This year marks Katharine Hubbard’s tenth visit to Glastonbury Festival, the world’s largest greenfield music and performing arts event held at Worthy Farm in Somerset. What sets her experience apart is that she attends completely sober—and she insists it’s just as magical without alcohol.
Katharine first went to Glastonbury in 2013. At the time, she had never camped before and wasn’t much of a gig-goer. “I really didn’t know what I was letting myself in for,” she recalls. “Watching it on TV, you see huge crowds in front of the Pyramid Stage, but the festival is so much more than that. The whole atmosphere is incredible and everyone is so kind.”
After successfully completing Dry January in 2023 and extending her alcohol break into March, Katharine made a bold choice to attend Glastonbury sober for the first time. “I was worried I might not be as fun or that I’d feel out of place,” she admits. “But it turned out to be my best festival experience yet.”
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Here’s what she wants new attendees and curious sober festivalgoers to know:
You Can Have Fun Without Alcohol
Katharine expected sobriety might make her less social, but the opposite happened. “We stayed up until 6am, my friends were drinking, and I was completely engaged and having an amazing time,” she says. “There was no difference between our experiences.”
Join the Glastonbury Reddit Community
Katharine recommends the r/glastonbury_festival subreddit, a thriving community with over 71,000 subscribers. “It’s a great resource for tips and advice,” she explains. “Recently, there’s been more discussion about attending sober, with lots of people curious and supportive.”
People Might Not Even Notice
Concerned about how friends might react? Katharine reassures, “No one noticed I wasn’t drinking because everyone uses their own bottles filled with various drinks. I just carried water and electrolytes.”
More Energy Throughout the Festival
Without the effects of alcohol, Katharine found she had far more energy. “Day drinking in the sun can be draining, but I was able to explore, enjoy the music, and still feel lively on day five—more so than my friends.”
Non-Alcoholic Options Are Available
While the selection may be limited, non-alcoholic beer and other drinks are sold on-site. “It’s great to have those options and I hope they continue to expand,” she notes.
Bring Snacks for Sustained Energy
Katharine also advises packing plenty of sweets and snacks to stay fueled. “I noticed others grabbing beers regularly while I needed to keep my energy up with snacks.”
Explore All of Glastonbury’s Activities
From music to comedy and talks, Glastonbury offers nonstop entertainment. Katharine emphasizes that you can fully enjoy every aspect sober, as the festival is about far more than just drinking.
Attending Glastonbury sober, Katharine Hubbard proves, doesn’t mean missing out—in fact, it can enhance your festival experience by keeping your energy high, your mind clear, and your enjoyment authentic.