The sights that make Glasto like no other
Andrew Trendell

13:10 18th June 2014

Ah Glastonbury, the pride of British Festival season. It's world-renowned for it's unique sights, sounds and atmosphere, but beyond the bands there are plenty of reasons why its one of a kind. Here are just 15 of our favourites. 

From the twisted insanity of The Rabbit Hole and the heartbreaking beauty of the Stone Circle, to the face-melting rave of Arcadia and constant disco dream of Despacio, there are some things that you'll only see or do at Glastonbury that will stay with you for a lifetime. 

Here are 15 of the best things that you can only see or do at Glastonbury 2014. 

  • Lose yourself down the Rabbit Hole: Head to the top of The Park and lose your mind to this surreal world of fun, fantasy, fancy dress, cocktails, DJs and bands.

  • Watch the sunset from the Stone Circle: Unforgettable and utterly breathtaking. All we need now is some sun.

  • Go crazy for three nights of Despacio: LCD Soundsystem's James Murphy and Soulwaxs' audiophile disco extravaganza have only played a handful of nights around the world (we've been a few times and its ace), but Glastonbury is the only festival where they'll be holding residency in their own tent, spinning dance classic for 8 hours on three nights.

  • Rave your face off at Arcadia: You haven't truly experienced Glasto until you've gone nuts at Arcadia. It looks like this. Pretty terrifying, eh?

  • Get saucy in Sam's Magic Hat Sauna: Wash off that Glasto mud and get a little frisky with your campmates. Nakedness is optional, but highly recommended.

  • Surprise gigs by your favourite bands: Sure, other festivals have big names show up and play unannounced, but are they as regular as Glasto? And do they rival the recent appearances of Radiohead, Pulp, The xx and more? We've got our fingers crossed for Prince this year.

  • Smell-free toilets: Yes, Mr Eavis claims to have spent around 200k on toilets that don't make you want to curl into the foetal position and die. That has got to be a worldwide festival first.

  • Pay a trip to The Beat Hotel: Bang in the middle of Glasto is this pop-up boutique hotel - offering 'sustenance, entertainment and comfort' soundtracked by 'reggae, soul, yacht rock and Balearica'. Who says festivals can't be classy?

  • People in fancy dress are the norm: If you're not the one in a daft hat or dressed as a dragon, then you're the one who looks ridiculous.

  • Go back in time: The Field Of Avalon is a weird and wonderful place that picks up on the mystical nature and medieval legacy of the local area. Head down for a little free love, magic and bearded old men with their shirts off throwing hoops at things. You're King Arthur - chill out, or party like it's 499 (AD).

  • There's a place called Shangri La, and it looks like this: A bizarre but brilliant circus meets carnival wonderland of curiosities - perfect for some after hours insanity and antics. No other festival has an area this decadent or bat-shit weird.

  • It's all gone a bit Bladerunner: Block9 is , in Glasto's own words, "a sensational apocalyptic spectacle including GENOSYS – an epic new art installation and electronic music arena. This late night wonderland will open from sunset to sunrise. Expect heavyweight soundsystems, underground nightclubs, bars, huge art installations and some extremely alternative performance." WE WANT TO GO TO THERE.

  • Bring your nightmares to life: The Unfairground is this nightmarishly awesome area is described as a 'broken, psychedelic circus and horror go-go show beyond your darkest dreams'. Delightful.

  • Hang out with Billy Bragg: The Left Field is the place for Debates, comedy, music, radical ideas, songwriting sessions and plenty of audience participation - all programmed by Billy Bragg. Get on your soapbox or just get down to good tunes and go see what the man himself has to say.

  • Pay tribute to the late, great Joe Strummer: Set up after the death of the iconic Clash frontman Joe Strummer in 2002, the Strummerville campfire is there to continue his campfire community legacy - where people can drink, talk, laugh, share ideas and celebrate music. Head on down and keep the fire burning.


Photo: WENN/Press