The Pyramid Stage. Photo © Leigh Travers
I’ve done my fair share of festivals since my teenage years. To me, a festival is my form of a holiday. I’d rather be knee deep in mud, hazy from a few too many ciders dancing to one of my favourite bands, than sunning it on a beach somewhere.
Actually, I’d take both of those options. However, there’s one particular festival from the never-ending list that I try my very best to attend year after year: Glastonbury, of course.
The festival itself has been running since 1970 when a ticket would set you back a whole £1 (and you’d even get yourself a free pint of milk from the farm!). Back then the festival capacity was only at 1,500 people compared to more recent years where the numbers have been closer to 177, 000! Until you’ve been, it’s quite hard to comprehend the size of the festival as it’s set across 1,200 acres of land meaning it’s approximately a mile and a half across. Trust me, it’s pretty easy to get lost.
It’s big. Photo © Leigh Travers
Acts to See:
There’s a good few acts on my ‘must see’ list for this year, and it includes that controversial headliner, Kanye West. There was a bit of uproar when the Eavis family announced that Yeezy was to take the Saturday headline slot as a lot of Glasto-goers believe the festival is more rock orientated. This led to an online petition against the notorious rapper headlining gaining over 70, 000 signatures.
Glasto by night. Photo © Leigh Travers
However part of Glastonbury’s charm to me is it’s diversity. After all it is a performing arts festival after all. Plus, whether you love or loathe Kanye (let’s face it, he is the human equivalent of Marmite), there’s no denying he’s bound to go down as a musical legend over time and he will be someone I wish I had seen as I get older.
Also on my list to see is Stephen Hawking himself, who will be appearing over in the Kidz Field. This also goes to show how Glastonbury is about a lot more than just music acts. He’ll be talking all things science to the tots of Glasto (and me).
I’ll also be sure to catch Patti Smith, Death From Above 1979, Hozier, Catfish & The Bottlemen, alt-J, Florence & The Machine, Lionel Ritchie, Alabama Shakes andPaul Weller.
Things To See:
As I mentioned before, Glastonbury is about way more than the music acts we all anticipate. Part of Glastonbury’s charm is just wandering around soaking up the atmosphere and taking in the aesthetic wonderland around you. You never know what you may chance across.
More than music. Photo © Leigh Travers
If you’re headed to Worthy Farm this year, make sure you pay a visit after dark to Shangri-La or Block 9. Both areas are a visual treat for the eyes and testament to that Glastonbury is certainly a festival that never sleeps.
It’s also worth heading to the Green Fields where you can indulge in a whole host of eco-friendly crafting. There’s everything from basket weaving, to jewellery making to hula-hooping lessons to even crafting your own wand!
When it comes to drinking, there is no better bar than the Brothers’ cider bar located next to the West Holts stage. You won’t find a pint of cider better for your money anywhere else and there’s such delicious range of fruity flavours. The area surrounding the Brothers’ bar is electric and is well worth visiting.
Glastonbury Festival is one heck of a ride and each year gets better and better! I can’t wait to see what 2015 has in store.
