Londoners Magazine

At the time of writing, Glastonbury still hasn’t sold out. This is a travesty. Not only because I got up at 7:30am on a Sunday, walked through the snow to my nearest internet café (ok, my friend’s house) and sat with my heart in my mouth for four whole hours pressing refresh and redial in an attempt to secure tickets, but also because Glastonbury is bloody brilliant.
There are plenty of stories out there attempting to explain why the King of the UK festival circuit hasn’t sold out, but I am going to give you some reasons why it should, and why you should GoGoGo!

It’s not full of hippies. The traditional image of Glastonbury is one of matted hair New Age travelling types drinking moonshine and dancing to The Levellers. It’s not like that at all! It is now perfectly acceptable, nay, encouraged to have a shower at Glastonbury. Especially if you’re sharing a tent with me. There are modern beat-combos playing such as Hot Chip and Vampire Weekend who I believe the kids are down with. There are proper, flushing toilets (if you know where to find them, and I’m not telling you. Oh, alright then, they’re up at the farm, by the cows).

There are hippies. The New Age types tend to keep themselves up in the Green Fields these days, but their chilled out presence spreads a warm glow all over the festival. Where else can you get reiki/massages for just a donation? Do it. It soothes your rucksack-weary back a treat.

Shakin’ Stevens is playing. Green Door! This Ole House! OMG. I am there. Fair play, the Glasto line-up ain’t brilliant this year but there are some gems. Also, running from stage to stage trying to cram in everything from a line-up of brilliance can be exhausting. It’s much more chilled to just have a few gems you want to see everyday. Take the extra time to relax in the comedy tent or just go up to the Sacred Space and take the opportunity to have a little think and a look at the beautiful countryside. When else do you get the chance?

It won’t rain. Ok, it might rain, but come on, we’re British, we can put up with it. Anyone who doesn’t take wellies to any festival in Britain is an idiot. So long as you’re prepared it’s not a problem. I suggest taking an enormo tent (preferably one big enough to stand up in), waterproof boots, a waterproof jacket that reaches down to your boots, and a sense of optimism.

Everyone should experience Glastonbury at least once in their lives. It really is the best; it’s the friendliest, most eclectic festival I’ve ever been to, and I average eight a year. Life takes on a different meaning under the Somerset sun. Work doesn’t matter, any problems drift away, and even the joker in the comedy hat offering free hugs is but a tiny matter of concern.

Come on Londoners! See you down the front.