Glastonbury Tips Interview with the Glastonbury Poet in Residence. Today, I had the pleasure of interviewing this year’s Glastonbury Poet in Residence. John Berkavitch is a Glastonbury veteran who loves the festival as much as we do.
I look forward to hearing his poems about the festival over the next few weeks. Make sure you find him when you are down on the farm.
You are this year’s Glastonbury Poet in Residence. How did that come about?
The Poet in Residence has been a staple of Glastonbury poetry for around 20 years. Each year, a new poet is selected to have their work showcased on Glastonbury’s website and social media, as well as having poems printed in the Glastonbury Free Press and a performance on the Poetry&Words stage.
I have performed with Poetry & Words on several occasions over the years. It felt like a dream come true when I was invited back this year to take up the role.
When did you start going to Glastonbury?
My first Glastonbury was in 1998. I was 18 and came with a group of friends from school. We booked return train tickets to Bristol, caught a shuttle bus to the festival and found our way in over a fence. Security was pretty different back then.
I was first invited to perform at the festival in 2005. I performed at Poetry and Words, and my brother won the Poetry Slam. We returned in 2007, and I won the Slam. Since then, I’ve worked as part of decor teams or walkabout entertainment for other areas and performed with Poetry&Words a few more times.
Since the first time I came to Glastonbury, I’ve tried everything I can to get in as many times as possible.
What tips can you give to people coming to Glastonbury for the first time?
Bring a stool, a water bottle and lots of snacks. Don’t walk directly into hugely crowded areas if there’s a slightly longer but less crowded route around the edge. Bring a positive attitude and be kind to people, and the festival will reward you with kindness and positivity.,
What makes Glastonbury so special?
It is unlike anywhere else on earth. It’s a place where freedom, pride and self-expression are unlimited. A place where human interaction stems from joy and togetherness, and a place where it feels like genuine magic happens.
Where can people see you perform during the festival?
I’m on the Cabaret Stage on Friday doing a short set with the BSL poet Laureate, and I’ll be at Poetry&Words on Sunday afternoon sharing all the work I’ll have made at the festival.
I’ll also be popping up on other stages across the festival and no doubt speaking poems directly into people’s faces in bars and tents all weekend.
Thanks, John, 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
PDF Version:
