Glastonbury 2017 - Diary
Thoughts and Diary: <Initial Thoughts> <A Diary of Sorts>
Photo Galleries: <Wednesday> <Thursday> <Friday> <Saturday> <Sunday>
Blog: <A Few Last Words About Glastonbury 2017>
Photo Galleries: <Wednesday> <Thursday> <Friday> <Saturday> <Sunday>
Blog: <A Few Last Words About Glastonbury 2017>
glastonbury_2017.png |
I kept a diary -- of sorts.
This is a transcript. Apologies for the mixed tenses!
This is a transcript. Apologies for the mixed tenses!
Tuesday 20 June 2017 -
"My bags are packed and I am ready to go" is a line from a song which always comes to mind at this time.
As usual, both my rucksack and kit bag are very heavy and I barely managed to walk from Dundrey Crescent to Merstham railway station. Temperatures today have been in the early 30s C and I have struggled.
I am now at my Mum's flat in Covent Garden, I am showered and writing this prior to turning in.
The coach is due to leave from the O2 in Greenwich at 07:00, so I need to get moving on to the underground by 05:15 in the morning "just in case".
What are my pre-emptive feelings about this year's Festival of Contemporary Arts?
The only issues so far are a broken boot lace, a hole in my kit bag where the fabric sags, and I think that I have forgotten to pack a pillow.
Mum has been glued to a BBC TV drama and is just off to bed at 22:00, so it is time for me to turn in.
A big day tomorrow, so goodnight ...
"My bags are packed and I am ready to go" is a line from a song which always comes to mind at this time.
As usual, both my rucksack and kit bag are very heavy and I barely managed to walk from Dundrey Crescent to Merstham railway station. Temperatures today have been in the early 30s C and I have struggled.
I am now at my Mum's flat in Covent Garden, I am showered and writing this prior to turning in.
The coach is due to leave from the O2 in Greenwich at 07:00, so I need to get moving on to the underground by 05:15 in the morning "just in case".
What are my pre-emptive feelings about this year's Festival of Contemporary Arts?
- At first sight, the line up is not very strong, but there is plenty to keep my interest.
- I really have no idea about the second and third tier bands and artists on this year's bill. This may or may not be an issue - I will know by next Sunday night.
- My life outlook and priorities have changed over the past 18 months, and I feel quite strongly that this may be my last trip to a tented festival. 2018 is a fallow year at Worthy Farm and although I love it, I sense it's time with me is coming to an end. Over the last year or so, my life outlook and priorities have changed. Going away alone takes me away from individuals that I love, which upsets both myself and them - so that is about it.
The only issues so far are a broken boot lace, a hole in my kit bag where the fabric sags, and I think that I have forgotten to pack a pillow.
Mum has been glued to a BBC TV drama and is just off to bed at 22:00, so it is time for me to turn in.
A big day tomorrow, so goodnight ...
Wednesday 21 June 2017 - "Glastonbury or bust..."
Alarm at 04:30, which was hard. Quick wash and off to Leicester Square tube at 05:00. I was surprised to find it closed ! Change of plan, so took a black cab to Southwark underground station to pick up the Jubilee line to North Greenwich.
I am on the platform at 05:35, but there is no train advertised for 18 minutes. Early birds look as shocked as me about this, but the train arrives at 05:50.
The Coach Park is a short walk away from the tube station and I was in-situ by 06:30, waiting with a few hopefuls. Personally, I was wishing that I had made a cup of tea before I left.
Coaches were arriving and being loaded randomly - #58, #60, #89, #56...., #94 -- Hooray !
Having left a full 75 minutes late, I feared the worst, but I dozed a couple of times and had a Full English at a Harry Ramsden eatery at Fleet Services on the M3, dozed again and we arrived at the coach park on the site at about 14:30 without many major delays.
Bags off, then a walk to Gate A, security check of bags, ticket check, and wrist banding, then programme and mini-map presentation.
Alarm at 04:30, which was hard. Quick wash and off to Leicester Square tube at 05:00. I was surprised to find it closed ! Change of plan, so took a black cab to Southwark underground station to pick up the Jubilee line to North Greenwich.
I am on the platform at 05:35, but there is no train advertised for 18 minutes. Early birds look as shocked as me about this, but the train arrives at 05:50.
