Everything you’ve ever heard about Glastonbury festival is true. Other than the bad bits, they’re said by people who’ve either never been or don’t like fun. It really is the best time you can have with your clothes on. Or off – there are some clothing optional spaces but they’re very much…optional.
Anyway.
I’ve been going to Glastonbury festival since I was a teenager. It was my second ever festival and it blew my Britpop mind. I’ve even played on stage there a couple of times (in a very lowkey way, spoiler: I’m not Adele), so dreams do come true.
These days, I’m a mum with two kids - is Glastonbury still for me? More importantly, can me and my husband have a fun, safe, time with a seven-year-old and a three-year-old now we’re more Mr Tumble than Mr Brightside? Pack up your welly boots, suncream, and more snack packs of raisins then you would ever believe possible – let’s find out.
How big is Glastonbury festival?
One word: MASSIVE. From Wednesday – Sunday in the last full weekend in June, Glastonbury becomes the 27th biggest urban conurbation in the UK. That’s bigger than Swansea. It takes over an hour to walk from one side of the site to the other, and that’s without crowds, mud, and on adult size legs.
Is this a problem with kids? Honestly? Yes and no. Having two little ones in tow does mean missing out on one of my favourite festival activities: having a wander and seeing what happens. You need to plan what you want to do each day and pick wisely.
I chatted with one couple who said that they tell their kids that on Wednesday and Thursday (before the main stages really get going) they’ll do whatever they want to do, but Friday, Saturday and Sunday are mummy and daddy’s choice. Which is not an idea my kids liked at all.
Fortunately, the kids’ stuff is spread out all over the site, so you’re not confined to one area like at, say, Latitude. For example, there’s mini golf in the theatre and cabaret fields, and a truly lovely treetop walk over by Woodsies.
Glastonbury kidz field
The kidz field is one of two dedicated fields for children at the festival. The kidz one is probably the classic, with a huge pink climbing frame that’s a permanent feature of the site.
The area is chock full of stuff for kids to do including swing boats, a slippery-slip, kids’ climbing wall, zip line, and inflatable football that my son would spent the full five days playing. All at no additional cost. There are also comedy shows that are just for kids, face-painting, trampolines and food in the café here is a lot cheaper than at stalls on the rest of the site. More on cheap food later.
The Greenpeace kids’ area is a more tranquil space, and you’re only allowed in if you have children with you, which is a nice touch. There’s lots of shade here, so it was a great place to hang on a hot Wednesday. Plus, many wholesome activities including a book nook, pixie poetry, crafting workshops, and an elephant ride. There’s another (huge) climbing frame, and a sandpit, plus a mud kitchen for under-fives and, again, it’s all free. Speaking of which…
Glastonbury children’s tickets
These are free too! Up until the age of 12. Incredible.
Glastonbury festival toilets
I didn’t think they were too bad this year. I didn’t see any shockers. And there are dedicated toilets for little ones, and diddy washing stations, which were cute, in the kids’ fields
Glastonbury with babies
This chill out tent is the first time I’ve ever seen anything like it at a festival: a space that’s open from 7pm – 9am for parents with babies who need some space and maybe a (consensual) hug. It’s just such a gorgeous, thoughtful, idea.
Weather at Glastonbury festival
Nothing you can do about it, I’m afraid. We were VERY lucky in that it wasn’t too hot after Wednesday and didn’t really rain. Pack wellies and sunscreen and your very best attitude, that’s all you can do.
Speaking of packing: I’ve always been a coach girl but there’s no way we could have done this without a car. We hired one. If you have kids with you, you can park in a dedicated car park that means you avoid the hours’ long trek of car park doom.
More Glastonbury tips
This was my 19th Glastonbury (honestly, I should be curating a stage at this point) but it was the first time I discovered the Children’s World café. Anyone can attend, there’s no upper age limit, and it’s brilliant. £2.50 for a huge plate of chips. £6 for a breakfast. £1.50 for a can of pop! It’s right next to the small sensation seekers stage, and – AND – there’s kids’ circus skills on the other side of it. Just don’t tell everyone, please. I don’t want to have to queue for hours next year.
Plus, if you can factor it into the walk between Arcadia and the Other Stage, maybe after you’ve been to kids’ jungle under the dragonfly, there’s always the Co-op which still does £5.50 meal deals despite being on site.
Plus, and I don’t think enough is made of this, Glastonbury doesn’t separate the camping areas from the arena, so once you’re in, you’re in. Bring as much food and drink (for personal consumption of course) as you want.
And, on personal consumption, is Glastonbury still the greatest party on earth when you have your kids with you?
Our two certainly thought so. They had a riot. My husband and I had a really good time too. Obviously, a lot of things have changed: we’re seeing 7am from a different end these days for example. But the good vibes, good people, and gosh-darn good heart of the festival remain unchanged.
And I think things will become even easier as the children get older and become more focused on SZA and less on slippery-slips.
Watch this space…
Georgina Terry is group editor of heat and Closer online, former minor rock and roll star, and mother of two. She loves Glastonbury so much it was mentioned in her wedding speeches - twice - and while she believes in keeping it real she wouldn't mind camping in one of those fancy £3k fields next year if anyone's offering....