WELL Ash's people screwed us over. Something about somebody being on holiday, somebody else not knowing who was on holiday, somebody else who wasn't very helpful wishing they were on holiday and Ash being in Japan.

We don't believe it for a moment of course, the whole crew are probably off living the crazy rock and roll lifestlye with little care for the minions of local press but hey, not to worry, it's not like they just ruined weeks of preparation or anything. We forgive them.

But it's to be expected. So this week, instead of having a full page interview with the band, we take a look at some of the the major points to look forward to this coming weekend from where best to pitch your tent to basic camping and travel tips.

The festival itself is 13 hours of solid bliss nestled in the heart of a valley but in the days leading up to Saturday, and afterwards, Draperstown and the whole of Mid-Ulster will experience a momentary sense of other-worldliness, enjoying the full and true Glasgowbury experience.


And it all kicks off on Friday


You lucky dogs. You lucky, lucky dogs. What more could you want the day before the festival than to be engulfed by the BBC as they descend upon Draperstown in a media frenzy as if they had exclusive rights to the second coming.

Firstly Alan Simpson's afternoon show between 3pm and 5pm on BBC Radio Ulster comes live from the Cellar Bar where thon big man with the hair will be talking to some of the acts gracing the stage the following day as well as featuring some exclusive live performances.

And not to be outdone, thon wee man with no hair, Stuart Bailie also comes live from the bar where all things musical are embraced for the second time in the same day as he does his now customary Friday night radio show from 10pm to midnight.

Again there will be live performances and all things topical from the very people there to deliver you the good times.

And in order to make sure you're having a good time before all that kicks off, free pints of Carling (yes you read right - they're free) for those who want it will be dished out between 8pm and 9pm.

Then, when you've had your fill of beer, journalists and general good times, it's time to make the sacred pilgrimage as the campsite opens...


Saturday is the big day


*Remember the parking rules in force for the duration of the weekend - you will not, I repeat, NOT be able to drive up the road towards the festival site - see www.glasgowbury.com for all traffic info.*

Then, after waking up with a well earned hangover, reach for the nearest can (bottles not allowed) to hand and get back on the ball again. The festival site opens around approximately mid-day and the fun times take over.

This year, with four stages in all, Glasgowburians will be spoilt for choice. From rock to acoustic and dance to metal, anyone who complains of lack of choice is liable to seven lashes and a dip in a shuck full of nettles. Extra security will be on hand to enforce this rule.

There are so many acts worthy of your attention and to name all those worth seeing would be to name, well, pretty much the entire line-up. Festival programmes and line-up schedules will be on sale on the day so get your hands on a souvenir copy and mark out the favourites.

And after all the music your frail little body can hold, make your way back to the campsite for some more crazy sexy party fun times and boogie the night away once again with all those around you.


Wind down on Sunday


And if the Glasgowbury weekend has any downside it'll be that Sunday morning - the longest possible time until it all happens again.

Waking up in a field won't seem nearly as exciting as setting up the tent originally but failure to take all accessories (tents, pins etc) will result in the shuck treatment again only this time you'll have the locals to contend with too. The good point - the walk back to the car is all downhill.

But fret not for the weekend does not officially close until Monday as those with festival armbands are permitted entry to 'The Aftermath' (which, sadly, involves no sums of any kind) at the place where it all began two days previously - The Cellar Bar.

More good times ensue and we all go home happy.


The End


Read our full coverage of the weekend's events in next week's edition and check out www.midulstermail.co.uk for exclusive video footage of the day's events.