Mud, Rain, Sun and Wind, all four elements added to this year’s hugely eclectic mix, which makes up the Glastonbury Festival.

As the end of June draws ever closer, Worthy Farm in Pilton sets out to become the second biggest city in the South-West as over 150,000 music fans make their way through the ring of steel, and into the magical world that is Glastonbury. Setting aside preconceived ideas and embracing the free spirit which the festival resonates, those entering through that massive fence transport themselves into somewhere completely different, somewhere where the outside world is forgotten and the most important things are, love, friendship, music, food and having one hell of a time.

Unless you live under a rock (or roll!), it’s impossible not to know about Glastonbury Festival, it’s infamous history has made it as infamous as it can be, it’s a British tradition and something which looks set to continue for evermore after recent security problems have been solved. The ring of steel glimmers in the distance as you drive towards the site, the shine diverts your eyes from the road as you take in tens of thousands of cars parked, tents pitched, and stages ready to entertain. The site is awe-inspiring and instantly fills you with wonder, hope and excitement for the weekend to come.

Actually getting tickets was a major problem this year, but the lucky hundred thousand or so who did get their hands on them took part in stringent security checks, ID checks, and searches before they could make their way through the impenetrable fence and find a place to pitch their tenet. The fence is amazing, and really has kept this festival alive, people now know, if you don’t have a ticket you’re not getting in. So many of the festival-goers I spoke to used to jump the fence, but revel in paying knowing not only that their money goes to help charities, and keeps the festival alive, but also in being able to enjoy manageable crowds and a relaxed, safe atmosphere.

Glasto Virgins and Veterans alike get their kits together a few days before it all kicks off and the gates open on the fateful Wednesday morning. Tents, sleeping bags, wet wipes, warm clothes, cool clothes, glow sticks, cans of beans, cans of larger, bin bags, wellies, waterproofs and sunscreen, all essentials for this years festival. As the gates opened on Wednesday morning, so did the heavens…where had the summer gone? Wednesday and Thursday Morning were wet, rainy and miserable…it was November in June, it was muddy the ground was wet…it looked like a long weekend. Then suddenly, as Beckham missed that penalty on the Thursday night and a hundred thousand people groaned at the Pyramid Stage whilst watching it, the ground dried up, wellies were no longer needed, you could put that mac away, it looked hopeful, it looked dry, it looked like the festival everyone wanted. Friday was no disappointment, awaking in a boiling hot tent to beautiful blue skys and wonderful sunshine; the real Glastonbury spirit was ignited.

Walking around the massive site in shorts and sunglasses, makes this magnificent experience even better, everyone is in a buoyant mood, everyone, is happy, everyone is having a laugh…be they sitting by the cider bus having a swift half in the sunshine, or relaxing in the stone circle soaking up some Glastonbury “magic!” The delightful thing about this unique festival is that despite everything that is said about tents being stolen, drugs, drunks and danger, I felt perfectly safe, comfortable and relaxed throughout the whole weekend. I suppose the new fence has gone someway to helping that, and the police presence is always noticeable but not imposing. Families enjoy every second of it, couples find it renews their love, friends bond, and strangers make new mates, which will last a lifetime. The drugs of course are apart of Glastonbury, and always will be, but at no time are they imposing, dangerous or threatening…if you don’t do drugs, you will barely notice anything you’d associate with drug addicts or drug dealers, apart from the odd wiff of a special smoke, or the glow stick freaks by the dance tent chewing their cheeks, the world of drugs is there, but seems a world away from you, if you don’t want to be a part of it.

So after the delights of Friday’s beautiful weather, we awoke on Saturday morning to the pitter patter of rain on the tent, a quick check to make sure it’s still waterproof and back to sleep. The joy and spirit of Glastonbury isn’t ever dampened by the weather, you just wrap yourself up in waterproofs, stick on the wellies, wade through the mud and remember your at Glastonbury, this is kinda what you have to expect. It also gives you more to time enjoy the marvellous gastronomical delights the festival has to offer…suddenly Spearhead on the Pyramid stage makes way for Sweet Crepes, the food is phenomenal, so much so it deserves it’s own section….good job you can check out that section by clicking here!

