I have been to Glastonbury 3 times, 2013, 2015 and 2016 and I even played 2 of the official stages in 2015. The Glastonbury Festival is an amazing experience and lack of pre-planning can affect your enjoyment. These are my Glastonbury Tips for before, during and after the Glastonbury Festival. There were 18 but I have extended them with 2 great additional tips.
1) Bring the Right Stuff
The gates to the Glastonbury Festival open early on the Wednesday morning of the festival. Before you get to the gates you should have a think and plan your packing.
These are a few items you should think of bringing to Glastofest;
- Good fitting wellies: If it rains the areas become very muddy quickly. Invest in a good pair of wellies which fit correctly. However, based on the recent weather in the midlands and south of the UK, there could easily be further rain issues affecting the Glastonbury Festival this year. (unlike last year’s weather)
- Bring Hiking Boots or Hiking Shoes also: If it is sunny you don’t want to be dragging your feet around in warm wellies.
- Phone PowerBar: You will need to charge your phone, 3 or 4 fully charged power bars might get you through a few days.
- Torch: When it gets dark, certain areas of the site are unlit and a torch will help you find your way
- Sunfactor and after-sun: You are standing outdoors most of the day waiting for your favourite band, don’t get burnt! You will need sun factor this year! Last year I brought it and never used it, as the weather was so wet.
- Wet Wipes: You may not have a chance for a shower but at least you can be fresh-ish!
- Sandwich Bags: These can help keep your phone and other items dry (should it rain)
- Black Bin Liners: Can make for a quick and cheap poncho
- Transistor Radio: Get one for a few quid so you can enjoy WorthyFM the Glastonbury Festival radio station.
- Batteries: Bring some batteries for your radio and torch.
- Toilet Rolls: If you are camping, this is a vital accessory … bring 3 or 4 each in a small plastic bag to keep them dry.
- Hand Sanitiser: A useful and cheap alternative to soap which is not something you find in the drop toilets here.
- Bring Layers: The temperature could be 27C and sunny or 12C and windy in the evening, so be prepared.
- Tickets: Don’t forget your tickets as you won’t get in without them … no matter what the excuse.
- Don’t bring anything you value … it will probably be ok but don’t risk it!
Also, this year with the extended security searches everything will be searched. So if you can buy it, (e.g. beer, snacks) don’t bring it with you. There will be extra long queues on day one as a result so be prepared for this. It is hard to know how things will change after Covid-19/Corona Virus and Glastonbuey 2020 was actually cancelled due to the global Corona virua pandemic. It may or may not go ahead in 2021, it’s hard to know at this stage. As a musician myself I hope the live music scene gets up and running in last 2020 and hopefully GlastoFest can continue but we may need to include masks, sanitiser in a future list.
2) Download the Glastonbury Festival Smartphone App to schedule your week in advance
There are over 100 areas where you can catch a band, everything from a small stage in the corner of the site to the impressive Pyramid stage. The official Glastonbury EE smartphone app has the full listing for all the main stages. You can also plan your trip by marking the bands or events you want to see. This way, you can identify clashes. If you do have a clash I would recommend going to the band which either are harder to get a live concert of or the one which is more unusual. In the past I have seen the Moody Blues when there was a clash – I felt it was a once in a lifetime chance to see them live. I have used the smartphone app every year and it certainly helps – there is even a Glastonbury site map to help you get around.
To download the Official Glastonbury App powered by EE visit http://ee.co.uk/why-ee/tickets-events/glastonbury (note this is an old link and may not work for current events)
3) Expect Delays
If you are driving to Glastonbury for day one you will encounter delays. Last year some people were in the cars for up to 24 hours coming from London. Ensure you have enough petrol, water, snacks and patience when you are getting there. Don’t worry it will be worth it. Every year we go, we always stay at a nearby town called Nunney the night before, in a lovely pub/hotel called the George at Nunney, this is only 30 minutes from the Glastonbury Festival entrance. It’s a handy tip to get a bit closer to the event in advance.
Also, don’t forget the extra security which will be in place this year as mentioned in point 1 above which might cause further delays!
4) What to expect when you arrive at the Glastonbury Festival
Once you park your car or disembark your bus you will need too queue for entry. There will be a long queue and last year it took us 45 minutes to get through around 11:20 am but it might be a bit longer this year. In fast during the 2019 heatwave I recall hearing stories of a 2 hour wait, so ensure you have shade and sun screen, even at 10am you could get burned on a hot day. Present your ticket and you will get an wristband which must remain untouched on your wrist for the duration. You will also get the Glastonbury magazine and a lanyard with information about the acts etc.
Now if you are camping, quickly go find a good spot.
5) Pitching your tent
Obviously, you have to select an area to pitch your tent. Ensure to try to get an area which is uphill, so any rain won’t accumulate in your area, also not too near the path, so you don’t get trampled on in high footfall areas. If you have a pole or flag, this can help identify your tent amongst the thousands in the area. If you don’t have one, just identify some other landmarks or flags to help you.
We decided not to pitch a tent but to have one pitched for us – the Pop-Up Hotel is the ideal way to do Glastonbury if you prefer not to go down that route. The facilities include a really comfy pre-erected tent or yurt, security, electricity WiFi, dining options, hot showers, nice toilets, music and a great crew of friendly staff to help you at all times. I’m gone past the days of mucking it!!