i tried gottwood this year, was ok. beautiful site but noooo variation in music just house house and more house. as a result doesnt really pull in what you might consider a 'proper avin it' festival crowd. dont get me wrong it was very warm and friendly, but also quite clean cut with a lot of sideways haircuts and sunglasses at night time that sort of thing.
even luke viberts set didnt really do it for me, did a lot of that 70s japanese elevator music stuff that he does sometimes (i only stayed for the first half so maybe it got better).
did see a few good sets on the friday night, extravelt being one of the highlights. sat night did bring a few good bouncy speed garage bangers courtesy of eton messy and such, but really kind of fizzled out quite anti-climatically, seemingly billing the heavier stuff earlier on and then winding down as the night progressed. there was a 'holi-style' paint fight on sunday
the site is wicked though: most of the action takes place in the woods as opposed to just having a woodland stage. there were some very nice art installations / chill out space put together by some really nice volunteers, and a secret tree house stage popped up out of the blue on saturday which was cool (although aaaargh more house). a nice little private lake within the grounds made a stunning backdrop for some sunday afternoon rootsier stuff, but that would soon descend into house before long.
all in all im glad i went but i wouldnt go again and am not sure where this 'early-glade' sentiment has come from tbh. no comparison.
paranoia saves lives...