They have Gorillaz, they have Muse, they have Stevie Wonder, Florence & The Machine, Laura Marling and MGMT to boot. They have Kate Nash and The Dead Weather, as well as Norah Jones and Paloma Faith and that’s just scanning the main stage line up. It’s safe to say then that Glastonbury Festival is undoubtedly champion of a musical line up that will ensure a festival goers only disappointment is that they couldn’t see it all. Only a festival the size of Glastonbury, which stems over 900 acres and boasts over 80 stages could be what More Than The Music deem the place to be this summer.
Historically it all started some 40 odd years ago, when entry was just £1 and included free milk, but since then it has grown with each passing year, now accommodating 175,000 attendees. Doubters will claim the festival is too large, too authoritarian (with its strict photo entry ticketing system) and too middle of the road. Whilst the festival is massive and first glance of the main stage line up might seem somewhat mainstream, we suspect those who view Glastonbury less favourably have never drifted off the main track of the site.
Further afield, Glastonbury offers lovers of folk Seth Lakeman, The Unthanks and Martha Tilston, whilst dance lovers will be kept going until the early hours of the morning with Zane Lowe, Fatboy Slim and Roger Sanchez all taking to the decks. Those in need of something other than music can check out the cinema, theatre and circus, whilst kids will be entertained from dusk until dawn in the Kidzfield. If that wasn’t enough those with energy left after the sun sets can head to Arcadia, where fireworks and light shows come as standard. Meanwhile this year’s new late night arena The Common will host a wall of death and vintage Indian Motorcycles. Those with the courage will be able to view the stunts from a viewing platform at the top, as performers take part in dare devil stunts throughout the evening.
Those who want something calmer can head to the healing field, where meditation, saunas, massage and shiatsu are all on offer. Buried in the Green Fields, it’s this part of the site which really encapsulates Glastonbury’s roots, with areas encompassing Greenpeace, Green Futures and Green Crafts. It’s here that festival regulars will make their way to Kind Meadow (more popularly referred to as Stone Circle) to watch the sun set, take a stroll in the peace gardens and gaze over the spectacular views the site has to offer.
For those still not convinced, we have to say this is simply the tip of the iceberg. Glastonbury is the type of festival where you would have to stay for a year to see every detail the site has to offer. From hand painted waste bins, to the Alice in Wonderland Rabbit Hole and the spine chilling atmosphere of watching the Pyramid Stage’s light shine high into the sky it is a experience that cannot be reckoned with. So powerful is the festival’s atmosphere, that year after year we hear people tell us how they are addicted for life and with tickets selling out in under 24 hours, we’re not surprised.
Glastonbury takes place from 23rd – 28th June.
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