The festival was heavily influenced by the free hippy festival movement at the time and over the years this ethos has continued. Many people volunteer at the festival for a set number of hours and in return they get a free ticket, free accommodation and free food – all their wages go to the nominated charities of Greenpeace, Water Aid and Oxfam.
Over the years there have been some amazing head line acts – T Rex, David Bowie, Van Morrison, The Smiths, The Cure, Oasis, Pulp, Bruce Springsteen and U2. This year is no exception with a stellar line-up at the pyramid stage –Dizzee Rasal, Professor Green, Rolling Stones, Billy Bragg, Nick Cave and Mumford and Sons. Not forgetting the ‘Following Stage’ with 9 performances each day over 4 days. Added to that is the ‘West Holts Stage’, the ‘Park Stage’, the ‘John Peel Stage’, the ‘Acoustic Tent’, the ‘Avalon Stage’, the ‘Left Field’, the ‘Williams Green’ area, plus the more recent additions of ‘Sonic’ and ‘Wow’ dance stages.
There is a cinema area there too, showing everything from Django to Monsters Inc. in 3D, it has a full programme of movies to cater for all festival goers either young or old. There is also a ‘Kidz field’ which has everything from Cbeebies TV channel, face painting, and storytelling to the performances by Tucked In Theatre Company with ‘The Golden Cowpat’.
Most people who stay at Glastonbury Festival camp. There are many different camping areas, each with its own atmosphere. Limekilns and Hitchin Hill Ground are quieter camping areas, whereas Pennard Hill Ground is known to be a lively campsite. Cockmill Meadow is a family campsite and Wicket Ground was introduced in 2011 as a second family-only campsite. A disabled campsite is also available in Spring Ground. Camping is included in the cost of a standard entry ticket but festival-goers must bring their own tents. Why not stay in a Tipi and hire one in the field near the stone circle? Up to six adults can stay in each tipi, it comes complete with bedding. Also on the Tipi Park are solar showers and a log-fired yurt sauna to cap off the experience.
Campervans, caravans and trailer tents are not allowed into the main festival site, however the purchase of a campervan ticket in addition to the main ticket allows access to fields just outside the boundary fence.
Some people choose to bring or hire a motorhome, or stay in stay at local B&B accommodation but most are not within walking distance of the festival. There are several independent Glastonbury accommodation providers close to the main site, which include smaller campsites for tents, gypsy caravans, geo-domes, private cottages and more – some festival goers choose to be ferried between the festival and their accommodation by quad-bike or even private helicopter.
However you choose your accommodation at Glastonbury the event itself is like no other you have ever experienced, it is a unique inclusive music and arts event which even after all these years continues to surprise and delight.