Growing up my favourite TV show was Friends. I remember begging my parents to buy the seasons on VHS. Only eventually amassing them right as DVD players were introduced. *facepalm* I had a Friends pencil case, that I proudly displayed during each and every class at school. And I even visited the 'Friends building' when I was in New York last year. So it's safe to say that I'm a fan. And you can imagine my excitement when Friendsfest became a thing.
Even now, I must get through several episodes a week. I tend to watch one whilst I eat lunch most days. I honestly could act out entire episodes, I've seen them that many times. And I often find myself sitting watching them again for the millionth time when I'm supposed to be getting back to work. So let's not get too distracted as I write today's blog post.
Let me take you on a tour of Friendsfest
I've always been incredibly envious of people in other cities up and down the UK when FriendsFest first made it's debut. As its become a bit of a tradition every Summer here in the UK. And every year since then, I've hoped and prayed that the following year would be the year that it came up to Scotland. And thankfully my prayers have finally been answered.
So let's see exactly what FriendsFest was like from a Friends superfan. It should be no surprise to you that there will be quite a few photographs;
Located in Glasgow's Victoria Park, you'll find a Friends fanatic's dream. You can even hear the theme song beckoning you over as you head towards the cordoned off area of the park.
What I was the most excited for was the set tour. And boy did it not disappoint. Depending on how busy your set is (the slot I was there for was sold out), you can expect to join about 30 other Friends fans as you make your way through each of the sets.
All of the props
Whilst you're waiting for the tour to start you actually get a chance to see some of the real props from the show. You'll find my absolute favourites Glynnis, Hugsie and the Geller cup. Plus lots of other brilliant props from across the ten seasons. I won't ruin it for you by posting all of them. But they are are well worth checking out whilst you wait in line.
Chandler and Joey's apartment
There were a couple of factors that detracted from the overall experience though. And that was the fact that you have to queue up to get each of your shots. So some of the illusion is ruined if everyone else has congregated in a particular spot, as you can see here. As a result, I would definitely recommend edging in to be one of the first or consequently holding back until everyone else has got their shot if you're looking to really recreate the scenes sans crowds.
Monica and Rachel's apartment
Monica and Rachel's apartment was just as detailed as Chandler and Joey's. And it was the one in which I felt most at home, probably because that's where the characters congregate most in the show, other than at Central Perk. It's also the one place that all of the friends have lived at one point or the other. A bit of Friends trivia for you there but if you're a true fan, you will most likely already know that.
I was expecting them to be good. But I wasn't expecting them to be so spot on, whilst also featuring some of the most famous and well loved props from throughout it's ten season run. I mean, you open the refrigerator door and are greeted with Rachel's 'British' trifle! The attention to detail is truly unreal!
Ross' apartment
New for 2018 is Ross's apartment where of course, a whole lot of UNAGI happened! I also spotted his brilliant keyboard along with his trademark dinosaur and rock collections.
There were plenty of iconic moments to recreate and great shots to get, which I really appreciated. The sets were also housed indoors which works particularly well for the British weather. Bizarrely it hasn't rained here in Glasgow in several weeks (I swear, it's a record!). So we didn't have to worry about that, thankfully.
Central Perk
Once the set tour was over we headed over to Central Perk, something I can't quite believe that I'm typing or was able to experience. Again, this was a full size recreation of the set. But it's also a real spot to grab a coffee or drink whilst enjoying FriendsFest.
Rachel Green eat your heart out!
You can do your best 'Smelly Cat, Smelly Cat' impression by grabbing Phoebe's guitar and taking a seat in her usual spot. And you can listen to an actual singer get everyone in the crowd joining in at different time slots throughout the day.
PIVOT!
Outside there were even more photo opps. You can recreate the opening scenes, pretend to get married in Vegas, dress up in Rachel's 'trying to flirt with Joshua' cheerleader outfit and 1980's Prom dresses. Or you can even attempt to PIVOT! Ross' couch. Depending on busy it is when you're there, you just get in line and wait your turn to get a few shots taken. There are also photographers there so you and your entire group can get in the photographs, which was definitely appreciated.
Whilst waiting for your tour or just spending the day there, you can grab a seat and a table at the Main Stage as they play episodes up on the big screen. And make sure to grab something to eat from the fantastically themed food trucks. Who doesn't want a Joey special (two pizzas! or two pizza slices, in this case) or some tasty Mockalate?! There's even cheesecake and Phoebe's vegetarian Buffay!
FriendsFest will be touring the country on the following dates;
I would definitely recommend it to any Friends superfan, especially, if like me, you've been wanting to go for years now.
So what do we think of FriendsFest and the photos that I managed to get?
Are you a Friends fan? Would you love to attend one day? What do you think of the sets and attention to detail? And where should it come to next?
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