Is 21 the perfect age?
April 10, 2008 by Beth Jones
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Hi my name’s Beth Jones and I’ve just started a work placement at Wolfstar. Although I have almost finished studying for a Broadcast Journalism degree at the University of Leeds, I have decided that PR is the way forward and what better place to start learning than at Wolfstar.
Finishing uni is just starting to sink in and it’s a horrible thought, despite this I have come to the conclusion that 21 is the perfect age, or at least with my limited experience I think it is. After my holiday in Atlanta this Easter visiting my folks I realised that I must appreciate every minute of being 21. I could see the nostalgia engulfing my dad as he rattled off stories from the good old days. The one which stuck in my head, and probably the one he was most passionate about, was his drunken antics on his 21st birthday while posted by the RAF in the Borneo jungle. 
Clearly I have already had the brilliant experience of visiting Atlanta this year. Apart from the lovely weather and friendly people, there is so much else that makes it such a great city. Firstly there was the scintillating dinner at the renowned Sundial restaurant, then there is the endless number of shops in Lennox Square but my favourite activity, which any visitor to Atlanta must do is visit the Turner Field for a Braves game. I was a baseball virgin before this trip but having watched my first game, I’m hooked! Even if you don’t want to get immersed in the game itself there is so else much to do, the best part had to be watching the crowd on the big screen, laughing and waving desperately once they realised they had been caught by the camera. Ahhh good memories!
Not only does being 21 and a student allow the freedom to travel, it grants you the luxury of time. So my next venture is likely to be a festival. As an avid fan of Global Gathering (having been three years on the trot) I think it’s time to spread my wings. However this poses a problem, as I look to fellow friends hoping for some guidance in what to do, I end up torn between Barcelona’s Sonar festival and Benicassim near Valencia. Hmmm who knows? Any advice? Either way it’s going to be an experience not to be missed!
If your looking for something a bit different, check out the Guardian’s guide to ‘20 British festival’s you’ll never have heard of’.
All I know is I won’t stay 21 forever and as my final summer of ‘no work and all play’ draws nearer I am on a mission to make it the best yet before I embark on my journey into the depths of the world of PR.
Hey Beth. Your post just popped up via a google alert for Benicassim. I’ve been to FIB almost every year since 2001. My advice? Forget it, it’s become a ‘right of passage’ for every drug-addled, pissed, sunburnt teenager in the UK. Head for Summercase in Barcelona or Madrid instead. It’s much better. Failing that, get yourself over to the daddy of them all, Coachella, in a few weeks.
Welcome to the team Beth.
Another Beth in the Half Roundhouse, however will we cope? Welcome Beth Jones, and in response to your questions on festival destinations I’d go for Sonar every time! Barcelona has to be my favourite European city by far. Full of history, culture and it’s distinct lack of Costa del Sol mentality makes it a true mediterranean gem. The festival itself consists of two locations: three days of sunny Sonar By Day in the city centre (my first experience of this was a Saturday with a pre-famous Hot Chip and plenty of San Miguel). Followed by the big names coming out at a converted airport hanger just outside the city, on both Friday and Saturday night. Tickets are cheap, beer is expensive, but the experience is unforgettable. Although the event officially starts on the Thursday and finishes on the Sunday morning, record label parties fill Barcelona’s clubs, bars and beaches for the better part of ten days, so make sure you don’t just go for the weekend!
Other ideas to consider: Exit in Novi Sad or the Detroit Electronic Music Festival.