The Coach Park is a short walk away from the tube station and I was in-situ by 06:30, waiting with a few hopefuls. Personally, I was wishing that I had made a cup of tea before I left.
Coaches were arriving and being loaded randomly - #58, #60, #89, #56...., #94 -- Hooray !
Having left a full 75 minutes late, I feared the worst, but I dozed a couple of times and had a Full English at a Harry Ramsden eatery at Fleet Services on the M3, dozed again and we arrived at the coach park on the site at about 14:30 without many major delays.
Bags off, then a walk to Gate A, security check of bags, ticket check, and wrist banding, then programme and mini-map presentation.
There are more tents than I expected, but there is plenty of room and I pitched as in the past in the Pylon Field. Toilets, food and water all close, but not too close, and also there is the bonus of being only about 5 minutes (without the bags - haha !) from Pedestrian Gate A.
My tent and paraphernalia are up by 16:00, and yes I have forgotten my pillow.
The site is very, very hot (mid 30s C) and there are many, many people drifting around.
I get a drink, and water, and more water, and an orange & mango juice which finally hits the spot.
A walk takes me through Silver Hayes, on to Greenpeace and I end up in the north east corner of the site at the Pilton Palais cinema tent. I saw a documentary about Mick Ronson (titled something like Standing By Bowie) which was interesting.
After calling a dear friend, I walked towards The Park which was rammed with thousands of people, as was the Stone Circle and Sacred Space.
I walked past Strummerville up the hill and saw that bonfires and fireworks were set at the top of the three main high areas (Above Sacred Space, Above Tipi Field and Above The park). There were nicely crafted wooden Phoenixes set in each bonfire site.
My tent and paraphernalia are up by 16:00, and yes I have forgotten my pillow.
The site is very, very hot (mid 30s C) and there are many, many people drifting around.
I get a drink, and water, and more water, and an orange & mango juice which finally hits the spot.
A walk takes me through Silver Hayes, on to Greenpeace and I end up in the north east corner of the site at the Pilton Palais cinema tent. I saw a documentary about Mick Ronson (titled something like Standing By Bowie) which was interesting.
After calling a dear friend, I walked towards The Park which was rammed with thousands of people, as was the Stone Circle and Sacred Space.
I walked past Strummerville up the hill and saw that bonfires and fireworks were set at the top of the three main high areas (Above Sacred Space, Above Tipi Field and Above The park). There were nicely crafted wooden Phoenixes set in each bonfire site.
As the light faded, I walked down towards Arcadia. The equipment was being checked out and fire jets and lights were in full evidence. I think that the "Arcadia Show - Metamorphosis" will be spectacular, if I decide to see it on Sunday to round off the visit.
I bimbled back to my tent and the bonfires and firework display started. There was a good view - even from my tent .
I settled to sleep by about 23:30 or so, but was rudely awoken at 04:15 - but more of that in tomorrow's entry.
<Wednesday's photos here>
I bimbled back to my tent and the bonfires and firework display started. There was a good view - even from my tent .
I settled to sleep by about 23:30 or so, but was rudely awoken at 04:15 - but more of that in tomorrow's entry.
<Wednesday's photos here>
Thursday 22 June 2017 - "Exploring Worthy Farm"
I had got my head down at a reasonable time, all things considered, but was woken abruptly by a a couple (partners or maybe a father and daughter) shouting at each other along the lines of:
<Irate Male voice> : "I have been in bed for 2 hours. I came back to the tent 2 hours ago. You went off to <somewhere> and came back at
4 'clock. FOUR O'CLOCK and it is only Wednesday night - you could have just ruined the rest of the festival by staying out until now on the first night. I am going to sleep!"
He did eventually, and so did I before waking again at about 06:00.
A traditional wet wipe wash, trip to the compost toilet and check of the tent.
One of the pegs holding a guy wad been broken by a stray foot during the night and needed replacing. The bio-degradable pegs are a great idea, but very brittle and break if the pressure applied is the wrong one.
Breakfast next, Bacon, Egg and Mushroom bap with a cuppa for £8-50. I am sure that was "only" about £6 when I first came in 2011.
Looks cloudy, so my hoodie goes on and I stroll to The Park. The Singing Tower is open and there is no queue, so up I go. The view of the site is great - I really do love this place (especially on a chilled out early morning stroll with nobody about).
