How to avoid the crowds at Glastonbury Festival. Glastonbury is big. No, I mean really big. Most Glastonbury first-timers underestimate the size of the festival. At almost 1,000 acres and with 100 stages, you would think there is room for everyone who attends.
There would be enough space if everyone spread out across the whole site, but obviously, that would be unrealistic. We all want to be together at some point to have a mass sing-along in front of one of the main stages.
When thousands of us are trying to go from one place to the next, problems arise. I am noticing more and more people mentioning being stuck in crowds at Glastonbury. In all my visits to the festival it has only happened to me once. It was when Lana Del Ray overan her set and her crowd met the crowd who had left Guns N Roses. This was in 2023. We were stuck for a while, and it wasn’t a nice experience.
At Glastonbury 2024, we were determined not to be stuck in a crowd again, and we succeeded. Below are some of my tips and others on how to avoid the crowds at Glastonbury.
Wait a little while after a set has finished
We normally hang back after we have watched a set. You will be amazed at how quickly the area empties, even in front of the Pyramid Stage. I rarely need to rush from one stage to the next. I have a few key acts that I want to see every day and for the rest of the day I go where the Glasto gods decide. Less is more.
Study the map and take the long way around
The Glastonbury map is your best friend (or have a friend like me who has been there and just follow them), especially if you are attending Glastonbury for the first time. The mobile app will have a map, and you will also have one in the Free Glastonbury program when you arrive. The map is also on the official Glastonbury website.
The areas between the Pyramid Stage and Other Stage always get busy. These are the 2 biggest stages and they attract the biggest artists. If I need to go from one to the other, I will take a longer but quieter route.
Watch the act before
If there is someone I really want to see, I go to the stage they are on at least one act before. I love discovering new music, so I don’t mind if I don’t know who they are. It is one of my joys of attending the festival. That way, I have a decent spot (not right at the front, you would need to be there a lot earlier for someone big), and I don’t have to fight through the crowds.
Head to the sides
If you are stuck in the middle of a crowd after a performance and want to leave instead of waiting a while, then slowly head to the sides. Don’t try and head to the back, it will be quicker to leave at the sides.
Visit the calmer areas
I like to mix my Glastonbury experience from crowds to chills. It is the only way I can last 5 days with very little sleep! I love the calmer areas for a few reasons. One, they are calm, obviously, but you also get to chat with others in them more than you would during a headliner. They are also a great place to “be”. Glastobury is a massive assault on the senses. Just being for a little while is needed.
Here are some of the calmer areas of Glastonbury I am talking about:
- Above the Park: The hill is a killer to walk up, but once you are up there, it is worth it. The views are amazing. The Glastonbury sign is up there, and Trikkets is there too, which is one of the best bars at the festival. Please note that this area gets busy on Wednesday night with people watching the fireworks show.
- In the woods: Head to the woods next to the Woodsies stage for shade and tranquility. My wife, Karen, loves it here and heads there at least once a day.
- The Green Fields (especially The Healing Field): When all of the stages officially open on the Friday, the Green Fields area is a lot calmer. Head to the Healing Fields for meditation, massage or yoga.
- The Pyramid Stage: No, this is not a typo. On Wednesday and Thursday, nothing is going on at the Pyramid Stage. The field in front of it is huge. So if you want some space this is a great place for it during those days.
- The South East Corner: No, it’s not another typo. Block 9, Shangri-La, The Unfairground and The Common are packed in the evenings, especially when the main stages have closed. However, in the daytime, they are not busy at all. (Accept on Thursday as some of the stages here open then.)
- The Field of Avalon: This is one of my favourite areas. I like to head here late at night when most of the festival is trying to get into the South East Corner.
- Theatre and Circus Fields: This is another favourite area with brilliant performers all over the place. I have never seen it packed.
Festival Goers who are neurodivergent and those with autism
There will be Sensory Calm Tents located in different locations within the Festival. The aim of these spaces will be to provide a safe, low-level stimulation and recalibration zone for neurodivergent Festival-goers. This will be created by using adjustable lighting, textures, and sounds. There will also be weighted blankets and ear defenders that people can use whilst in the spaces.
The spaces will be managed by a mixture of Autism specialists and neurodiverse volunteers who are passionate about the importance of calm spaces in busy, vibrant, and loud festival environments.
There will also be Welfare Centres providing experienced, caring and confidential help for all kinds of practical and personal problems. The Festival Branch of Samaritans are also onsite, offering 24-hour emotional support from the Green Fields.
I hope this has helped. If you have any more tips on how to avoid the crowds at Glastonbury Festival, please let me know.
See you on the farm.
The Glastonbury Festival Guidebook Is Now Available
Hey there, Glasto Newbie!
So, you’ve scored tickets to Glastonbury? Congrats! Now, let’s make sure your first time is more epic than a Pyramid Stage headliner. My Glastonbury Festival Guidebook is like your cool best friend who’s been there, done that, and is ready to guide you through the festival’s wonders. Download it below or get the print version on Amazon here: The Glastonbury Festival Guidebook
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