Glastonbury: A Monument To Tradition
Glastonbury Music Festival is an annual festival of contemporary performing arts, taking place in Pilton, Somerset, England over a five day weekend, with a 60,000–80,000 attendance capacity. Though, notwithstanding, the capacity has grown some, housing closer to 135,000 in 2016 and a turnout exceeding that of 175,000 in 2017.
The music festival itself, is often representative of a cultural heritage, stemming from the roots of peace, love, freedom and joy. Most of the headlining acts often represent these elements in their music, which at the instant of its commencement would be contemporary in tradition.
The year is 2002, and I find myself examining the festival’s brochure, inquisitive about the headlining acts. My initial impression of the festival, prior to my engagement with it, is one of salvation and sanctity. What I was to find in the headlining acts is just this.
More specifically, in 2002, the headlining acts include, Coldplay, Rod Stewart, Stereophonics, The White Stripes, Roger Waters, Isaac Hayes, Garbage and R.E.M. All the contemporary music played amongst these performing artists speak of freedom & liberation and… well, let your hair down. No one judges you here!
Glastonbury Festival is inspired from the philosophy of Hippie-Counterculture and free-forming festival movements. Among music acts such as the ones mentioned above, Glastonbury Festival is also a festival of, dance, comedy, theatre, circus, cabaret, and other arts… all highlighted and housed under one roof: The Performing Arts.
The staging area is broken up into several different sites and bordered by four hills. With the headlining acts performing at the infamous Pyramid Stage.
For those seeking a different vibe, going for a stroll is also not uncommon, as the site is vast and widespread. Most of the proceeds from the festival go to various charity organizations. So, it is no wonder that the artists find this platform to be a great avenue by which to give back to the people that have showered them with love and seen them through thick and thin, and especially through and into their success.
For those attending university overseas in the UK, taking in the festival and all its treats, would be well-to-do, as the end of Spring ends and the Summer begins in June. Glastonbury Festival was first conceived in the summer of 1970, with its inauguration, first hailing it Pilton Festival, the history of the festival became more progressive. Things may have changed, but one thing which still speaks of tradition is British Culture, amongst other things. The festival, since it’s rebirth in 1981, has spoken of an unwavering adage, which still stands today.
For those still unfamiliar with how one is to receive the festival, pick up a CD of any one of the headlining acts mentioned above and get into the mood. And, let’s not forget it is for a good cause. In preservation of its national heritage, reminders of such charities, by which millions of British Pounds are gathered each year, often brings to the light the Green Fields Area, where Green Futures and the Healing Fields are addressed… another one of the many attractions.
Since its second incarnation in 1981 the festival has been arranged by the a local farmer going by the name Michael Eavis, who owns the site. It is through this company Glastonbury Festivals Ltd. that most of the excitement, afforded by the various organisers and artists, is possible.
Another attraction of Glastonbury Festival comes in the form of pitching your tents on designated lawns situated at conveniently situated sites all across the grounds. Several different camping sites are marked for visitors. Some of the festival accommodation grounds include, Limekins and Hitchin Hill Ground, which act as quieter camping area. If you are looking for a party atmosphere try Pennard Hill Ground and you will find a livelier campsite. For family orientated fun try Cockmill Meadow or Wicket Ground, first introduced in 2011, to suit these means. A disabled campsite is also available so as to remain impartial to the handicapped. Pitching your tents is a free, with a ticket to the festival, with a first come first serve basis, in application.
Another way to get through your weekend is to, ‘leg-it,’ a common British colloquialism for winging it. Otherwise, there are a limited number of tipi-huts fixed for your convenience, near the Stone Circle, another attraction of the event. Festival goers tend to spend their down time at the Stone Circle, where they will build bonfires and roast marshmallows. Up to six persons per tent, with each one coming with a groundsheet and rain catcher. Other forms of bedding are not provided so be prepared either way. Tipi Park offers solar showers and a log fired yurt sauna, for a complete experience.
For those more interested in the cultural fair, try your hand at the sculptures and artwork displayed across the site. It all makes for an eventful weekend of good clean fun.
