But I also think it highlights a big point - remove the touts and there isn't that high demand for festivals now - even Reading had weekend tickets on sale two days after they were released, and smaller festivals aren't in the same demand as last year either really.

Also that there is a limited pool of bands capable of headlining festivals - pick the same old same old and everyone moans. Try something a bit different and everybody moans. Seems mediocrity wins.

Also, does anyone else find it a bit weird the media is banging on about lack of demand? While it hasn't sold out yet, it still sold 100,000 tickets. That's a fucking lot

and the larger ones all have the same acts on. There's no exclusivity anymore. It's getting hugely expensive and samey. And if the weather is likely to be crap too, you can see why any particular festival is losing its appeal.

and with just one person who would check your wrist band you could bribe your way in for a quid. :)

"there are too many festivals" thing?

I think the choice is amazing, and they all seem to be selling well (as far as I can tell).

I'd say there are only too many festivals if you are Michael Eavis as your festival is starting to look increasingly flawed in the face so much excellent competition.