Glastonbury Festival: A cultural oasis amidst students’ financial realities
By Luci Peggy Smith
Glastonbury is on track to sell all 140,000 tickets on offer, the standard tickets were completely sold out in 61 minutes
Nestled in the scenic landscape of Somerset, England, lies the home of Glastonbury Festival, which is a vibrant celebration of music, arts, and community unlike any other. Since its inception in 1970, Glastonbury has evolved from a humble gathering of music enthusiasts into a global phenomenon that attracts thousands of people each year with its diverse lineup, immersive experiences and a commitment to social and environmental activism.
At the heart of Glastonbury’s allure is its unparalleled musical offerings, with its iconic lineup this year featuring acts like Coldplay, SZA and Shania Twain as the headliners.
It is also known for its emerging talents across a myriad of genres and the festival curates a lineup that caters to everyone. Whether it is the performances on the Pyramid Stage, the intimate sets in the acoustic tents, or the pulsating beats in the dance arenas, Glastonbury provides an eclectic auditory journey that leaves attendees spellbound.
Beyond the music, Glastonbury fosters a culture of artistic exploration and expression. The festival's sprawling grounds serve as a canvas for interactive art installations, mesmerising sculptures and vibrant street performances. These invite attendees to immerse themselves in a kaleidoscope of creativity. From poetry slams to theatre productions, the festival offers an array of artistic experiences that captivate all audiences.
Ben, student at City Of Glasgow College, said: "You get what you pay for. Do I think Glastonbury is expensive? Yes, but there's a variety of acts and the atmosphere is unbeatable"
Moreover, Glastonbury stands as a social and environmental consciousness committed to sustainability. The festival implements eco-friendly initiatives such as waste reduction, renewable energy sources and carbon offset programmes. The festival also serves as a platform for activism, hosting discussions, workshops and campaigns on environmental issues which empower attendees to become agents of change in their communities.
Glastonbury has became a safe space for people to be who they are without fear of judgement.
However, despite its vast range of attractions, attending Glastonbury remains a distant dream for many of Glasgow's students are hampered by financial constraints that make it seem unattainable.
The exorbitant cost of tickets, accommodation, travel and incidental expenses presents significant barriers for students already grappling with the high costs that education presents and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
Glastonbury’s ticket costs continue to soar year after year, pricing out many students who simply cannot afford the steep upfront costs. Even with student discounts or early bird specials, the initial investment required for tickers alone can be prohibitive for students on a limited budget. The prevalence of ticket-scalping and resale markets often inflate the prices.
Accommodation poses another financial hurdle for students hoping to attend Glastonbury. The festival’s remote location means that attendees have to camp for the duration of the event, which means investing in camping gear, tents, sleeping bags and other essentials. For students living on a tight budget, this can become a financial burden acquiring such equipment, especially considering, for most people, it is of a single-use nature.
In addition to ticket and accommodation costs, travelling to Glastonbury alone can be a financial burden, especially when travelling from Glasgow. The rural location of the festival means many attendees must travel significant distances. Whether by car, train, or bus, the cost of travel can quickly add up.
Glastonbury offer package deals that include coach travel alongside your ticket
Once at the festival, students are confronted by the high prices of food, drinks and other amenities within the festival grounds. While Glastonbury offers a wide variety of food options and vendors the steep prices can still strain the budgets of cash-strapped students. Additionally, the allure of merchandise, souvenirs and artist memorabilia may tempt students to overspend.
Attending Glastonbury often necessitates taking time off from work or studies, resulting in a loss of income or academic opportunities for students. Balancing the desire to experience the festival with the need to fulfil academic or professional obligations presents a dilemma for those students who are already struggling to make ends meet.
In light of these financial challenges, some students may opt to forgo attending Glastonbury altogether, choosing to instead allocate their limited resources towards more essential needs such as bills and groceries. Although the festival promises an unparalleled experience filled with music, art, and camaraderie, the reality of financial constraints forces students to prioritise their financial stability over these “luxury” pursuits.
Alina, student at The City of Glasgow College, said: "Festivals are too expensive. But I can see the appeal as you get to see so many artists for the price of one. For most people, it’s not a priority and is definitely seen as a luxury now because people need to pay their bills and that's much more important than going to a festival. It's something that now a lot of people can't afford."
For students determined to experience Glastonbury despite the financial obstacles, there are strategies to reduce the costs. Planning and budgeting well in advance, taking advantage of early bird ticket sales, carpooling with friends, and opting for budget-friendly accommodations such as shared tents or group camping can help reduce costs significantly.
Additionally, exploring volunteer opportunities or applying for scholarships and sponsorships offered by Glastonbury or external organisations can provide students with access to discounted or complimentary tickets.
The Glastonbury Festival stands as a testament to the transformative power of music, art and community. Yet for many students, attending Glastonbury remains an elusive dream, overshadowed by the harsh realities of financial constraints. Despite the formidable barriers posed by ticket prices, accommodation, travel, and more, students remain resilient in their pursuit of experiencing Glastonbury's magic firsthand. Through careful planning, resourcefulness, and determination, students can overcome these challenges and partake in the unforgettable experience that is the Glastonbury Festival.