I had got my head down at a reasonable time, all things considered, but was woken abruptly by a a couple (partners or maybe a father and daughter) shouting at each other along the lines of:
<Irate Male voice> : "I have been in bed for 2 hours. I came back to the tent 2 hours ago. You went off to <somewhere> and came back at
4 'clock. FOUR O'CLOCK and it is only Wednesday night - you could have just ruined the rest of the festival by staying out until now on the first night. I am going to sleep!"
He did eventually, and so did I before waking again at about 06:00.
A traditional wet wipe wash, trip to the compost toilet and check of the tent.
One of the pegs holding a guy wad been broken by a stray foot during the night and needed replacing. The bio-degradable pegs are a great idea, but very brittle and break if the pressure applied is the wrong one.
Breakfast next, Bacon, Egg and Mushroom bap with a cuppa for £8-50. I am sure that was "only" about £6 when I first came in 2011.
Looks cloudy, so my hoodie goes on and I stroll to The Park. The Singing Tower is open and there is no queue, so up I go. The view of the site is great - I really do love this place (especially on a chilled out early morning stroll with nobody about).
I sat down close by to write up the diary with a fruit smoothie and cup of tea chaser and chatted a little with the people whose table I had joined.
I had been told that "Carmaggedon" would be open for viewing at about 11:30, so I ambled to the west end of the site.
The concept is a Post-Apocalyptic Drive In Movie. The cars and vehicles are wrecked and remodelled along "Mad Max" lines. There are tracked vehicles, Rolls-Royce and Bentleys, Beetles and even a Lear Jet. you pay to borrow headphones (£20 returnable deposit) and can sit in the cars to watch the movies. It looks very cool.
I picked up some lunch (a single Sausage, Mash and Onion Gravy, £5) and went went back to my tent for a towel.
I gambled that at 14:30 in the afternoon, the showers in the Greenpeace area would not be too busy.
They weren't and I walked straight in. All you are asked is that you use the bio-degradable shower gel that is provided.
The shower felt very good after two very hot and sweaty days, especially as when I left queues were forming to use them !
A little more strolling before going to the Pilton Palais to see Rogue One, the Star Wars movie. Sadly, I didn't enjoy the first 30 minutes or so and left to see a little of the William's Green area.
I picked up a Spinach, Cheese and Garlic Mushroom crepe (£5-50), which was very good and ate it mingling with the growing crowds moving down the walkways.
With no real plan, I arrived by Pennard Hill and Strummerville and walked along the top of the site Above Tipi Village and The Park and sat and took in the view.
I had been told that "Carmaggedon" would be open for viewing at about 11:30, so I ambled to the west end of the site.
The concept is a Post-Apocalyptic Drive In Movie. The cars and vehicles are wrecked and remodelled along "Mad Max" lines. There are tracked vehicles, Rolls-Royce and Bentleys, Beetles and even a Lear Jet. you pay to borrow headphones (£20 returnable deposit) and can sit in the cars to watch the movies. It looks very cool.
I picked up some lunch (a single Sausage, Mash and Onion Gravy, £5) and went went back to my tent for a towel.
I gambled that at 14:30 in the afternoon, the showers in the Greenpeace area would not be too busy.
They weren't and I walked straight in. All you are asked is that you use the bio-degradable shower gel that is provided.
The shower felt very good after two very hot and sweaty days, especially as when I left queues were forming to use them !
A little more strolling before going to the Pilton Palais to see Rogue One, the Star Wars movie. Sadly, I didn't enjoy the first 30 minutes or so and left to see a little of the William's Green area.
I picked up a Spinach, Cheese and Garlic Mushroom crepe (£5-50), which was very good and ate it mingling with the growing crowds moving down the walkways.
With no real plan, I arrived by Pennard Hill and Strummerville and walked along the top of the site Above Tipi Village and The Park and sat and took in the view.
I exchanged a few text messages with my friend, Jenny, who was seeing to Blakka, my cat during my few days away and tried to call. Signal quality was flaky, so I walked back to the Peace Garden near Pennards Hill and called her again.
At about 21:30, there was a definite chill in the air, so I went back to the tent to turn in - so much for my "Rock 'n' Roll" lifestyle !
