Glastonbury Festival 2024 marked my debut as an adult festival-goer and my first on-the-ground reporting assignment with Somerset Live. Known for memorable moments—the Avril Lavigne crowd crush, Dua Lipa’s unexpected serenade, and the communal singalong to Coldplay’s “Yellow”—the event was an unforgettable introduction to UK festival life. But jumping straight into the biggest festival in the country came with a steep learning curve. As Glastonbury 2025 approaches, I want to share the insights I wish someone had passed on before my first visit.
With around 210,000 attendees—comparable to the population of Milton Keynes—the festival was a bustling hub of activity, including its bathroom facilities. Despite plentiful restrooms scattered across the site, I quickly realized that many didn’t quite work as expected. For a germaphobe like me, navigating the toilets was like solving a challenging puzzle: some had soap but no water, others water but no soap, and some taps only functioned while being pressed continuously, occasionally splashing unexpectedly. My best advice? Bring hand sanitizer—more than you think you’ll need.
The weather was another surprise. While the daytime promised warmth, British summer nights delivered a chill that caught me off guard. A generous porridge vendor lent me a handmade blanket, but that kind of kindness isn’t something to depend on. If you want to avoid paying a premium at the festival shops, prepare by packing warmer layers. It’s far easier to shed a layer during the day than to hunt for extra clothes after dusk.
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Crowd control is another critical consideration. Author Emily Eavis mentioned ongoing efforts to improve this after last year’s challenges when popular sets by Avril Lavigne and the Sugababes became overcrowded to the point of closure. For fans eager to see headliners, arriving early is crucial to secure a good spot—something I learned when I missed most of comedian Jonathan Pie’s show by arriving only fifteen minutes late.
Sleep? Forget about getting a full eight hours. The festival atmosphere, with its flashing glowsticks, impromptu performances, changing temperatures, and overall excitement, ensures restless nights. Embrace the lack of sleep, fuel yourself with caffeine if needed, and take naps whenever possible. I managed to sneak in some shut-eye on a beanbag in the Oxfam tent—if no one told me to move, I figured it was fair game.
Lastly, don’t try to snooze inside your tent during the day. The sun quickly turns it into a hot oven, making rest uncomfortable at best. Plan for some downtime after the festival to recover. Above all, be kind to yourself during this intense, exhilarating experience.
Glastonbury Festival runs from Wednesday, June 25 to Sunday, June 29 this year. Despite the challenges, it’s a magical event—just come prepared, and you’ll have an unforgettable time.