Glastonbury Festival is one of the most notorious music festivals in the world and the five days in June (22nd to the 26th) is a mecca for lovers of music and the performing arts. Glastonbury is really the ‘template’ for all other festivals that have come after it and there is nothing quite like experiencing this world-class event first hand. This year’s line up is immense with bands such as Muse, Adele, Coldplay, Foals, ELO and Beck taking to the stage, as well as many more. Besides music there’s a cracking line up of comedy and circus acts. Glastonbury Festival promises to provide some amazing memories, however lasting the five days can be somewhat of a challenge. Here’s our ultimate guide to Glastonbury survival:
1. You don’t have to camp
Lets face it, camping isn’t for everyone. If you don’t fancy spending five days being wet, cold, sleep deprived and extremely dirty then it probably isn’t for you and opting to stay in a Travelodge whilst you visit the festival daily will make your Glastonbury all the more memorable. Going back to a lovely warm bed at night will mean you beat the English weather and getting enough sleep means you have all the more energy for partying the days (or nights) away. A nice warm shower and a flushing toilet will be a sight for tiered eyes too.
2. Keep hydrated and well fed
It can be easy to fall in to the trap of trying to survive on alcohol and energy drinks while at a festival. Festival food is often expensive and any good diet can go out of the window. Even so, keeping nourished and drinking lots of water can make all the difference in keeping you fit, well and feeling great. You don’t have to buy food on site and if you do, opt for healthy options such as jacket potatoes and fruit smoothies. Water can work wonders for preventing a hangover and getting you through the festival without a hiccup.
3. Dress Right
Festival fashion exists in a whole magical sphere of its own and feathers, flowers, raincoats and wellies are always a good idea. Glastonbury festival is a time for feeling free and fabulous, so wear whatever you want but make sure its practical as well. Make sure you have clothing for all types of weather and pack something waterproof, something warm, sunglasses, a hat and suitable shoes or boots. Heels are a definite no for Glastonbury and anything beaded or very delicate can get completely ruined.
4. Plan Ahead
The Glastonbury line-up is huge and there are too many acts to fit in to the five days. Have a good look beforehand and plan what you realistically want to see and when. Making a plan and carrying a map with you will make it a lot easier to get to the right place at the right time. Even so, be prepared to make changes to your plans. The best adventures are the ones you least expect.
5. Pack a Survival Kit
Taking some essentials with you can really help in the case of an emergency or otherwise. Make sure you take plenty of sun screen, snacks such as nuts and fruit, spare pairs of socks, plasters for rubbed feet, tissues (to make your toilet experiences better), antiseptic, pain killers, electrolyte packs and some dry shampoo.