Despite noisy neighbours, I managed to drift off with little effort. The early start, 29,000 + steps and much fresh air had their effect!
All of which brings us up to date (I am writing this on Friday morning).
The weather is set to be a little cloudy in the morning with sunny spells later - should be a cracking start to the musical part of the festival.
Oh, a pain in my left wrist has reminded me that I had a fall on the way back to the tent last night - I didn't notice the guy rope on someone's tent and tripped. The peg stayed as it had been set, but I flew through the air with a certain style !
<Thursday's photos here>
Let's get on with the day!
At about 21:30, there was a definite chill in the air, so I went back to the tent to turn in - so much for my "Rock 'n' Roll" lifestyle !
Despite noisy neighbours, I managed to drift off with little effort. The early start, 29,000 + steps and much fresh air had their effect!
All of which brings us up to date (I am writing this on Friday morning).
The weather is set to be a little cloudy in the morning with sunny spells later - should be a cracking start to the musical part of the festival.
Oh, a pain in my left wrist has reminded me that I had a fall on the way back to the tent last night - I didn't notice the guy rope on someone's tent and tripped. The peg stayed as it had been set, but I flew through the air with a certain style !
<Thursday's photos here>
Let's get on with the day!
Friday 23 June - Music Day#1
I woke early again, so feel a little thick headed.
After ablutions, I had a breakfast of Bacon and Egg bap and a cuppa.
The cafe staff looked a little miserable, but my attempt to lighten their mood by suggesting that their food would obviously be better than anything from the team at the other end of the tent was greeted by a slightly terse "You Southerners always try to make a joke about things".
After writing up the diary, I strolled towards the Other Stage via Silver Hayes and on the way picked up a fruit smoothie to get my sugar levels up. I think that I might be a bit dehydrated and my head feels as though a headache might be brewing.
I am in position early enough for a spot on the rail for the Pretenders, who are kicking things off at 11:00. Chrissie Hynde is on good form and this generation of the band are very tight. They played a very enjoyable set, which is a nice way to start proceedings.
I woke early again, so feel a little thick headed.
After ablutions, I had a breakfast of Bacon and Egg bap and a cuppa.
The cafe staff looked a little miserable, but my attempt to lighten their mood by suggesting that their food would obviously be better than anything from the team at the other end of the tent was greeted by a slightly terse "You Southerners always try to make a joke about things".
After writing up the diary, I strolled towards the Other Stage via Silver Hayes and on the way picked up a fruit smoothie to get my sugar levels up. I think that I might be a bit dehydrated and my head feels as though a headache might be brewing.
I am in position early enough for a spot on the rail for the Pretenders, who are kicking things off at 11:00. Chrissie Hynde is on good form and this generation of the band are very tight. They played a very enjoyable set, which is a nice way to start proceedings.
I moved towards the Pyramid Stage and picked up a nice Risotto (half Chicken and Pea, and half Mixed Mushroom) for lunch.
I got to the Pyramid and Paul Carrack was still on stage and after he did "The Living Years" and "How Long", he finished up. The shift of crowd meant I was at the rail a short distance up the arena.
Blossoms played a v ery good tight set and included a medley segment of "You're Gorgeous" by (Babybird) "Half a World Away" (Oasis) and Last Christmas" (Wham).
Then I started walking to the Acoustic Stage (in the north east of the site) to see the Young 'Uns, a great folk trio from Teeside. Terrific.
The stroll towards the next one on the list took me past the Pyramid again, where Kris Kristofferson was playing to a very crowded arena. I managed a couple of reasonable photos with the Canon SX60HS "superzoom" lens - it really is a very impressive piece of kit.
From there, I moved towards the centre of the site to see Kate Tempest, a young performance poet, on the West Holts Stage. She is very angry and has things to say.
I left her after about 20 minutes (as I said, she is very angry) and walked towards the Other Stage to see George Ezra, whose set was really enjoyable - the arena was rammed.
I got to the Pyramid and Paul Carrack was still on stage and after he did "The Living Years" and "How Long", he finished up. The shift of crowd meant I was at the rail a short distance up the arena.
Blossoms played a v ery good tight set and included a medley segment of "You're Gorgeous" by (Babybird) "Half a World Away" (Oasis) and Last Christmas" (Wham).
