Bloodstock announces that a 4th headliner will appear on Thursday night;

- Mediterranea Metal Cruise is sold out for this year - we take a deeper look at what to expect onboard.

with our sponsor:

Fat Frank's Camping Shop

https://fatfrankscampingshop.com

Find all our video podcast episodes in this playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlfyhNTZm6HBHjHm4kSORo_HykWXf0KGu&si=_5FbNi1-Rfe0sU1t

Please support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/festpod

If you'd like to buy our merch, visit our merch store here: https://etsy.com/uk/shop/Festpod

All our links here: https://festpod.co.uk

Timestamps ⏱:

0:00 - Pre Titles

0:27 - Fat Frank's Camping Shop - 1st sponsor spot

01:08 - Title sequence

01:35 - Welcome

-- Festival News --

03:03 - Download Festival new branding - DLXXIII

04:04 - Download's new merch

08:24 - Download lineup expectations

12:52 - Bloodstock's lineup and 4th headliner?

18:56 - Mediterranea Metal Cruise

-- Ad Break --

27:00 - All Ears Avowbreak bumper

27:10 - Frank's Camping Shop - 2nd sponsor spot

-- Festpod's Download Stage Show --

28:02 - Explanation

30:07 - Steph starts the theme tune

35:29 - Q&A

52:53 - RIP vs General Camping

1:06:00 - Festival Hacks

1:28:09 - Time to end

1:28:57 - Our analysis

1:33:22 - Outro

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in Episode 78, Neill, Rich, and Arran take a walk around the main arena for a guided tour of Bloodstock Festival 2025, discovering what's on offer at the stages and stalls, and meeting many happy people along the way.

with Fat Frank's Camping Shop

https://fatfrankscampingshop.com

Find all our video podcast episodes in this playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlfyhNTZm6HBHjHm4kSORo_HykWXf0KGu&si=_5FbNi1-Rfe0sU1t

Please support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/festpod

If you'd like to buy our merch, visit our merch store here: https://etsy.com/uk/shop/Festpod

All our links here: https://festpod.co.uk

Timestamps ⏱:

-- Part 1 --

00:00 - Titles

00:23 - Welcome to Serpent's Lair

02:29 - Rupert the Bear

04:20 - Man with belly shirt

05:39 - Ram Gallery

06:23 - Market stalls

07:00 - EMP Stage

09:39 - Sophie Stage

10:58 - Bradley the Barman

14:51 - Lobsters

17:28 - Battle Arena

18:36 - Pink Man

21:52 - Red Bull Gaming Sphere & Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 & 4

24:42 - Camel Sheesha

25:13 - 'Axe Heads' Axe Throwing

26:02 - Old Sarum Tattoos

27:21 - Kitty de Vyne and Jam

-- Ad Break --

30:50 -  @TheFiveHundred  break bumper

31:01 - https://fatfrankscampingshop.com - sponsor spot

-- Part 2 --

32:09 - Firehound Forge Blacksmith

38:11 - Spud Man

39:36 - Gaming Arena

43:26 - Campsite Entrance with Stan head

44:40 - Man vs Food

45:54 - Spin the Wheel

46:21 - Peek inside the Sophie Tent at Eihwar

47:49 - Chodepod

48:36 - New Blood Stage

49:34 - Pizza Roma

51:25 - Seating area

51:46 - Merch stall

52:28 - Red Method

53:14 - 4-pint beer or cider in a plastic milk bottle at Lemmy's Bar

54:11 - Main Stage

54:22 - 2026 lineup announcement

01:00:21 - Outro

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In this episode of Festpod, hosts Neill Wilkinson and Rich Holmes chat to Joe Hammond - the guitarist from the metalcore band Assurance, and also the creator of a new festival - The Sanctum festival in Digbeth, Birmingham. Get your tickets here: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/assurance-band-uk/t-rpvzmko

with our sponsor:

Fat Frank's Camping Shop https://fatfrankscampingshop.com

Find all our video podcast episodes in this playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlfyhNTZm6HBHjHm4kSORo_HykWXf0KGu&si=_5FbNi1-Rfe0sU1t

Please support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/festpod

If you'd like to buy our merch, visit our merch store here: https://etsy.com/uk/shop/Festpod

All our links here: https://festpod.co.uk

Timestamps ⏱:

0:00 - Pre Titles

0:17 - Fat Frank's Camping Shop - 1st sponsor spot

0:58 - Title sequence

01:18 - Welcome

01:57 - Joe Hammond

27:41 - Outro

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Festpod, hosts Neill Wilkinson and Rich Holmes interview the six bands chosen to perform at the 2025 Takeover at Download. All Ears Avow, Collapse The Sky, Change Persona, Dacara, Two Year Break, and Exist Immortal all talk about their upcoming appearance on the Doghouse stage in June.

Every year, six unsigned bands get picked to play on the first day of Download Festival at Donington Park. The Doghouse stage in District X, what used to be called The Village, can host thousands of eager fans waiting to see the first live music of the event.

The process to pick those few bands is a hard slog of watching videos, listening to submissions and arguments between the panel about who deserves it more. Eventually, the panel reaches agreement, and the chosen bands get informed.

After Festpod's exclusive announcement of the bands picked to play, we now make contact with them and get their reaction to being selected. This is our chance to get to know those six bands before they head out on stage to a packed Doghouse tent.

The Takeover at Download is a huge opportunity for unsigned bands to play for thousands of Rock and Metal fans and can lead to future connections, gigs and development, if they impress the right people.

