General Chat

As some of you may remember I won tickets to the Live8 concert for Hyde Park this weekend. Well I can honestly say the closer the date gets the more terrified I become. I am a little claustrophobic and large crowds of people scare the living c**p out of me (I am only 4'11'). Does anybody have any coping strategies that might help? Hubby has promised to protect me but when U2 start singing I will be the last thing on his mind LOL!!! Julie xxx

have u tried going to places where it is crowded but you can get out of easily,that way you are experiencing it but you have an escape route??just a suggestion,sorry if it sounds silly

Can you go on your husband's shoulders for part of the time? You'd get seen on tv too then!

It doesn't sound silly at all Donna and I thought that would work too so went round Cleveleys and Blackpool when lots of people about. Hubby held my hand and I was a bit shaky but ok, then I saw the clips from Glastonbury all those people so close together aaarrrrrggggghhhhhh! Had nightmares about it last night Julie xxx

John that wouldn't be very fair as I am as round as I am tall PMSL also he is still having physio for whiplash injuries! Julie xxx

dont picture it as a big crowd,when u get there just think of it as little bits until you get to where you want to be

Donnas Suggestion is a good one, and can be applied on the actual day. If you perhaps hang about a bit and wait for the majority of people to settle into place, then pick a spot that you feel comfortable with. Once people have got their spot they are very unlikely to move again, so the spot you pick should be quite safe. Make sure you can see the exits and plan beforehand your exit route if anything should go wrong. I know this means you wont have a front row position, but at least you will be able to enjoy the concert without worry of being hemmed in. I hope you have a lovely day, i wish i were going too! x

Hi Julie I went to Knebworth the other year to see Robbie Williams so I know exactly how you feel, I have a tendancy to faint if I get hot or hungry. They have excellent crowd control at large concerts now, we were lucky when we went to Knebworth we managed to get into the front pit where they restricted the numbers and we had loads of space - even enough space to sit down and sunbath in between the warm up acts :-) My brother and his gf are going to Live 8, and although I am very jealous of them getting tickets I think I would have butterflys if I was going aswell. Try and get to the edge of the crowds or by one of the barriers, make sure you have lots of water and suntan loiton, but most of all, enjoy yourself!, remember why you are there (I've been to Africa and seen the slums for myself) and have a scream at Robbie for me :-) Karen

Thanks all for your advice. Karen if I get close enough would you like me to snog him for you? It would be hard for me to do but as you're a mate......... Julie xxx

Hiya Julie That be brill ta :-) that can be your mission for the day :-) so if you just concetrate on your mission your be fine :-) When I went to see Robbie my mission was to get within 30 feet of the stage and I completed my mision - next time Robbies in concert my mission is to get in his dressing room (whilst hes in there of course ;-) ) Have a brill time x Karen

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Karen, not if I beat you too it! LOL I was at Knebworth too and I was anxious about there being a big crush, but I got there early enough to pick my spot in the pit too! My sister in law got there very late and went to the side which was quite easy to get out but still not a bad view. As far as I could tell, a lot of the park was sectioned off with security guards between sections so it was not like 125.000 people all in one space. All around the edge were refreshment stands and first aid stands. Officials were everywhere. I don't think you would find it hard to get out of the crowd and stand at the side somewhere if it got a bit too much. Also, everyone seemed quite respectful of others space. There wasn't a huge rush to the front and people didn't jostle you. If you have never been to a gig, the atmosphere is incredible! I hope my experience of a large concert reassures you a little. Have a GREAT time. :o) Claire xx