My First Glastonbury

I'm not a big follower of music, don't get me wrong I like the stuff but I have never been a person to go to gigs and the likes. When a friend of mine asked if I was interested in going I thought it would be a great opportunity to tick another item off the 'to do list of life', so jumped at the chance.

My younger sister had been a couple of times before in recent years and had said how much fun it was. For me though I'd never even been camping before so this was going to be a challenge. My big concerns were of what to pack, I'm a person who likes to be prepared, and also what I should wear so I looked like a veteran festival goer rather than a festival virgin. So with wellies, wet wipes and straw hat packed, the adventure begun.

My one big regret of the whole 6 days (we went from Wednesday-Monday) was getting a little bit too drunk on the strawberry cider on day one! The sun was shining, everybody was in high spirits so it was hard to contain oneself. Cue memory loss and the inevitable long search for my tent come the early hours of the morning. The hangover that followed was not pleasant. A baking hot tent first thing in the morning didn't help. Add that to a toilet trip to the long drops and you had yourself a very nasty experience. Lesson learned for the rest of the festival, I tried to limit my drinking and I have to say I did well. When the weather is hot (like it was) a hangover in a tent coupled with walking long distances, is just not worth it.

After that hangover though the festival really took off and I had an amazing time. When you are with friends having a few beers in the sun, laying on the grass/mud and listening to live music, it just doesn't get much better. In all I saw 21 bands (well one was Rolf Harris) but over a weekend you really do get your money's worth. The list in full is as follows: Gariella Cilmi, Golden Silvers, N.E.R.D, Fleet Foxes, Lily Allen, The Specials, The Ting Tings, Bloc Party, Rolf Harris, Dizzee Rascal, Passion Pit, Kasabian, Bruce Springstein, Franz Ferdinand, Status Quo, Madness, Bon Iver, Jason Mraz, Glasvegas and the Prodigy. Not bad I'd say.

Ok so some items are expensive at the festival, like any event really but overall I didn't really think anything was too overpriced. And yes the toilets are vile but there are better ones dotted about and you soon learn to plan your toilet visits. It did rain as well but I actually wanted it to, I mean what's Glastonbury without a bit of mud? We were very lucky with the weather though and I can imagine this has a great deal to do with your Glastonbury experience. I even got quite a nice tan!

Overall the atmosphere and friendliness are the things that stick in my mind. Everybody is your friend and you can literally talk to anyone. I saw no negativity or anything untoward at all. The staff were truly amazing as well. Always happy to help, they strive to solve your problem and go that little bit further to help you out. The operation as a whole is quite incredible and it blows my mind to think how an event like that is organised and run so efficiently. It definitely isn't for everyone (and I am of the opinion it isn't for children either), it is hard work at times but it has definitely won me over. I have the bug. Roll on next year!