The stage is set, the excitement is peaking, and Download is about to begin.

with our sponsor:

Fat Frank's Camping Shop https://fatfrankscampingshop.com

Find all our video podcast episodes in this playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlfyhNTZm6HBHjHm4kSORo_HykWXf0KGu&si=_5FbNi1-Rfe0sU1t

Please support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/festpod

If you'd like to buy our merch, visit our merch store here: https://etsy.com/uk/shop/Festpod

All our links here: https://festpod.co.uk

Timestamps ⏱:

0:00 - Pre Titles

0:19 - Fat Frank's Camping Shop - 1st sponsor spot

01:00 - Title sequence

01:32 - Welcome

-- Band Interviews pt. 1 --

04:16 - All Ears Avow

29:17 - Collapse The Sky

-- Ad Break --

53:08 - Bloodmores break bumper

53:19 - Fat Frank's Camping Shop - 2nd sponsor spot

-- Band Interviews pt. 2 --

54:20- Change Persona

01:12:49 - Dacara

-- Ad Break 2 --

01:28:03 - Rupcha Farms break bumper

-- Band Interviews pt. 3 --

01:28:49 - Two Year Break

01:48:37 - Exist Immortal

02:11:30 - Outro

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In this episode of Festpod, hosts Neill Wilkinson and Rich Holmes discuss the latest updates from Download Festival 2025, including improvements to facilities, new camping options, and insights into the festival experience.

They also introduce new sponsors and merchandise, while sharing personal anecdotes and humorous commentary on festival life. In this conversation, they discuss the evolution of festival experiences, particularly focusing on Download Festival.

They explore:

• The increasing number of first-time attendees
• The changing landscape of festival lineups
• The introduction of new entertainment areas like District X.
• The significance of Ozzy Osbourne's final performance
• The unveiling of Lemmy's statue
• The controversy surrounding non-traditional acts at rock festivals
• The extra entertainment for Bloodstock Festival
• Sentient and their new music
• Debenhams now sells merch
• Disposable cameras

with our sponsors:

• Fat Frank's Camping Shop https://fatfrankscampingshop.com
• The Splatter House by Voodoo Vibe https://thesplatterhouse.co.uk

Takeaways

Download Festival is making significant improvements based on attendee feedback.

Upgraded toilets and more food options are part of the festival's enhancements.

Group camping options are now available for festival-goers.

RIP Lite camping offers a new way to experience the festival with closer parking.

The cost of festival tickets continues to rise, raising concerns among attendees.

Rock Retreat offers a quieter camping experience for those seeking tranquillity.

The hosts share personal experiences and humorous takes on festival life.

The importance of first-hand experiences in discussing festival options.

Festival culture evolves as attendees' preferences change over time.

The experience of paying for VIP access enhances enjoyment at festivals.

Walking long distances at festivals can be exhausting, especially for older attendees.

A significant portion of Download Festival ticket buyers are first-time attendees, indicating a shift in audience.

Festivals must evolve to keep up with changing tastes and expectations.

Diverse lineups are essential to attract a wider audience to festivals.

District X offers a new entertainment experience at Download Festival.

First-time attendees can benefit from guides and resources to enhance their experience.

Ozzy Osbourne's final performance is a significant event for fans and the music community.

Lemmy's statue serves as a lasting tribute to his legacy in rock music.

Controversial acts at festivals can provide a fun and light-hearted break from the main lineup.

Bloodstock Festival has a variety of fun themes for attendees.

Fancy dress adds to the festival atmosphere and community spirit.

Silent discos are a popular entertainment option at festivals.

Sentient's new EP is their heaviest release yet, showcasing their growth as a band.

Disposable cameras are making a comeback at festivals for capturing memories.

Merchandise for bands is becoming more accessible and reasonably priced at Debenhams.

The hosts emphasise the importance of community and interaction at festivals.

Bloodstock's unique atmosphere encourages creativity and fun among attendees.

Find all our video podcast episodes in this playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlfyhNTZm6HBHjHm4kSORo_HykWXf0KGu&si=_5FbNi1-Rfe0sU1t

Please support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/festpod

If you'd like to buy our merch, visit our merch store here: https://etsy.com/uk/shop/Festpod

All our links here: https://festpod.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Festival season 2025 is upon us and we're ready for action!

We have two interviews in this, Episode 74.

Firstly, we'll chat to Bleed Again who update us about their lives since headlining the Takeover at Download 2024, lineup changes, and their new track out Friday the 16th May - Obsession!

Then, we get Harry White on the line from Hammerdown Festival, who gives us some backstory on its humble beginnings, the amazing lineup for this year, and where it's headed in the future!

with our sponsor, Fat Frank's Camping Shop https://fatfrankscampingshop.com

Find all our video podcast episodes in this playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlfyhNTZm6HBHjHm4kSORo_HykWXf0KGu&si=_5FbNi1-Rfe0sU1t

Please support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/festpod

If you'd like to buy our merch, visit our merch store here: https://etsy.com/uk/shop/Festpod

All our links here: https://festpod.co.uk

Timestamps ⏱:

0:00 - Pre Titles

0:24 - Fat Frank's Camping Shop - 1st sponsor spot

01:05 - Title sequence

01:29 - Welcome

07:32 - Bleed Again interview

42:36 - The Five Hundred break bumper

42:48 - Fat Frank's Camping Shop - 2nd sponsor spot

44:32 - Harry White from Hammerdown Festival interview

1:19:23 - Outro

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode reveals the final six bands. Hevs, the organiser, joins us to discuss them and gives us her thoughts on the band's music, journey so far and potential reaction by the Download crowd.

with our sponsor, Fat Frank's Camping Shop https://fatfrankscampingshop.com

Find all our video podcast episodes in this playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLl...

Please support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/festpod

If you'd like to buy our merch, visit our merch store here: https://etsy.com/uk/shop/Festpod

All our links here: https://festpod.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.