Glastonbury Festival is one of the most anticipated events on the music calendar, drawing hundreds of thousands of attendees from around the world. Known for its diverse lineup, unique atmosphere, and vibrant culture, Glastonbury offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. However, with large crowds and an array of activities, it’s essential to prioritise safety to ensure your festival experience is both enjoyable and secure. This guide provides valuable tips to help you navigate Glastonbury safely.
A Brief History of Glastonbury Festival
Glastonbury Festival, established in 1970 by Michael Eavis, is one of the world’s most famous music and performing arts festivals. Held at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset, it has grown from a small event with 1,500 attendees to a cultural phenomenon attracting over 200,000 festival-goers annually. This year, the festival features a stellar lineup with headliners including the Arctic Monkeys, Guns N’ Roses, and Elton John.
Essential Festival Safety Tips
Glastonbury Festival offers an unforgettable experience, but it’s important to stay safe and prepared. Here are some detailed safety tips to ensure you have a great time:
Protecting Your Belongings
- Keep Valuables Secure:
- Use a money belt or a neck wallet to keep cash, cards, and IDs close to your body.
- Avoid bringing expensive items like jewellery and keep your phone in a secure, zipped pocket.
- Secure Your Tent:
- Use a combination lock for your tent, and avoid leaving valuables inside when you’re not around.
- Mark your tent distinctively to easily find it, especially at night. Use flags, colourful tape, or unique markers.
Staying Safe in Crowds
- Stay with Friends:
- Stick together with your group, especially in crowded areas. Arrange meeting points in case someone gets lost.
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings:
- Keep an eye on your belongings and be mindful of those around you. Crowded spaces can be hotspots for pickpocketing.
Drinking and Drug Safety
- Avoid Drink Spiking:
- Stay Vigilant: Never leave your drink unattended, and always watch it being prepared.
- Use Drink Covers: These are available and can help prevent substances from being slipped into your drink.
- Buddy System: Keep an eye on your friends’ drinks as well. If someone feels unwell, seek medical attention immediately.
- Drug Use:
- Awareness of Risks: Be cautious of the legal and health risks associated with drug use. Many substances can be dangerous and unpredictable.
- Test Kits: Some festivals offer drug testing services to check the safety of substances, but it’s best to avoid drug use altogether.
- Emergency Help: Familiarise yourself with the locations of medical tents and don’t hesitate to seek help if someone is in distress due to drug use.
Personal Safety
- Stay Hydrated and Eat Well:
- Festivals can be physically demanding. Drink plenty of water and eat regularly to maintain your energy levels.
- Sun Protection:
- Apply sunscreen regularly and wear hats and sunglasses to protect against sunburn and heatstroke.
- Stay Warm:
- Even in summer, nights can get cold. Bring warm clothing and sleeping gear to stay comfortable.
Navigating the Festival Grounds
- Know the Layout: Familiarise yourself with the festival map, noting the locations of stages, exits, medical tents, and toilets. This will save you time and stress during the event. Check the map for food and drink stalls, charging stations, and water refill points too.
- Use Landmarks: Identify prominent landmarks like large art installations, unique trees, or tall flags to help you navigate the festival grounds and find your way back to your tent. These will serve as reference points when the area gets crowded.
- Plan Your Route: Plan routes to your must-see performances ahead of time. This helps avoid missing out on your favourite acts and ensures you spend more time enjoying the festival rather than wandering around.
- Stay Connected: Make sure your phone is charged and consider using a festival app if available. These often include maps, schedules, and can help you stay informed about any changes.
How Get Licensed is Contributing to Safety
At Get Licensed, we understand the importance of safety at large events like Glastonbury. We train security professionals to keep festivals safe, including festival stewards and security officers, to ensure they can handle any situation that arises. Our training programmes cover crowd management, emergency response, and conflict resolution, equipping our personnel with the skills necessary to keep festival-goers safe.
Conclusion
Glastonbury Festival is a spectacular event that promises unforgettable experiences. By following these safety tips and being aware of your surroundings, you can ensure a secure and enjoyable festival experience. Remember, the well-being of you and your friends is paramount. With the dedicated efforts of security professionals trained by Get Licensed, Glastonbury remains a safe and welcoming environment for all attendees.
For more information on our training programmes and how we help enhance festival safety, visit our website. Enjoy Glastonbury Festival safely and securely!
