Because there's more to Glasto than the Pyramid Stage
Andrew Trendell

15:21 17th March 2015

So now we have two of the three confirmed headliners confirmed with a bunch of other acts. Yes, the dream of Glastonbury 2015 is really starting to take shape as we look highlight to the musical highlight of the summer. However, there's more to Glasto than the Pyramid Stage - and there's certainly more to Glasto than music. 

Moreso than any other festival on Earth, Glastonbury is a world unto itself - a vast and eclectic landscape of different cultures, attitude, peace, love and curiosities. 

From circus freaks to robotic raves, hippie campfires to twisted decadence, there's something to be found for everyone in ever corner of Glasto. To help you get your head around it, here's our guide to the many different areas of Glasto. 

  • Strummerville: Set up after the death of the iconic 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.

  • The Left Field: 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.

  • Shangri La: A bizarre but brilliant circus meets carnival wonderland of curiosities - perfect for some after hours insanity and antics.

  • Field Of Avalon: 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).

  • Theatre & Circus Fields: Yeah, guess what happens here.

  • The Glade: It was sorely missed at Glasto last year, but it's due to make it's return in 2014. The Glade has been a Glastonbury stalwart since its inception in 2000 thanks to its open-air stage and location between the Dance Tent and the Avalon Field. Famously experimental and party-orientated, The Glade has seen appearances from the likes of Orbital, System 7, The Orb and more over the years.

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

  • Block9: In Glasto's own words, this is "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."

  • The Park: There's more to The Park than the last minute rush for 'secret' sets you know (Pulp, Radiohead etc have all had a go) - it's got it all: open air stages, late night bars and cafes, tee pee villages, art installations and an illuminated 17 metre Ribbon Tower that looks out over the entire site. Lovely stuff.

  • The Bandstand: Relax and unwind with this blend of eclectic and diverse music and culture - just a stones throw from the Pyramid Stage.

  • The Common: Another themed world of international carnival antics and all-out rave fun.

  • William's Green: If you want to mellow out a little, then this is Glasto's take on the classic English village green. In the middle of it all, there's a 16 metre totem pole with signs pointing to every little venue on the Festival site, surrounding by a tin hut, trees and greenery, under which people can sit and enjoy their locally produced food from the various vendors forming an arc around the green. It's really rather marvellous. It's also home to the odd secret and intimate gig - The Vaccines played one there last year.

  • 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'

  • Kidz Field: If you're taking little ones to Glasto then don't worry - it's not all raves, topless madmen and noise. This sanctuary for children and parents offers " castles and aliens, bubbles and clowns, swingboats and roundabouts, explosions, magicians, stuntmen and technicolour nuns".

  • Acoustic Field: The legendary sounds of Glasto, unplugged.

  • The Stone Circle: In the King's Meadow stands this Stone Henge-esque haven - the ultimate place to get the perfect view of Glasto at sun set.

  • Arcadia: Prepare to make every other night out seem like a lame picnic as this robotic rave from outer space melts the very fabric of your mind.

  • Silver Hayes: Seven stages, a 'silver Saturday' theme and over 200 acts of DJs, rappers, and much more - this is where Glasto goes to dance and lose their minds.

  • The Wood: New to Glastonbury for 2016, Glaso promise "a miraculously undiscovered patch of woodland complete with a natural willow-lined pond called Peeter’s Pond. This is an area of the farm that has never been opened up to the public before. A magical place to be from dawn till dusk and beyond."


Photo: WENN