The Fairway Galle Literary Festival (FGLF) is just around the corner and the mere thought of being there has a lot of us excited.
The main leg in Galle lasts for 5 days and with an action packed programme it can be a bit overwhelming – especially if it’s your first time. A little confused about what to expect? Here are a couple of tips that might come in handy.
1. Plan and Prepare
Know exactly when, where and what you’re attending. Plan out your sessions for the day just so you know what your day has in store. Look out for the free events and see if you can squeeze in some time for that as well.
2. Appropriate Shoes
If you’ve glanced at the Galle itinerary you would have realized that every day is an eventful one. From early as 9 am to late as 10pm, there are so many events taking place and it’s all over Fort. So make sure to wear shoe’s that you are 100% comfortable walking in the whole day, be it slippers, sneakers or a pair of walking shoes.
*. Do carry a plaster or two in case of shoe cuts!
3. Book Bag
Whether it’s a backpack, tote bag or a hand bag the point is to make sure you have some sort of bag with you when you step out for the day. This is because you will either have books you want signed, books you would want to buy or free giveaways which, at some point, become burdensome to carry around in your hand. And it would be annoying to keep going back to unload each and every time.
4. Food and Water
Water being the most important. All the walking and navigating through crowds of people will make you thirsty and it’s really important to hydrate as much as possible. Also have a few snacks with you. You might get hungry but not have the time to drop in for a meal.
5. Go with the Flow
Change is nothing to worry about. So don’t panic if the day isn’t going how you planned. It’s a massive festival and something’s are just unpredictable. But that’s okay! Go with the flow, be spontaneous and enjoy whatever comes your way.
6. Emergency Kit
Don’t forget to have a small pouch with some emergency essentials like a portable battery for your phone, sunscreen, lip balm, Panadol, plasters etc.
7. A Notebook
Just in case you find yourself at a workshop or jotting something down at a session. You can even have one if you want to collect autographs as well.
8. Cash
Make sure to keep some cash on you for all your impulse purchases!
To make it even more genuine, we spoke to a few past GLF attendees and asked them what advice they have for you:
Amy
“DO make the most of the venue(s) and explore beyond the festival events/standard over-recommended spots in the area. Walk around, observe and know that the location is as much of a lesson as the content discussed during the panels.
DO nerd out if you're a bookworm. Too many people are there just to be seen as great readers and those actually addicted to it are side-lined - ask questions, ask for signatures, indulge the reader in you”
Sheshadri
“The last time I was at GLF, I was a volunteer but also found time to be present at several events. The combined experience taught me a few things:
· Don’t forget your event passes and make sure you have the correct pass with you to avoid any confusion at the entrance.
· Have a rough idea of where the event locations are, which will make your journey between events both quicker and easier.
· Don’t be shy; walk up to your favourite author and say hello!
· While it is true that 'reading maketh a man,' food maketh men (and women!) very happy, so be sure to enjoy something delectable from the many cafes and restaurants nestled within Galle Fort.
· Oh, and don’t forget to carry a hat, sunglasses and a bottle of water with you. You’ll thank me later”
By Panchali Illankoon
Images courtesy Google
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