The charities which are supported by the Eavis’ and festival never seem to be forcing their views down your throat, the noticeable presence of Water Aid, Greenpeace, Fair Trade and Drop The Debt, are obvious, but their views are carefully fed to you, so you can make your own mind up as to if they deserve your support and charity. The delights of this festivals non-commercial vibe make it even more unique, it doesn’t matter that Budweiser are sponsoring, it matters that the crowds head the advice to keep the farm pollution free, they don’t pee in the streams, they embrace the free spirit of the festival and allow their minds to open and take in different views from the biggest mix of society possible. You really do see something of everyone at Glastonbury, larger boys mix with hippies, anti-capitalists relax amongst corporate slaves, families mingle amongst large groups of lads; some people dress up in ball gowns and as fairies, others wonder around naked, it doesn’t matter it makes this festival what it is, it makes it magical, eclectic and phenomenal.

So Sunday was the same, rain, but not so much thankfully, and as you pack up your tent, wash off the mud and attempt to re-enter the outside world you wonder, what exactly is it about this field in Somerset that makes you want to return year after year, that makes you want to stand in mud getting soaked while listening to Hey Jude being sung by a real life Beatle, what actually happens in that 45 minutes from leaving Bristol to seeing the site, how are you transported to such a unique world, such a wonderful life and such a remarkable weekend of joy, excitement and spirit.

We want to know what you thought of Glasto this year....tell us!!

Glastonbury Festival 2004 takes place on June 25th, 26th and 27th
Gates open at 10am on Wednesday 23rd June

 (Please note change from 2003 - and please do not come any earlier as you will not get in before 10.00am)  

Festival tickets are completely sold out. 

Tickets will start being sent out on June 1st and you should receive your ticket before June 14th.

 The limited number of returns and reclaimed tickets have now all been sold. The Festival only sold tickets through Aloud.com and the ticketline run by Wayahead Ticket Agency. Any other agencies, boxoffices or auctions are not official outlets, and will not be allocated any tickets by the Festival. Ticketholders are reminded that all tickets are non-transferable and will be personalised with checks on the gates.

Getting Ready 

Everyone's got their own idea of what to bring to Glastonbury but here are a few time-honoured tips.

Only bring what you can afford to lose.
Only bring what you can carry. You will have to lug all your stuff a very long way - twice - so travel light. Everything you need, except shelter, is on site.
Bring warm & waterproof clothing, a pair of decent shoes, sun-cream, wet wipes and a torch to avoid those tricky guy-ropes.
You can eat really well and cheaply on site, so if you want to travel light, ditch the food and cooking equipment.
Only bring the credit cards you need and leave a note of the numbers at home to make cancellation easier if they get lost or stolen. Only carry a small amount of cash. There are cash machines on site.
Only come with the keys that you are likely to be using, in case they get lost.
Remember to bring your vital medications and keep them with you.
Please don't bring your own sound system. Not surprisingly, the festival has music pretty well covered. Vehicles will be checked on the way in and the campsites patrolled for rogue stages and systems. Equipment found could be confiscated.

 Getting there 

Travelling by public transport saves you money, reduces pollution and helps you to beat the queues. Seriously consider leaving your car at home.  

Gates open at 10am Wednesday 23rd June. Please don't come before then. Early arrivals will be moved on by local police. 
You're more likely to save time by planning your journey than driving fast.
The last part of the journey can be the longest - be ready for queues and bring plenty of water and go to the loo before you get close to the Festival.
Come early to pick the best spots and get relaxed.
Follow the directions of officials and avoid going through the village.
Last minute booze-buying in Pilton isn't going to happen - the village shop won't sell alcohol and the pub will be closed. 
Please respect local residents' land and property don't trespass or maraud in the village.

Getting in 

Get friends' tickets to them before they leave for the Festival; it is utterly impossible to meet at the gates. If you have to meet up, do it at least 5 miles away from the Festival.
 Look after you ticket, they're like gold-dust. Last year there were thefts of tickets at motorway services some distance from the Festival.
Be prepared to show your ticket for inspection at car park entrances or catching public transport or the shuttle bus. 
BUT do not give your ticket to anyone, even if they look like stewards, until you reach the turnstiles.
The Passout System is tried and tested - please comply with it if you leave the site and plan to re-enter.

Nowt2Do @ Glastonbury 2004

Main Page and The Experience

The Line Up

The Music

The Entertainment

The Food

The Shops

The Experience

The Band

The Comedian

2003 Images

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