Glastonbury is the UK's largest greenfield festival — 200,000 people on a farm in Somerset for five days. The headlines focus on the headliners and the mud. The reality is more complex. Here's what first-timers need to know.
The Scale
It's enormous. The site is the size of a small city. You will walk. A lot. Comfortable shoes are non-negotiable. The stages are spread across the site; getting from the Pyramid to the Other Stage can take 20 minutes in a crowd. Plan accordingly.
The Mud
If it rains, it gets muddy. Really muddy. Wellies are essential. Bring good ones — you'll be in them for days. A dry year is a gift; a wet year is character-building. Either way, embrace it.
What to Pack
Layers. Sunscreen. A refillable water bottle. Earplugs for sleeping. A torch. Wet wipes. A portable charger. You can't bring glass. You can't bring too much — you'll be carrying it. Pack light but smart.
Beyond the Main Stages
The Pyramid and Other Stage get the headlines. But Glastonbury's magic is in the corners — the smaller stages, the late-night areas, the random encounters. Leave time to explore. Some of the best moments happen when you're not chasing a schedule.
Tickets
They sell out in minutes. Registration opens in advance; you need to be registered to buy. It's a lottery. Have a plan B. And a plan C.
