The Sense of Community at Glastonbury Festival

The Glastonbury Festival is one of the biggest and most iconic music festivals in the world. In 2019, over 200,000 festival-goers congregated in Pilton, Somerset, to experience the power of music, art and culture. Despite the diverse range of visitors and acts, the one thing that unites everyone at Glastonbury is the sense of community.

This community element is what sets Glastonbury apart from other festivals. From the moment you enter the site, you are surrounded by an atmosphere of warmth and inclusivity. People are friendly and welcoming, eager to strike up conversations and make new friends. Whether you’re camping with your mates or have come alone, it’s almost impossible not to feel part of something special.

One of the most striking aspects of the Glastonbury community is how it comes together in the face of adversity. The festival is renowned for its unpredictable weather, and 2019 was no exception. Heavy rain turned parts of the site into a mudbath, making it a challenge to navigate between stages. But rather than dampening spirits, this seemed to bring people even closer together. Strangers would help each other out, offering a hand to drag someone out of a particularly deep patch of mud or lending a spare poncho to someone who had come unprepared.

Of course, music is the main draw of Glastonbury, with some of the world’s biggest artists taking to the stage over the course of the weekend. But even here, the sense of community shines through. It’s not uncommon to strike up conversations with strangers while waiting for a band to start, swapping recommendations for upcoming acts or reminiscing about past festivals. And when your favourite band does finally take to the stage, the feeling of being part of the crowd, singing and dancing along together, is an indescribable rush.

But it’s not just about the music. Glastonbury is renowned for its array of other activities and attractions, from circus acts to art installations to poetry readings. Exploring the festival site feels like venturing into a magical, alternative world, and there’s always something unexpected just around the corner. This sense of adventure is further amplified by the fact that you’re experiencing it all with a community of like-minded people.

In an age where our digital lives can make us feel increasingly isolated, the sense of community at Glastonbury is a breath of fresh air. It’s a reminder that, despite our differences, we all have a common bond in our love of music and culture. And while the festival might only last a few days, the connections made and memories created will stay with attendees for a lifetime.

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