Then I started walking to the Acoustic Stage (in the north east of the site) to see the Young 'Uns, a great folk trio from Teeside. Terrific.
The stroll towards the next one on the list took me past the Pyramid again, where Kris Kristofferson was playing to a very crowded arena. I managed a couple of reasonable photos with the Canon SX60HS "superzoom" lens - it really is a very impressive piece of kit.
From there, I moved towards the centre of the site to see Kate Tempest, a young performance poet, on the West Holts Stage. She is very angry and has things to say.
I left her after about 20 minutes (as I said, she is very angry) and walked towards the Other Stage to see George Ezra, whose set was really enjoyable - the arena was rammed.
After his set was done ( which was really enjoyable as he seems to be a genuinely nice chap), I strolled the short distance to Leftfield.
I caught about 20 minutes of Cabbage's very angry set before Billy Bragg came on to round off my musical day.
A combination of tiredness, the heat and missing company at home meant that although this had been an interesting day, I was struggling with being away from home.
I hoped that this would ease on Saturday.
<More of Friday Photos here>
I caught about 20 minutes of Cabbage's very angry set before Billy Bragg came on to round off my musical day.
A combination of tiredness, the heat and missing company at home meant that although this had been an interesting day, I was struggling with being away from home.
I hoped that this would ease on Saturday.
<More of Friday Photos here>
Saturday 24 June - Sgt Pepper at 50 and other legacy items
Having suffered from noisy neighbours for two nights, I took the drastic step and put in ear plugs before I drifted to sleep last night. They did a terrific job and I woke at a leisurely 07:05.
Usual toilet visits and a wet wipe wash, and then off to breakfast in the "Legends" cafe which is sited in the Pylon Field about 150 yards from my tent.
I chatted with a bloke I am unlikely to meet again and lost the chance to write up my Friday diary entry. Still as we commented, people on their own at this festival do tend to speak to each other and chat, more so than people in groups of friends.
10:30 at the Pyramid Stage was this morning's choice - The Bootleg Beatles and Pepperland Sinfonia. They played many of the songs from the 50 year old "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely hearts Club Band". It is remarkable to note that this tribute band has been in existence longer than the Fab Four themselves.
The band were in full Sgt Pepper regalia and the show a great sing-along. The crowd loved it.
Having suffered from noisy neighbours for two nights, I took the drastic step and put in ear plugs before I drifted to sleep last night. They did a terrific job and I woke at a leisurely 07:05.
Usual toilet visits and a wet wipe wash, and then off to breakfast in the "Legends" cafe which is sited in the Pylon Field about 150 yards from my tent.
I chatted with a bloke I am unlikely to meet again and lost the chance to write up my Friday diary entry. Still as we commented, people on their own at this festival do tend to speak to each other and chat, more so than people in groups of friends.
10:30 at the Pyramid Stage was this morning's choice - The Bootleg Beatles and Pepperland Sinfonia. They played many of the songs from the 50 year old "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely hearts Club Band". It is remarkable to note that this tribute band has been in existence longer than the Fab Four themselves.
The band were in full Sgt Pepper regalia and the show a great sing-along. The crowd loved it.
There was time afterwards to stroll up to the Cabaret Tent to see comedian Jeremy Hardy, whose caustic witty ranting style I like very much.
Then on and past the Other Stage where British Sea Power played. I stood and enjoyed for a while
I had been told that I "must" see and get some photos of boy band Busted who were playing at the Avalon Stage at 15:45, so I strolled over that way and arrived about an hour or so before.
Irish folkie band The Eskies were in full flow and were very good and full of banter.
As Busted time got closer, the tent was filling very fast and becoming very busy.
I strategically moved to only a short way inside the tent, so I could exit after couple of songs as I had appointments elsewhere.
The crowd went berserk and sang along to things I did not know, but every one seemed to be having a good time !
The next problem was to get out , which required careful treading and some pushing and shoving - the whole area was packed and apparently entrance was now closed. I ended up cutting through the Avalon Inn and exiting the back door.
It turned out that Avalon had been so crowded that the area was closed to entry.
I found a short cut from the Avalon area to the Acoustic Stage via a bridge and the Theatre & Circus Field.
I passed trapeze acts and an old boy singing and playing his trumpet with much gusto - "the Crooked Crooner".
