"There are trimmings around the music, but that's what makes a festival a festival," said Verstappen.
Artistic presentations often feature unconventional setups that leave lasting impressions. Verstappen recalled a past performance by David Byrne in 2018 as a benchmark for stage choreography.
"I've seen very strange things that sometimes stay with me more than band performances.
Suddenly you're watching an absurdist theater piece with two people doing a shamanistic show with an inflatable doll.
So definitely seek out that fringe program," said Verstappen.
Navigating the unpredictable outdoor environment, including mud from heavy rain or extreme heat, forms an essential part of the weekend routine.
Regulars advise flexibility when managing expenses and physical fatigue during the multi-day stay.
"Musicians carried instruments while walking in choreography. There were about ten musicians on stage.
So that's another way to be on stage, I thought. Impressive," said Verstappen.
Persistent rain during past editions, particularly in 2016, created challenging conditions that required physical resilience from the campers.
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Verstappen stressed that maintaining stamina is crucial for completing the weekend.
"Sometimes a festival is just hard work," said Verstappen.
Managing discomfort from late nights and outdoor living conditions requires a specific mindset to fully enjoy the experience.
Acceptance of the environment helps attendees push through the toughest days.
"Yes, you sleep less well than on your box spring at home, and you shouldn't look at how much money you spend.
But you have to accept all that and, above all, not give up. Then you'll get through it," said Verstappen.
