Glastonbury isn’t just a festival—it’s a vibrant world of its own, legendary and larger-than-life. As a first-timer, I arrived overwhelmed by the hype, with a meticulously crafted schedule and outfit rotations, determined to “do it right.” But within two days, all my plans were out the window.
What shocked me most? Glastonbury got infinitely better the moment I stopped trying to control every detail. The most memorable moments weren’t the ones on my list but the unexpected experiences that found me.
I missed out on tickets during the initial November 2024 sale and watched as everyone else meticulously planned months in advance. Then, in early May, luck struck—a family friend running the Thai Banana Leaf stall offered me a spare trader ticket in exchange for help setting up. I eagerly accepted.
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Arriving on Monday, June 23, two days before the festival, Worthy Farm felt calm and expectant. By Wednesday, it had transformed into a buzzing city of music, energy, and chaos.
Camping with the Thai Banana Leaf team in Saxon Market, just behind the iconic Pyramid Stage and opposite BBC Introducing, I quickly learned what true dedication looks like. The stall—known for its incredible pad Thai, pad krapow, and spring rolls—was packed every day from noon until 3 a.m. Watching the crew hustle deepened my appreciation for the countless unseen efforts making Glastonbury flow seamlessly.
With over 200,000 attendees, 100+ stages, and 400 food vendors, Glastonbury’s sheer scale defies rigid planning. My own itinerary dissolved by the second day, and that’s when the magic began.
I wandered without a plan, breaking away from friends to explore solo. This freedom led me to unexpected gigs, new faces, and places I never would’ve found otherwise.
For instance, during a break, a quick glance at Instagram revealed that Ella McRobb, an old school friend, was performing with indie rock band The Amazons on the Woodsies stage—a surprise I would have missed if I’d stuck to my original plan. Their set was electric, filled with raw energy and a captivated crowd. Seeing someone I knew on such a stage was surreal and unforgettable; Ella and the band truly crushed it.
That’s Glastonbury for you—losing the plan means discovering moments you never imagined.
Connectivity was surprisingly strong, especially for Vodafone users since the festival is officially partnered with them. Their branded tents dotted the site, offering consistent coverage. I was on EE, and friends had O2, but our signals stayed solid enough to share moments, like FaceTiming my best friend during The 1975’s headline set so she could witness it live from afar.
The 2025 lineup was stellar: The 1975, Skepta, Charli XCX, Olivia Rodrigo, Example, RAYE, Loyle Carner, and a surprise performance by Lewis Capaldi that brought the crowd to tears.
When I needed a break from the chaos, I retreated to the Healing Fields—a peaceful, colorful sanctuary contrasting the festival’s wild energy. Yet, every corner of Glastonbury is thoughtfully curated with care—free sunscreen stations, skate parks, circus tents, massage booths, even Kidzfield for the little ones. From babies in ear defenders to grandmas dancing in leopard print, Glastonbury truly welcomes everyone.
Beyond the fun, Glastonbury stands firm as a politically conscious and eco-friendly gathering rooted in respect for people and the planet. It’s more than a festival—it’s a movement.
Climbing the hill behind the Park Stage was breathtaking. From that vantage, the sprawling sea of sound, color, and connection stretched endlessly. It made me feel both incredibly small and wildly alive.
Some quick tips from my experience:
- Don’t stress about social media FOMO—you’ll be fine.
- Pack wisely: a portable shower and multiple power banks are essentials.
- For the toilets, bring a carabiner to hang your bag for security.
- Food can add up, but meal deals around £6 are out there if you look.
- Ditch rigid planning; the best moments are often the accidental ones.
- Use flags to mark your campsite and locate friends amid the crowds.
Glastonbury is loud, sweaty, joyful, and intense. You leave sun-kissed and sleep-deprived but somehow completely refreshed.
With Worthy Farm taking a break in 2026, this year’s festival felt extra special. If you’re lucky enough to go in 2027, pack light and embrace the unexpected.
The biggest lesson Glastonbury taught me? Let go of control and allow the festival to guide you. You’ll end up exactly where you’re meant to be.