Hello friends, family and even enemies, although there can’t be that many of them since I’m so absolutely delightful. My name is Rich “The Meister” Dillon, co-creator/owner, website editor, radio show host and a bunch of other stuff around here at CGCM Rock Radio/Website.
This will be the first blog in a series concerning the Time To Rock Festival 2023 in Knislinge, Sweden. I write this blog about my adventures, especially the travel to and from the event, in hopes that other internationals (or Swedes too) may use it as a guide if they are interested in attending. Also, of course, there will be some mentions of the bands that I saw and photographed as we went along. But a few of those bands I will feature in different “Spotlight” gig reviews of their specific sets. So, off we go with my story of Time To Rock Festival 2023.
In The Beginning
As soon as I saw the lineup pop up in my Facebook feed for Time To Rock Festival 2023, I was in! No questions about it. Well, later on as the event approached I had questions of “Did I have enough money to feed myself while there?” and things such as that….lol. The answer is “No, I don’t!” BTW, so send money :). So many exciting bands, seen and previously unseen by me. In fact, this shorter, smaller event had way more bands listed that I wanted to see than the larger more known Sweden Rock Festival a few weeks earlier.
To say I was excited for this one is a bit of an understatement. I wrote a few “Anticipation” blogs ahead of my attendance and finally, the day dawned. My flight took me from Toronto, Canada to London, England on the first leg. I use London as a bit of a travel hub quite often as it’s usually cheaper to fly into there. Then I grab an EasyJet/RyanAir/SAS for so cheap it’s almost free into Europe. Even if it ends up being a similar cost with the extra flight and a night’s hostel in London, at least I feel I got “more” for my money.
Up Up And Away
I arrived at the airport with little to no sleep and a shitpile of home stress weighing down my shoulders. Being the weirdo that I am, I love airports and travel, so I could feel the relaxation wave over as I cleared security. A not-so-great start was fast turning around. Well, then fast forward to the crappy airplane meal they always serve. I succeeded in spilling beef lasagna all down my shirt and shorts. When you’re carry-on only and planned for a couple of days out of clothes, this is a major fatality. One step forward, two steps back…lol. Arriving at my London hostel and having a couple of beers while awaiting check-in time, I soon realized that getting to the airport in the morning was not as easy. Mostly I go in and out of Gatwick, sometimes Stansted, rarely Heathrow. And not normally a 6 am flight time. Finally, I opted to sleep for 6 hours now and then catch a late tube (subway) to the airport, bringing me in about 6 hours early. Sleeping on an airport floor is never glamorous, but this is the side folks don’t often see about my travels.
Finally Sweden!
A decent flight into Copenhagen, a minimal customs line and a train to Kristianstad all went in my favour. Still wearing the pasta-stained clothes even! I am excited to get to my accommodations and grab a shower and fresh digs. After about a 1.5 hour journey, the train dropped me at Kristianstad as planned and from there I was to catch a bus. Bus #545 even, thanks to Andreas for supplying that info making things easier for me. I noted that there were not tons of people about as I got off the train and found a bus ticket machine. It was quiet actually and I’m ok with that. I’m sure that as the day wears on more of “my people”, the rockers, will be seen about the station.
Bus Time
The bus took a little more than 30 minutes from Kristianstad station to Knislinge Bussstation. There was even wifi connection on the bus! As I looked out the window, mostly all I saw were fields. It seemed that we were really out in the countryside. Sweden Rock also has this feel as you approach, especially your first time. At least until you roll closer to the festival grounds anyway. Now, to be totally honest, I almost laughed at the Knislinge Busstation. It was only a couple of bus shelters on either side of the road. Certainly not what we would think of back home. Wow, I really am remote out here. From here it was reported to be a 10-minute walk to the grounds. And true enough it was just that. The walk, through the sleepy little village, was quite enjoyable. Time To Rock Festival calls themselves “cozy”. I didn’t understand how a festival can be so, but judging by Knislinge, they’re right. I was a little apprehensive, as always, when heading into unknown territory for a first-time event. Frankly, it was all too easy. There’s no excuse why you can’t do it next year!
BUY: Tickets Here!
I’m here, I made it, I’m ready! It’s definitely Time To Rock! Next blog: arrival on site and the Pre-Party.
Follow along with all of my coverage here: Time To Rock Festival 2023 Full Coverage page.
Cheers,
The Meister
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