I bought a very nice pain-au-raisin and an iced bun with a cup of tea and sat down outside the Acoustic Tent for a snack and bit of a rest.
Then on and past the Other Stage where British Sea Power played. I stood and enjoyed for a while
I had been told that I "must" see and get some photos of boy band Busted who were playing at the Avalon Stage at 15:45, so I strolled over that way and arrived about an hour or so before.
Irish folkie band The Eskies were in full flow and were very good and full of banter.
As Busted time got closer, the tent was filling very fast and becoming very busy.
I strategically moved to only a short way inside the tent, so I could exit after couple of songs as I had appointments elsewhere.
The crowd went berserk and sang along to things I did not know, but every one seemed to be having a good time !
The next problem was to get out , which required careful treading and some pushing and shoving - the whole area was packed and apparently entrance was now closed. I ended up cutting through the Avalon Inn and exiting the back door.
It turned out that Avalon had been so crowded that the area was closed to entry.
I found a short cut from the Avalon area to the Acoustic Stage via a bridge and the Theatre & Circus Field.
I passed trapeze acts and an old boy singing and playing his trumpet with much gusto - "the Crooked Crooner".
I bought a very nice pain-au-raisin and an iced bun with a cup of tea and sat down outside the Acoustic Tent for a snack and bit of a rest.
As luck would have it, KT Tunstall started a little later than I expected - which may or may not have been because Jeremy Corbyn, the Labour Party Opposition Leader spoke firstly at the Pyramid and then at Leftfield, something that the whole festival seemed to be buzzing about that - so I heard the whole of her set.
Movement around the tent was sadly made barely possible by the rows of camping chairs people had lined up to rest between the acts, even though they are officially barred from inside the tent stages.
The setting of the Acoustic Stage is a little strange, which I had not noticed before. If you stand at the stage rail and turn around and start walking towards the back of the tent, you will first go up a slight uphill, and then downhill.
Which means that sight lines are a a bit skewed because of this, and taking photographs from the back of the tent is very tricky !
KT Tunstall and her band played a fabulous set and she seemed to really enjoy herself. Afterwards the crowd cleared, and I was able to shuffle down to the front.
Andy Fairweather-Low & the Low Riders played a great set, including all of his hits - "Bend Me, Shape Me", "Paradise (is Half As Nice)", and "Wide-Eyed and Legless".
Next up were Chris Difford and Glen Tilbrook, offering a stripped down collection of their band Squeeze's hits. Again, it was terrific.
I gave up my front rail position, left the Acoustic Tent and strolled towards the Leftfield to round of the day.
When I got there, it was pretty full, but I settled a little way back to see Alison Moyet. Her voice is great, and the audience particularly loved the old stuff ("Only You", " "Love Resurrection"). She had one false start and decided to abandon singing one song.
Alison Moyet also took a dislike to some technology when it failed - "I'll have to sing it acapella then, I hate technology. I am a Luddite."
From there, I once more walked to my tent via The Other Stage, Silver Hayes and The Blues.
I had managed a couple of quick chats with the loved ones I was missing so much during yesterday - it is nice to talk to the people at home you miss!
<More of Saturday's Photos here>
All of which brings us to Sunday...
Movement around the tent was sadly made barely possible by the rows of camping chairs people had lined up to rest between the acts, even though they are officially barred from inside the tent stages.
The setting of the Acoustic Stage is a little strange, which I had not noticed before. If you stand at the stage rail and turn around and start walking towards the back of the tent, you will first go up a slight uphill, and then downhill.
Which means that sight lines are a a bit skewed because of this, and taking photographs from the back of the tent is very tricky !
KT Tunstall and her band played a fabulous set and she seemed to really enjoy herself. Afterwards the crowd cleared, and I was able to shuffle down to the front.
Andy Fairweather-Low & the Low Riders played a great set, including all of his hits - "Bend Me, Shape Me", "Paradise (is Half As Nice)", and "Wide-Eyed and Legless".
Next up were Chris Difford and Glen Tilbrook, offering a stripped down collection of their band Squeeze's hits. Again, it was terrific.
I gave up my front rail position, left the Acoustic Tent and strolled towards the Leftfield to round of the day.
