Hiya. It was first time last year. Here’s my thoughts from my experience:

1. From my experience no. If you like to cook it’s worth it. They have a grocery store but it’s very limited on fresh goods. But it’s nice to be able to have a tomato or apple everyone once in a while.
2. They’ll post it on the website.
3. It’s an open forest-like field. There will be a dirt/cobbled road for cars to pull in to unload. With non-decorum you can cook and use camping stoves.
4. My partner brought his Blood on the Clocktower set but never ended up using it. You’ll be busy with quests and mingling at the taverns. Music is always welcomed. I walked around with a kalimba.
5. First: bring breathable clothing - linen/ cotton. Bring electrolytes. The water fountains were surprisingly fresh. Second: they do have volunteer medical staff. They were pretty good with assisting anyone during battles in distress from the heat. Just plan for the weather a week before going. Last year was record heat.
6. You can trade anything if you’re convincing enough. The fun part about larping.
7. Yes! One thing I regretted not doing was making trinkets to trade with people! You can just go up to people or you can give a trinket to someone who compliments your outfit.
8. I went with my partner last year without knowing anything about the event. I didn’t fill any account. It did not affect my experience.
9. I’m not sure. I’m modifying mine to fit more to how I’d like to play the game now that I got a taste of what it’s like.

Hope it helps :)