I have written about #EMFCamp
https://sam.pikesley.org/blog/2026/07/22/emf-as-an-act-of-defiance/
@pikesley "To a certain extent, you are the event" - yeah this is THE THING as far as I'm concerned. It's what I loved about raves and festivals when I started going to them - in the better sorts of events it feels like it's much more of a two-way process than simply a bunch of people rocking up to watch a band, and the punter/performer boundary is deliberately blurred. I think EMF does this better than any other event I've been to.
@pikesley I’d missed your post about seeing EMF as a ten year old. I have the ridiculous privilege of bringing Arthur along, and there’s nothing that makes me happier than seeing him experience it, being in a place where for a few brief days he can just be himself and feel he belongs there amongst this utterly mad group of people, and for me that’s entirely what it’s about now.
@pikesley Was the young person who was excited about having changed their name via Rapid Response Deed Poll Service also by any chance part of a group of people next to a telescope, all chanting "MOON!" ? 
@pikesley anyway, I really liked your post.
There is something that's really hard to describe about EMF.
Speaking to people after I'll show pictures I've taken of people's projects, or robots or whatever.
But there's a feeling (I don't want to say 'vibe' it doesn't have enough gravitas) a comfortability? Of being around people who share an outlook of open mindedness and intellectual stimulation, where you can share an idea without having to second guess yourself.
Really hard to capture.
I mean, it worked, plenty of people got a jaw-dropping view of the moon. They were literally queuing up at points
@pikesley I really need to sit down and write my own blog post. It will be long, because I have so many thoughts from so many angles, but the core of it is that it’s a place where everyone can come and be their whole selves without fear of being told it’s a bit too much, or a bit too weird, and can they just tone it down a bit please?
It was a rare privilege and an utter treat to be able to Act The Fool both for and with Arthur. Many years of being the Idiot Uncle had prepared me for this moment
@doop Right? Some people definitely come with "OK, I paid for this, entertain me" energy and MATE YOU'VE WILDLY MISUNDERSTOOD WHAT THIS IS AND THE OPPORTUNITIES IT'S OFFERING YOU
@doop @pikesley I know you know this, but for anyone else reading the thread: This blurring is extremely, extremely intentional - and is why none of the orga are paid. It's critical to have a level field where everyone feels they can engage and contribute rather than feeling they are treated differently.
Really mad rn because I intended to put something about this in the opening and totally forgot. Next time.
I phoned 4222 which was "Balloon Advice" - it was a phone in someone’s village,
I had a wonderful conversation with a real person. we discussed the best material for balloons they suggested latex, I agreed. I hung up.
I also tried to get through to the lesbian torrectic hotline but I think they where all in bed.