HomeMusic10 tips for Glastonbury 2016

10 tips for Glastonbury 2016

Glastonbury is upon us and as such the mother of all festivals will open its doors to over 200,000 people. It’s fair to say that it is one of (if not) the biggest festival in the world and also probably the best the UK has to offer, and revered in the world as a staple festival in the industry. This year will be my third (first time as a punter) and there is a lot I plan on doing with my free time.

For a few days my life will be in a little bubble and I couldn’t tell you how excited I am and if you are going then you should be excited too. If it’s your first time then be prepared as it is the mother of all festivals and it will most certainly overwhelm you if you are not used to the sheer size of it and all the people.

With a line-up that spreads over sixty pages and other activities it’s likely that won’t do everything you plan to but you will most certainly have an amazing time. Here are my top tips for 2016 if you’ve made it out of the traffic…

 

1. Don’t peak too soon

This is simply one of the most important pieces of advice. Obviously there is always one person in your group that will get excited and peak too soon, then end up spending half the festival feeling miserable. Don’t be that person! You want to last the duration and Glastonbury is really a festival that rewards stamina!

 

2. Be prepared

Bring all you need to survive and/or have a good time, bring your wellies, booze, money and sensible clothes! If you don’t then there is always the shopping area on the grounds but you will pay festival prices so this might quickly turn into a pricey weekend! I personally can’t get through a festival without a shower, clothes that keep me dry and good footwear.

 

3. Go check out the areas that you won’t see on TV

One of my favourite things about Glastonbury is what you hardly see on TV i.e. Block 9, Shangri-La and the fields. Even though you can watch Glasto from the comforts of your home there is a lot you never get to see! I personally love the magnitude of the stages and constructions at Block 9 and Shangri-La plus these areas always have the most eccentric people of the festival. If you want to see something that you rarely see at other festivals then head here!

 

4. Watch at least one main act on the main stage

Yes this sounds tacky but there is truly something special about being part of that massive crowd and getting submerged in the music, whether you like it or simply want to take part in the atmosphere. This year’s headliners are Muse, Adele and Coldplay.

 

5. Don’t stick to a schedule

Or if you do set yourself up for disappointment, Glastonbury is huge! I can’t stress this enough, it can take up to an hour to walk from one area to another and that’s without a crowd getting in the way. I find the best way to enjoy Glastonbury is to stick to a few core acts that you want to see and then let the festival do its job and take you on an adventure. You will probably meet new friends and discover new bands you didn’t even know existed.

 

6. Meet new friends and don’t be rude

A festival is a place where people collectively have come to have fun so most of these people will be in a great mood and therefore you should try and be friendly! I have got a few good friends that I met at festivals and we’ve been friends ever since. Also there’s nothing worse then being rude at a festival, nobody likes that so keep that for when you are back at work the next week!

 

7. Check out LCD Soundsystem

Now this is probably the only gig I am truly fussed about! LCD Soundsystem have reformed and are touring and anyone lucky enough to go to Glastonbury should try and check them out. I have been a fan for years and never thought I’d get to see them play live so this is truly special. LCD Soundsystem are headlining on The Other Stage Sunday night.

 

8. If you arrive early explore

Arriving on Wednesday might seem eager but actually it’s a chance to check out all the more remote areas without the huge crowds (believe me this is the busiest festival). Again Shangri-La and Block 9 are great to explore when the festival isn’t too busy but also check out the healing fields and maybe book yourself a bit of pamper session.

 

9. Spoil yourself

Whether it is by getting a shower or booking yourself a massage, there is nothing that revives me more than to have one day where I just pamper myself. Getting a massage is one of my favourite things to do especially after so much dancing and walking. You can also indulge in a sauna or hot springs if it gets too cold for you. Whatever it is that you do make sure you enjoy it and let it recharge your batteries.

 

10. Watch the sunrise from The Park

This was one of the highlights for me in 2013! Watching the sunrise with only a handful of people and seeing how peaceful the site was truly fantastic! The Park is one of the highest points at the festival and you get spectacular views of Glastonbury.

 

So there you have it my top tips for Glastonbury 2016 but even if you don’t stick to these make sure to have a grand time and bring back lots of memories. See you on the other side campers.

author avatar
Sarah Bargiela
Sarah aka Bargi is the Assistant Editor and Music Editor for Entertainment Focus (EF).

Must Read

Advertisement