Glastonbury Festival [2023]: Guide to UK's Premier Music Fest

There are so many music festivals around the world, each with its own unique experience. Some are summer festivals, while some come alive in the winter. 

If you're a certified music lover, going to the Glastonbury Music Festival at least once in your lifetime is a rite of passage. 

If by any chance, you haven't heard of the festival, I'm here to give you all the juicy details to getting started. If you know about it and want to know all the secret hideouts and interesting sights, I'm your go-to-girl. 

The Glastonbury Festival has become the meeting ground for all music lovers and thrill-seekers alike. This famous Uk music festival is a must-visit, with tons of celebrities headlining the shows.

There are just so many exciting things to do at the festival, it'll blow your mind! I can gab about this all day, but I'll just cut to the chase and dish out what this festival is all about. Shall I?

What Is the Glastonbury Festival?

The Glastonbury Festival is an annual music festival held at Pilton, Somerset, England. It's also called Glastonbury or Glasto by locals and tourists alike.

Founded by Michael Eavis in 1970, it has since become one of the world's largest and most famous music festivals. 

But the Glastonbury Festival isn't the only of its kind. There are other various cultural festivals happening across the globe that won't disappoint!

The first-ever Glastonbury Festival was held on September 19, 1970, and was organized by the founder and his wife. The celebration pulled about 1,500 people, and admission was only £1.

The Glastonbury festival has since grown in size, attracting some of the biggest names in the music industry, like Beyonce, Coldplay, Radio head and many more! 

The Glastonbury Festival is also widely known for its commitment to numerous charitable causes. From political activism to social justice and climate change, it's raised millions of pounds for several organizations such as Greenpeace and Oxfam.

Who's Headlining the Glastonbury 2023 Festival?

Elton John, Arctic Monkeys, and Guns N' Roses have been announced as this year's pyramid headliners. Other artists that are part of the Glastonbury Festival 2023 lineup, such as Lizzo, Carly Rae Jepsen, Maneskin, Lewis Capaldi, Land Del Ray, and many more, have also been confirmed.

Top Things to Do at the Glastonbury Festival  

There are a lot of festival activities to try out at the Glastonbury Festival. Whatever you do, make sure you have the time of your life!

Watch Live Music From Any of the Different Stages

To be honest, music is one of the main reasons people from all walks of life come to the Glastonbury Festival. There are multiple stages erected around the festival field, each featuring different genres of music.

Whatever your musical taste is, you'll find it at the festival. 

You can watch your favorite musicians perform on stage, even as you discover new ones! Your playlist is guaranteed to be updated after a Glastonbury Festival experience. 

Make sure to go with a portable camera. You'll want to take tons of pictures to remind yourself of the epic moments you had at the occasion. 

Explore!

No matter how much I describe the sights at the Glastonbury festival, I could never do justice to how amazing it actually is. You need to see it for yourself. So be spunky, explore the surroundings, and enjoy the festive and almost mystical sights.

From the wonders of Shangri-La to the many stages erected around the green field and pubs sprawled around Glastonbury, you'll find something to soothe your adventurous itch.

Visit the Stone Circle

The stone circle at Glastonbury is famous and has been around for decades! It's referred to as the "Sacred Space" and has an absolutely breathtaking view. Locals say that the stone circle can inspire a mystical experience. 

You can head over there and have an amazing time testing the theory.

Go on a Glastonbury Bar Crawl

Going on a bar crawl is a must-do when in Glastonbury. These are not your usual bars, so take your time to explore. Each has its theme and own type of beer. Find the one that you love the most and enjoy! The Cornish Arms, Cockmill Bar, and Avalon Inn are some of the locals' favorite bars. Try them out! 

If you're a foodie, be sure to taste the different festival food available on-site. 

What Should You Bring to the Glastonbury Festival?

Make a list of festival essentials you need before your trip and pack according to that list. The last thing you want is to forget or misplace your entry tickets or ID.

Here's a list of some of the essentials:

• Glastonbury Festival ticket
• Festival hydration pack
• Power bank
• Chargers
• Tent
• Sleeping bag
• Toiletries
• Food
• Hand sanitizers

Tip: When packing for festival season, you may want to go with a lighter, even if you don't smoke. You'll constantly be asked if you've got one. Plus, it could be the perfect conversation starter. You never know.

Secret Places to Check Out at the Glastonbury Festival

The Stonemasons Arms

You'll see people chipping away at big blocks of stones on the green field. While it may look like a simple stone-masonry workshop, there's more to it than that. 

There's a secret to explore right past the tents and way out into the back – a hidden bar called "The Stonemasons Arms" complete with tables and chairs! This is a great place to relax among friends while taking in all the sights, away from the noise and drama at the Festival.

Secret Underground Piano Bar

Most people don't know that a secret underground piano bar is hidden somewhere in the green field. It's one of Glastonbury's legends and cannot be easily found unless you have inside information. You're welcome!

This piano bar is usually visited by well-known artists and is one of the favorite parts of Glastonbury. The impressive underground bar is built from a large hole in the ground and can be found southeast of the site. 

Grab your compass and go explore!

Hidden Venues at Shangri-la

The famous Shangri-la comes to life at nighttime. If you want to have the time of your life, go on an adventure and look for the hidden venues at Shangri-la.

Tip: knock, open random doors, and take a peek at the event happening. You'll definitely find one that meets and exceeds your taste.

The Spike

The Spike is a tree house structure located high up in the trees. Yes, trees!

It has a bar and is often frequented by DJs and bands. It's an odd yet thrilling way to relax with a drink in hand while having mini-concerts up in the trees. You can find The Spike near the Glade.

The Rabbit Hole – Secret Part

The Rabbit Hole bar is "Alice in Wonderland" themed and open to all. But, there is a secret world where weird and wonderful things happen.

To gain access, you have to follow the tunnels and answer riddles to enter the secret bars at the back. You'll find lots of beautifully colored tents and a hot tub! What's a hot tub doing in a bar? Well, I did say weird and wonderful things will happen. 

Enjoy the Festivities With Pilot!

Now that you know everything there is to know about the Glastonbury Festival, it's time to go exploring! Whenever you're set to make that trip, plan it with Pilot.