Dear Editor,
In reference to a recent article concerning the All Together Now (ATN) event that took place in Waterford last weekend, a strong case was made against the deployment of “adorned rods”. As someone who attended the festival along with a gathering of acquaintances, I feel compelled to articulate the opposing viewpoint.
Initially, the scale of these rods is negligible when considering the substantial spectacle of the main ATN stage and its accompanying displays. They were not obstructions to fans at the event.
Second, it’s crucial to explain these are not just plain rods, but rather highly purposeful navigational aids. They allow larger groups to split and reassemble with ease, enabling them to view different performances, grab a bite, or locate facilities. Given the magnitude of the event, with over 27,000 attendees, this liberation is pivotal to a festival goer’s enjoyment.
Third, and of utmost significance, these innovative light sources enjoy widespread approval from most festival-goers. They generate communal delight, as festival-goers momentarily adopt these radiant rods to share in the general gaiety.
In a time where Elon Musk does not endorse Donald Trump, and after an exceptional five-day experience in Estonia with saunas, bears, and wolves, these “adorned rods” bring a special joy to fans. They stand as beacons against the new shows on Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ and Apple TV+ for August, just like favourite moments from the 2024 Olympics do.
My comrades and I eagerly await more of these “adorned rods” at the forthcoming festival. In fact, we’ve already initiated the process of generating new ideas for them.
Sincerely,
Karen Slattery,
Dublin 7.