When I got there, it was pretty full, but I settled a little way back to see Alison Moyet. Her voice is great, and the audience particularly loved the old stuff ("Only You", " "Love Resurrection"). She had one false start and decided to abandon singing one song.
Alison Moyet also took a dislike to some technology when it failed - "I'll have to sing it acapella then, I hate technology. I am a Luddite."
From there, I once more walked to my tent via The Other Stage, Silver Hayes and The Blues.
I had managed a couple of quick chats with the loved ones I was missing so much during yesterday - it is nice to talk to the people at home you miss!
<More of Saturday's Photos here>
All of which brings us to Sunday...
Sunday 25 June - Brass bands,Circus Acts and Basil Brush
Feels chillier this morning, but no rain is expected until after noon.
Phone call to home over my cup of tea, breakfast and then off to the Pyramid. Apparently the Foo Fighters had blown the crowd away just 12 hours earlier, but to start today on the same stage was the famous brass band, The Black Dyke Band.
Their set for Glastonbury included tributes to Status Quo, David Bowie and Earth, Wind & Fire. Also included was a James Bond Suite. The band lived up to their reputation
Next up was a walk to the Circus Big Top to see an act recommended by a work collegue. When I arrived, The Wookey Hole Circus were in the ring - very talented youngsters indeed.
Rod Laver has apparently been performing his 15 minute ping pong ball juggling act for more than 20 years, so I think it is safe to say it is pretty good. It was and was an entertaining way to spend 15 minutes.
While I was at the north side of the site I checked on shower queues near the Kidzfield, which at 12:00 were still sizable, so I headed south towards Greenpeace instead. I took a shower ticket, and was told there would be a 40 minute wait, but as it happened I was changing to go under the water within 10 minutes.
Refreshed, I went back to the tent and packed up what kit I could, ahead of tomorrow's departure.
I wanted to see Lisa Hannigan, who's album from a couple of years ago I enjoyed. I got to the Avalon Stage and realised that I should have been at The Park. A 15 minute retrace of steps got me there, but I didn't stay very long - Lisa Hannigan is a beautiful recording artist but she did not seem to be very dynamic on stage.
Not wasting an opportunity, I had a Steak and Mushroom Square Pie with Mash and Peas for a late lunch while listening to Lisa Hannigan as her music filled The Park area.
After re-fueling, I started the long trek from The Park to the Acoustic Stage. The Bootleg Beatles were playing a second set today.
It sneaked a look in the Kidzfield on the way, and saw some fabulous signage and Basil Brush, the old TV fox.
At the Acoustic, the Bootleg Beatles put on another great sing-along covering the early days of "Help" and "All My Loving". Following a costume change, "Let It Be" and "Hey Jude".
Feels chillier this morning, but no rain is expected until after noon.
Phone call to home over my cup of tea, breakfast and then off to the Pyramid. Apparently the Foo Fighters had blown the crowd away just 12 hours earlier, but to start today on the same stage was the famous brass band, The Black Dyke Band.
Their set for Glastonbury included tributes to Status Quo, David Bowie and Earth, Wind & Fire. Also included was a James Bond Suite. The band lived up to their reputation
Next up was a walk to the Circus Big Top to see an act recommended by a work collegue. When I arrived, The Wookey Hole Circus were in the ring - very talented youngsters indeed.
Rod Laver has apparently been performing his 15 minute ping pong ball juggling act for more than 20 years, so I think it is safe to say it is pretty good. It was and was an entertaining way to spend 15 minutes.
While I was at the north side of the site I checked on shower queues near the Kidzfield, which at 12:00 were still sizable, so I headed south towards Greenpeace instead. I took a shower ticket, and was told there would be a 40 minute wait, but as it happened I was changing to go under the water within 10 minutes.
Refreshed, I went back to the tent and packed up what kit I could, ahead of tomorrow's departure.
I wanted to see Lisa Hannigan, who's album from a couple of years ago I enjoyed. I got to the Avalon Stage and realised that I should have been at The Park. A 15 minute retrace of steps got me there, but I didn't stay very long - Lisa Hannigan is a beautiful recording artist but she did not seem to be very dynamic on stage.
Not wasting an opportunity, I had a Steak and Mushroom Square Pie with Mash and Peas for a late lunch while listening to Lisa Hannigan as her music filled The Park area.
