I just found the whole thing a bit too structured and at times overwhelmed by police especially in the late 70s early 80s which is when I stopped going. As for festivals Thailand and Spain are probably the best countries in the world for festivals. Especially Thailand.
Back to NHG - looking at footage from last weekend the incredible overcrowding at times looked very dangerous and frightening in a claustrophobic kind of way and I don't really trust the police. But it's important that WE own OUR streets not just corporations, businesses and certainly not the police. The history of violence at the NHGC was originally caused by racist police using the drug laws to intimidate and bully the black community. If they had their own way they would ban it or move it. Thats what the bill wanted then and thats what they want know.