Lomography

Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts
written by angel-headed_hipster on July 28th, 2008 (0 votes)

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Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts is held every four out of five years (one year off to give the land and organizers a break!) at the end of June in Somerset, England. The festival site opens on Wednesday and closes on the following Monday, with music and performance on the main stages on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

There is so much to say about the festival, and yet it is impossible to sum up. If you are one of the lucky people who gets a ticket, you will be treated to incredible musical performances from internationally known acts, up-and-coming new artists, classic performers and even the festival-goers themselves in almost every style. But there is so much more to Glastonbury than the music. Over the five days, you will additionally have the chance to experience comedy from both top name comedians and newer acts, poetry, theater and circus performances, political speeches and debates, craft workshops, wonderful food and drink, and so much more.

Perhaps the biggest draw though for those who have been, and much of the reason it is so difficult to describe in words, is the incredible, friendly, helpful and just ever-so lovely atmosphere. Everyone is so happy and relaxed that they are happy to stop and have a chat over some delicious food or whilst watching a great band, or to give directions or any other help you may need. I have never been around so many people all at once who are so generous, helpful, warm and smiley.

There is a real magic to Glastonbury, and whether that comes from its mythical past (many connections to King Arthur), positioning (over ley line central!), festival history with roots in the hippie and travelers cultures, or is just brought to the site each year by the approximately 170,000 people, I do not know. I just know that watching a favorite band with the sun setting behind the Somerset hills or one of the iconic Glastonbury stages, or watching the sunrise at the Stone Circle is guaranteed to give me goosebumps and bring a tear to my eye. A place simultaneously incredibly relaxing and exciting – however you chose to spend your time at Glastonbury (and everyone will have a slightly different Glastonbury) it will be an unforgettable experience.

And before you ask – no, I don’t work for Glastonbury Festival.
I’ve just been there!