More than 100 stages, 3,000 artists and more than 200,000 people cheering them on: the Glastonbury Festival on Worthy Farm in the south-west of England, near the provincial village of Pilton (population less than 1,000), is an incomparable spectacle every June. A ticket for five days away from the world is as coveted as the golden tickets for Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. But who are the people who are working at Glastonbury year after year? We took a closer look at a few of them at this year’s edition.
Emily: The festival boss
Emily Eavis is the youngest daughter of Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis. And since he has largely retired, the most important woman at the festival. Emily grew up on Worthy Farm and knows every corner like the back of her hand. She has the final say on who performs when on which stage and what else happens at the festival. “I live Glastonbury twelve months a year, my team and I do our best to put on a magical event,” she says, describing her day-to-day work. At the festival itself, Emily not only pulls the strings in the background, but also mingles with the Glastonbury fans herself, such as here at the opening of the Woodsies Stage.
Alex und Lucy: The Water Dispensers
Dancing and partying make you thirsty – but this duo can help: Alex and Lucy are two of around 750 volunteers who keep the party animals’ throats from drying out at Glastonbury Festival. To avoid unnecessary plastic waste, all festival guests are encouraged to pack refillable bottles. And WaterAid, a British NGO, ensures on site that these always remain full. “There are different volunteer jobs. We work at the water station, others in the recycling team and still others are responsible for cleaning the toilets,” say the two. Each volunteer completes several shifts at the festival, with time for concerts and partying before and after.
Steve: Entertainer with retro bike
Steve, actor, entertainer and street performer, is one of the eye-catchers in the circus area of the Glastonbury Festival. He cycles between the tents on his self-made bike, pipe in the corner of his mouth, map in hand. And to make sure no one misses him, his ride also spits soap bubbles. “I’m here to entertain people,” is his motto. The role he plays at the festival: He tries to guide festival-goers to the Isle of Wight. He doesn’t reveal why this particular destination is so close to his heart. But the man with the pipe is a real Glastonbury one-off!
Emily: The gardener at the festival
There are not only lots of stages and tents at the festival, but also flower and vegetable gardens. And Emily (pictured with her daughter Lettie) is one of those who lovingly keep them in good shape. “For us, the work starts weeks before the gates open. It’s exciting to be involved in the construction work,” she says. Even in her eleventh year at Glastonbury , the festival has lost none of its magic: “I love the event, Worthy Farm and the people I work with. Glastonbury is like coming home.” Only one thing has changed, she admits with a smile: “Since my daughter came along, I can’t party quite as much anymore.”
Stella: The Qigong trainer
Born in Greece, she works as a qigong instructor in Oxford. At the Glastonbury Festival, the Healing Field is Stella’s territory, a kind of hippie zone with teepees, colorful flags and Buddha statues that offers festival-goers a little break from the hustle and bustle. Stella offers free daily courses here: “Anyone can take part, from beginners to professionals.” 2024 was her second year: “I love the variety at Glastonbury, the relaxed atmosphere in the Healing Field, but also the many bands that perform here.” Stella is also particularly fond of the nearby Greencrafts Field, where you can learn everything from jewelry making to carving under the guidance of professionals.
Steve: Artistic veteran
Shemanic Steve is sitting in front of his van just a few minutes away. The Brit with the beard was at the festival for the first time in 1981, where he exhibits his works of art. He has always parked in the same spot for 16 years. “I feel at home here, I have friends. I’m no longer interested in the headliners – I don’t know a single one,”he says. And that’s despite the fact that he used to look after the artists himself. In addition to the hippie field, Steve appreciates the Stone Circle, a megalithic circle on the farm. A lot has changed over the decades, he says: “The fact that tickets are now sold online means that those who have been there for decades hardly have a chance anymore.” The solution: “Most of us now work at the festival.”
Alice: Fashion consultant at the vintage stand
Alice is a waitress in Brighton in real life, but in the summer she works at more than a dozen festivals. At Glastonbury, she sells vintage clothes on a friend’s stand. “I love the festival, the atmosphere, the people – everyone is just happy to be here,” she says. For Alice, Glastonbury is a kind of class reunion: “I know so many people who work here and once a year we all get together.” She advises newcomers to be curious and look around away from the main stages: “One of my absolute highlights in 2024 was a shaman ritual with costumes, drums and all the trimmings that I stumbled across by chance.”
Constantinou: Der Greenpeace ambassador
The Italian Constantinou is fully committed to environmental protection. He works full-time for Greenpeace, hunting for members in London and at various festivals on the island. “It’s a job with a purpose that is also a lot of fun,” says Constantinou. At the Glastonbury Festival, Greenpeace has its own zone (easily recognizable by a huge artificial tree), with a stage for music and talks, workshops, a rave zone and a vegan food stall. Over the five days in June alone, the Greenpeace crew recruits thousands of new members every year. Glastonbury is, says Constantinou, “one of the most important weeks of the year” for Greenpeace.
All Images: © Astrid Hofer
