16 Oct Festival at Golden Gate Park!

I’m a bit late writing this blog, but perhaps I can put that down to the post-festival comedown i’ve only just managed to shake. Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival is an annual event that takes place in Golden Gate Park. This year it was held over the first weekend of October. ‘Hardly Strictly’ is a free-to-attend music festival that’s been hosting 750,000 attendees and hundreds of bands since 2001. Though it’s named after the Bluegrass music that is front and center of the festival, don’t expect every band to feature a banjo and fiddle (though they’re easily found), as all types of folk, blues, and rock music can be found throughout the course of the three-day throwdown.The big names for this years event were 90s staple, Meatpuppets, The Waterboys from the U.K., and the living legend Robert Plant – lead singer of the legendary Led Zeppelin.

The sun was shining and the throat was calling for a glass of wine, or a beer, or three. So I headed over to Golden Gate Park on the bus to meet up with some other English students on their year abroad. Upon arrival, the atmoshpere was chill and positive. People ranging from 8 to 80 were gathered in groups, chatting, drinking, dancing and singing. Everyone across the five stages was dressed colourfully, mirroring that of the beautiful location. Tie-dye and headbands were a staple, and it was impossible to avoid buying a handmade flower headband formyself to get me in the mood. A box of wine, and a few hours of live music, later and it was as if I’d stumbled 50 years back in time to the Summer of Love – middle-aged hippies everywhere, swaying and vibing to the amazing musicians all around.

It was a quality weekend shared with friends, spent drinking and dancing and soaking up the positive energy. If you’re in San Francisco next year, make sure you head to Golden Gate Park for a Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival not to be missed.

And remember, “if you’re going to San Francisco, remember to wear flowers in your hair”!

Matt Cotton