Alright, folks, let’s talk about Glastonbury! This year, I finally managed to snag a ticket and experience the legendary festival for myself. It was a wild ride, and I’ve got some tips to share from my adventure.
Getting Tickets (The Hunger Games of Music Festivals)
First things first, getting a ticket is brutal. Seriously, it’s like winning the lottery. I’ve tried and failed for years. This year, I did many things.
- Registered early: Make sure you’re registered on the Glastonbury website well in advance. This is non-negotiable.
- Formed a ticket group: I Gathered a group of friends, and we all tried for each other. More devices, better chances, right?
- Used multiple devices: We had laptops, phones, tablets – anything with an internet connection – all firing at once.
- Keep trying!: Even when see the “sold out”, just keep trying to refresh the page!
It was pure chaos, but somehow, my friend’s sister managed to get through and secure our tickets. We were ecstatic! Screaming, jumping around, the whole nine yards.
Packing for the Apocalypse (and a Music Festival)
Packing for Glastonbury is like preparing for a small, muddy apocalypse. You need to be ready for anything – scorching sun, torrential rain, and everything in between.
Here’s a rundown of my essentials:
- Tent: Get a decent one. Seriously, don’t cheap out. My friend’s tent collapsed on the second night.
- Sleeping bag: It gets cold at night, even in summer.
- Wellies: Essential. Glastonbury is famous for its mud. I saw people wearing sandals… bless their souls.
- Rain gear: A good waterproof jacket and trousers. Don’t underestimate the British weather.
- Dry shampoo: Showers are… an experience. Dry shampoo is your best friend.
- Toiletries: Baby wipes, hand sanitizer, sunscreen – the usual festival survival kit.
- Portable charger: Your phone will die. Trust me.
- Snacks: Food at the festival can be pricey. I brought granola bars, nuts, and dried fruit.
- Reusable water bottle: There are plenty of water refill stations around the site.
- First-aid kit: Plasters, painkillers, antiseptic wipes – just in case.
I packed everything into a big, sturdy backpack. I also brought a smaller daypack for carrying essentials around the festival site.
The Journey and Arrival
We decided to drive. Which, in hindsight, was both a blessing and a curse. The traffic getting in was legendary. We’re talking hours of inching forward, surrounded by other festival-goers.
I prepared many things for that:
- Downloaded some podcasts and audiobooks:Keep yourself entertained.
- Took turns driving:To keep everyone fresh and alert.
Once we finally arrived and parked, it was a long trek to the campsite. Imagine dragging all your gear through a field that’s already starting to resemble a mud bath. But, the atmosphere was electric. Everyone was buzzing with excitement, and that helped keep our spirits up.
Setting Up Camp (and Finding It Again)
Finding a good camping spot is crucial. We aimed for somewhere relatively flat(ish) and not too far from the toilets (but not too close, either!). We also tried to find a landmark nearby, like a uniquely decorated tent or a flag, to help us find our way back in the dark.
The Festival Itself (Music, Mud, and Mayhem)
The festival itself was an explosion of music, art, and general craziness. I saw some incredible acts, discovered new bands, and danced until my feet ached. The sheer scale of Glastonbury is mind-blowing. There’s so much to see and do, it’s impossible to experience everything.
Some highlights:
- Wandering around the Green Fields: This area is a haven of peace and tranquility amidst the chaos. I did some yoga, watched some crafts demonstrations, and just generally chilled out.
- Exploring the late-night areas: Shangri-La, Block9, The Common – these places are insane after dark. Think giant sculptures, immersive theatre, and mind-bending light shows.
- Eating all the food: I tried everything from gourmet burgers to vegan curries to wood-fired pizzas.
- Just going with the flow: Glastonbury is all about embracing the unexpected. I ended up in a random tent watching a puppet show, joined a spontaneous drumming circle, and made friends with people from all walks of life.
The Departure (The Great Escape)
Leaving Glastonbury is… an ordeal. It’s like the exodus from a small city. The traffic was even worse than on the way in, and the mud was even deeper. But, despite the exhaustion and the mud-caked everything, I left with a huge grin on my face and a head full of amazing memories.
Would I do it again? Absolutely. But next time, I’ll maybe pack an extra pair of wellies. And maybe a small boat.
