Glastonbury Festival 2024 marked my first adult festival experience—and what an unforgettable introduction it was. Known for moments like the Avril Lavigne crowd crush and Dua Lipa’s unexpected serenade, Glastonbury also brought me back into the festival scene after a 15-year hiatus and kicked off my on-the-ground reporting career for Somerset Live. Choosing the UK’s largest festival as my first was bold, and I learned a lot the hard way. With Glasto 2025 just around the corner, here are some essential insights to help newcomers avoid the pitfalls I faced.
First and foremost: toilets. With approximately 210,000 attendees—about the population of Milton Keynes—there are plenty of restrooms scattered around. But don’t expect them all to function perfectly. As someone who values hygiene, I encountered a wide range of quirky challenges: sinks with soap but no running water, taps that only work when you hold them down like a puzzle, and others that unexpectedly spray water back in your face. Some even required climbing steps to squat seagull-style. My top tip? Always carry plenty of hand sanitizer—more than you think you’ll need.
Next, pack for unpredictable British weather. Although the forecast promised warmth, nights were surprisingly chilly. I was lucky to borrow a cozy handmade blanket, but many aren’t so fortunate. Instead of banking on mild nights, prepare for cold evenings by bringing warm layers and a suitable sleeping bag. It’s far easier to shed a layer if you’re too hot than to scramble to buy expensive cold-weather gear on site.
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Crowd control is another factor to consider. Big-name acts can draw overwhelming crowds—like Avril Lavigne’s packed Other Stage set, which led security to shut off access. Meanwhile, other headline performances, such as Janelle Monáe on the Pyramid Stage, attracted much smaller audiences. To avoid missing your favorite performers, arrive early, especially if they’re top of your list. Smaller venues, like the tent hosting comedian Jonathan Pie, also fill up fast—plan accordingly.
Sleep? Expect little of it. Festival life is a unique blend of excitement and disruptions—from glowing lights to distant music and fluctuating temperatures. Embrace caffeine (I survived on overpriced cappuccinos) and seize every safe opportunity for a nap—like I did on a beanbag in the Oxfam tent. Don’t count on your tent being a cool refuge during the day—it quickly becomes a sun trap. And give yourself a rest day after the festival; your body will thank you.
Glastonbury is an incredible experience, full of music, surprises, and community. With a bit of preparation and realistic expectations, you can enjoy it to the fullest without the same headaches I endured.