10 Facts You Didn’t Know About Glastonbury Festival

Glastonbury Festival is one of the most iconic music events in the UK calendar – with huge legacy artists, art and things you would never normally see, it’s an unmissable experience.  

This year’s festival takes place from Wednesday 21^st June to Monday 26^th June at Worthy Farm in Somerset, 2023’s headliners include Arctic Monkey, Guns N’ Roses and Elton John.  

We’ve rounded up 10 facts you might not know about the infamous festival.

1. It all began on a dairy farm: Believe it or not, the first Glastonbury Festival took place way back in 1970 on Worthy Farm. Michael Eavis, a local farmer, and music lover decided to host a festival to raise funds for a new cowshed. Little did he know that his humble gathering of 1,500 people would evolve into one of the world’s most renowned music festivals. 

2. The ‘Glasto’ lingo: If you’re a Glastonbury regular, you’ll know that festival-goers have their own lingo. Forget “VIP,” here it’s all about “Pilton Palais” (the Pyramid Stage), “Lost Vagueness” (an eccentric area of the festival), and “mud angels” (the brave souls who embrace the rain and mud with a smile). 

3. It’s not just about music: While Glastonbury is primarily known for its mind-blowing line up of musicians, it offers much more than just killer beats. The festival is a melting pot of arts, culture, and performing arts. You can explore theatre and circus acts, immerse yourself in visual arts installations, and even catch some thought-provoking talks at the Green Fields. 

4. The year without Glasto: Brace yourselves, because this might come as a shock. Glastonbury Festival actually takes a break every five years to allow the farmland to recover. This means that every sixth year, there’s no Glasto. The last “fallow year” was in 2018, the next should be scheduled for 2024, but hasn’t yet been confirmed due to the cancellation of the festival in the pandemic.  

5. Secret sets and surprise guests: Glastonbury is famous for its unexpected appearances and secret sets. Over the years, we’ve seen some incredible surprise performances from the likes of Kylie Minogue, Thom Yorke, and even David Bowie. So, always keep your eyes and ears peeled for rumours and whispers about unannounced acts. 

6. A sustainable haven: Glastonbury Festival has taken a strong stance on sustainability and environmental responsibility. They’ve implemented initiatives like banning single-use plastics, encouraging recycling, and promoting renewable energy sources. The festival even has its own infrastructure, including composting toilets and a dedicated recycling crew. 

7. Glastonbury’s charitable spirit: Did you know that Glastonbury Festival is a registered charity? The festival has raised millions of pounds for various causes and organizations over the years. So, when you’re dancing your heart out, you can also feel good about contributing to a greater good. 

8. The infamous Glastonbury weather: British weather is notoriously unpredictable, and Glastonbury is no exception. Festival-goers have experienced everything from scorching heatwaves to torrential downpours and ankle-deep mud. That’s why packing wellies, raincoats, and sunblock is a must if you’re planning to attend. 

9. The scale of Glastonbury: With a capacity of around 200,000 attendees, Glastonbury is massive! It’s like a small city that springs up for a few days each year. To put it into perspective, the festival site is roughly the size of 600 football pitches. So be prepared for long walks, navigating crowds, and plenty of exploration. 

10. Glastonbury’s cultural significance: Beyond the music and revelry, Glastonbury Festival has become a symbol of counterculture, freedom of expression, and a place where people from all walks of life come together. It’s a celebration of diversity, unity, and an opportunity to escape the mundane for a few unforgettable days. 

How many of these facts did you know? Whether you’re attending or will be watching from the comfort of your own home there’s no denying Glastonbury is one of the most iconic festivals in the world.