After re-fueling, I started the long trek from The Park to the Acoustic Stage. The Bootleg Beatles were playing a second set today.
It sneaked a look in the Kidzfield on the way, and saw some fabulous signage and Basil Brush, the old TV fox.
At the Acoustic, the Bootleg Beatles put on another great sing-along covering the early days of "Help" and "All My Loving". Following a costume change, "Let It Be" and "Hey Jude".
I left after the show and got a very good iced bun and cup of tea, which I ate in the late sunshine.
I phoned home one last time after finding a half quiet spot in the Green Fields area. Strolling and chatting on the phone, I found myself down towards Arcadia area.
Arcadia is essentially a dance music arena, which is dominated by a giant metal 3 legged spider. There are gas jets, lights, aerial acrobats and electricity, but it is spectacular.
The show - "Metamorphosis" had a loose plot about raising the spider spirit and capturing and changing some people into spiders. Hokum and rubbish I know, but the show itself is great. It is normally late night fayre, but this one started at 9:30, so I thought it would be a nice way to end the festival.
It was, and I am very pleased I made the effort to see it.
<More of Sunday's Photos here>
Monday 26 June - Let's get me home!
My alarm woke me at 05:15 so I could break camp, and everything was packed up and ready to go by 06:45. I made my way up the hill with my overweight bags and out through Pedestrian Gate A to the Coach Park.
Coaches began moving at 07:00 or so, and I wanted to be on an early one. I reached the See Ticket Coach area for the London bound coaches at 07:10, and after 3 or 4 had arrived and departed, my bags went into the luggage storage on one and I was seated in the coach by 08:00 or so. It left by 08:15 and off we went.
All was going well until we stopped on the A303 a few miles west of Stonehenge where broken down farm truck problems reduced the two lane section traffic flow to single file moving in dribs and drabs. The coach stood still for the best part of 2 hours.
The heat and no working air conditioning meant that I drifted in and out of sleep, but did awaken in time to see Stonehenge passing by.
My alarm woke me at 05:15 so I could break camp, and everything was packed up and ready to go by 06:45. I made my way up the hill with my overweight bags and out through Pedestrian Gate A to the Coach Park.
Coaches began moving at 07:00 or so, and I wanted to be on an early one. I reached the See Ticket Coach area for the London bound coaches at 07:10, and after 3 or 4 had arrived and departed, my bags went into the luggage storage on one and I was seated in the coach by 08:00 or so. It left by 08:15 and off we went.
All was going well until we stopped on the A303 a few miles west of Stonehenge where broken down farm truck problems reduced the two lane section traffic flow to single file moving in dribs and drabs. The coach stood still for the best part of 2 hours.
The heat and no working air conditioning meant that I drifted in and out of sleep, but did awaken in time to see Stonehenge passing by.
The traffic standstill meant that our driver was required to have his regulation break, so we diverted to a service area and waited (it was actually good to have a stretch and something to eat).
The time did not look ideal - we were due to leave at 13:20 and we were still about 2 hours 30 minutes from the O2. It looked like I would be getting to London Bridge just as the rush hour started - Ho Hum!!
The rest of the trip was actually very easy. I slept for some of the journey and I did brace myself for a battle on a commuter train, but needn't have worried.
I stood with my bags on the 15:59 London Bridge service, but my dear friend picked me up from Merstham and took me home.
This year's extravaganza was over and done!
The time did not look ideal - we were due to leave at 13:20 and we were still about 2 hours 30 minutes from the O2. It looked like I would be getting to London Bridge just as the rush hour started - Ho Hum!!
The rest of the trip was actually very easy. I slept for some of the journey and I did brace myself for a battle on a commuter train, but needn't have worried.
I stood with my bags on the 15:59 London Bridge service, but my dear friend picked me up from Merstham and took me home.
This year's extravaganza was over and done!
Note regarding the pictures:
These are my photos and tweaked photos.
Please contact me using the links on this site if you would like to use any of them.
If I discover that any have been used without my expressed permission please note that I will look for you, I will find you... and I will wreak untold misery upon you.
(July 2017)
These are my photos and tweaked photos.
Please contact me using the links on this site if you would like to use any of them.
If I discover that any have been used without my expressed permission please note that I will look for you, I will find you... and I will wreak untold misery upon you.
(July 2017)