Glastonbury On Sea. Oh! I do like to be beside the seaside! I do like to be beside the sea!
Oh, I do like to stroll along the Prom, Prom, Prom! Where the brass bands play, “Tiddly-Oom-Pom-Pom!” Except this pier is in the middle of a farm in Somerset at the world’s biggest festival.
I showed Michael Eavis my sketches and he said what’s that Joe? I said a pier, Michael. He asked would there be a Punch & Judy on it? I said, of course. He said, go for it.
Glastonbury-on-Sea welcomes all festival-goers to partake in the British tradition of walking along the promenade. Instead of crazy seagulls (although they are on site, if you know you know) and crashing waves, you will be looking down at a sea of tents.
Have a listen to my chat with Joe Rush, the creator of Glastonbury-On-Sea, on the 100% unofficial Glastonbury Festival Podcast below:
When did Glastonbury on Sea first appear at Glastonbury?
Glastonbury-on-Sea made its debut at Glastonbury in 2019. It was opened by Sir Michael Eavis, who cut the ribbon after a sing-song.
Where is Glastonbury on Sea at Glastonbury Festival?
Glastonbury-on-Sea is located next to The Park Stage and Area.
Glastonbury on Sea attractions
You will find all your typical British seaside attractions on the pier. From bingo to hook-a-duck. There is also pinball, a shooting gallery, fortune tellers, quirky acts and roaming performers. You can also watch cabaret and DJ sets here on the 1000 Farces stage.
Glastonbury on Sea inspiration
Joe Rush spent a lot of his life in Hastings, especially on the beach. Hastings Pier opened in 1872; it has award-winning architecture and, in the 60s and 70s, was host to many top artists of the time. The likes of the Rollomg Stones, Jimi Hendrix, The Who, and Genesis played there.
Michael Eavis spent a lot of his childhood in Bournemouth on holiday. Again, there is a pier on Bournemouth’s seafront. So the inspiration for Glastonbury-on-Sea came from both Joe’s and Michael’s childhoods. I love this as both men still have that childlike wonder for the world.
There is so much to love about the creation of Glastonbury on Sea. It shouldn’t work and probably in any other setting it wouldn’t, but when you think about Glastonbury Festival as a whole, you could say the same thing. The world’s largest greenfields festival on a dairy farm in a small village in Somerset. But, work they do, and I am super grateful for it.
I will see you at the Punch & Judy stand.
Read about all the other stages and areas of Glastonbury Festival here: Guide to Glasto stages and areas
See you on the farm.
The 100% Unofficial 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 100% unofficial Glastonbury Festival Guidebook
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Listen to the 100% unofficial Glastonbury Festival Podcast Now!
Welcome to your insider guide to the greatest show on Earth — from a Glastonbury fanatic who can’t stop talking about it. Whether you’re a first-timer trying to find your feet on the farm or a seasoned veteran hunting hidden gems, this podcast has you covered.
Brought to you by Paul Farrugia, the man behind the world-leading Glastonbury blog glastonburytips.com, and award-winning podcaster Si Willmore, the 100% Unofficial Glastonbury Festival Podcast features tips, stories, interviews with the people who make Glastonbury magical, and everything you need to have your best Glasto yet. Listen on these platforms: