Virgin Music Festival: Day 2 Recap

Sunday, August 5^th was day 2 of the second annual Virgin Festival, and what a day it would turn out to be. While the festival started the day before, I chose to only attend the second day, citing ticket costs, bands scheduled, other plans and possible exhaustion as causes and excuses to not attend both days. Although I missed several bands that I would've greatly enjoyed seeing - Incubus and The Beastie Boys - I was quite happy with my decision. Especially after hearing the reports and horror stories of the 115 degree plus weather the day before at Pimlico.

I had been to several other day long music festivals before, including several of the Memorial Day weekend HFStival's held in DC. However, Virgin Festival provided a very unique and enjoyable experience. Richard Branson, head of the Virgin Empire, clearly knows what he is doing and what would make for a good time. In fact, Branson was so hands on that not only was he at the festival; he was actually directing the staff on where to work and what to do.

Among Branson's golden ideas for this festival were several areas throughout the site that were made solely for getting you out of the heat. Called relaxation, refresh and recharge domes, these areas provided services such as massages and cool mist sprays. There was also several large shade tents spread around with picnic tables under them for people to relax and cool off. Another brilliant although obvious seeming idea was the free water fountains where you could refill the bottle of water you were allowed to bring (another easily overlooked, but great idea). Courtesy of MLB, there was a free pitching and batting cage. There was also a Guitar Hero (the Playstation game) booth set up for people to play. Festival sponsor Kyocera even had a cell phone recharge booth if your battery was dying. There was also an art dome, and several other art exhibits set up throughout the festival grounds. Although that would seem like another welcome edition, the art itself left something to be desired.