The first ever Glastonbury festival launched back in 1970 in Pilton. The people of Somerset have had their fair shares of visits to the legendary five-day event. But for SomersetLive reporter Heather Pickstock, it's a new experience - she's never stepped foot on the site of the UK's biggest festival.
Heather is taking on her first ever Glasto this year - and is documenting her experience. Heather, who admits she is 'nearly as old as the festival itself', has read every Glasto guide she could get her hands on, and is now putting her knowledge to the test.
Here's what she had to say about her first day...
You HAVE seen the film ‘Bridget Jones Baby’ haven’t you Hev? was the reaction I got when I told friends I was going to Glastonbury Festival for the first time. Funnily enough I had watched the film a couple of weeks beforehand after learning I had secured my ticket to what is dubbed as the ‘greatest open air party in the world'.
Blonde, a little ditsy, a BIG lover of wine and a habit of attracting totally inappropriate male suitors, I could see Bridget and I had a lot in common. This - and the fact I was to be unleashed solo at Glastonbury Festival without one of them as my dedicated ‘carer’ - seemed to concern my girlfriends.
“You will keep us up to date, won’t you?” one asked. “Will you let us know you’re not head down drunk in a ditch,” another pleaded. I reassured them of the fact that I would be suitably responsible.
After all, I am nearly as old as the festival itself and, when I really focus on it, can act as a grown up and a responsible adult. What could possibly go wrong when thrown into a campsite in the middle of Somerset with 200,000 other partygoers?
Trying to cast aside my many ‘Bridget-isms’ I decided practical and necessary was the way forward. Medical pack (including painkillers and plasters), lots of clean grundies, toothbrush etc, make up bag, toilet rolls - I read many Glasto guides to make sure I was prepared as possible.
Oh and comfy shoes and wellies. Ok, they weren’t walking shoes. Sparkly trainers complete with memory foam insoles would have to do. A lick of lip gloss, a spray tan, blow dry and lashes and I was ready to take on Glasto for the first time - while trying to do it with a flourish of glamour.
On arriving alongside my fellow journos - some who were also Glasto virgins like myself - we pledged to ‘stick together’ fearing we would all become lost. And god forbid, like Bridget herself, I would end up falling into the yurt of a handsome, single millionaire.
Clinging on to each other for dear life we followed our Glasto stalwart journo around what I can only describe as ‘Disneyland for adults.’ Pyramid Stage, The Park and Shangri-La.
What an eye-opener this place is. There is literally nowhere on earth like it. I knew at some point I was going to have to use one of the much talked about long drops. An experience I was dreading.
And as we got deeper into the site it was easy to work out where these open air saloon style loos were. You can smell them far sooner than you can see them.
It was at this point I explained to the younger of my crew, of the technique of ‘coupying down’. It is a very necessary skill when negotiating these facilities. Plus it’s good for toning your calf and thigh muscles.
I was proud on my first visit - even posted on my social media feed I’d managed to wee in one. Without using a nose peg.
“Oh Hev, it’s early days,” a friend of mine and regular Glasto attendee posted. “You wait until they’ve been basking in the sun and used by drunk people for a few days.”
My stomach was already starting to churn at the thought. Thank god for the loos in the press area.
It took careful planning to schedule my daily ablutions to coincide when I could use these facilities which are regularly cleaned with toilets that actually flush. Another concern was how to stay clean.
At home I enjoy a soak in bubble filled claw foot bath nightly. Now I was going to have to queue with hundreds of others for the chance of a scrub down.
And how was I going to be able to sleep? I become a bit of a swamp witch if I don’t get enough shut eye.
The first night was a challenge. I did bring ear plugs but for some reason, could still hear the noise which kept me up until the early hours.
Surprisingly, after just a few hours sleep, I felt quite lively in the morning for the busy day ahead. It's the atmosphere of Glastonbury keeps you on a natural high.
Who needs sleep? The second night, determined to get some better rest, I popped a new pair of earplugs in.
I think I pushed them in so hard they practically touched my brain. But it did keep out the majority of the noise once I finally made it to my tent without decapitating myself on a guy rope.
24 hours in, I’ve had a few beers and have yet to fall into any hedges or ditches. I’ve seen some amazing bands, seen some fantastic sights and met some truly great people.
I’ve walked around the site alone and not got massively lost. Or kidnapped by aliens.
Initially I was nervous about there being so many people. But it is true what they say, that Glastonbury really is one big family.
Today is the main reason I jumped at getting a 2023 ticket. The line up is incredible with stars such as Billy Idol, Lewis Capaldi and the legendary Guns N' Roses.
It’s hot, really hot. And I am so glad I brought a water bottle and a hat. The memory foam insoles have been a gamechanger.
My first 24 hours have been a blast and I have survived it without incident. My friends can rest easy that I have settled into Glasto life and even managed the long drops…. So far.
As for the millionaire in the yurt? I’m still working on that.
