Terminal 1 Glastonbury. We joined the queue not knowing what we were queing for. This is a typical Glastonbury thing, I thought. Random people are in a queue, but they don’t know why. The queue started to move, and we saw some of the people ahead get refused entry. WTF. Is this a crew bar? Do you need to know the riddle like the old Rabbit Hole?
As we walked closer, a security guard looked us up and down. He told us to go into a small room where a woman sternly asked us a UK Citizenship question. If we got it correct, we could enter; if we got it wrong, we would be deported to the back of the queue.
Welcome to Terminal 1, one of the best exhibitions/art pieces/performances I have visited.
We were told to enter another room. It was like an airport security setup. There was a man who was shouting at us in a language we did not understand. He kept pointing at our feet. We were perplexed.
He eventually pointed at a sign that said no shoes. We took off our shoes and handed them to him, where he threw them across the room behind him. What the hell is going on, I thought. He told me to pass through the security scanner. I was expecting it to buzz, and I would be thrown out. Thankfully, it didn’t, but then I saw the floor.
The floor was full of sharp stones and pebbles. It really hurt as I walked over them to retrieve my boots. We were now starting to realise what was happening. As we went up to the other levels of the building, we came across a series of rooms with different installations and photographs.
We eventually ended up in a room that had an African vibe. Another man was welcoming us, but with a big smile. He, too, spoke a language I did not understand. Luckily, my Glastonbury sister, Helen, did understand it. He was speaking Swahili, and he was saying Welcome to Rwanda. That is right, we had been “deported” to Rwanda.
*The reason why Helen understands Swahili is that she runs brilliant tours of many countries in Africa. We went on one this year and I highly recommend them. Here is the link to her website: Rock My Adventure
After leaving “Rwanda”, we got to the roof of Terminal 1 to look down at CarHenge. I was thinking about how lucky we are to be at this magical festival, and that we should never ever take our freedom for granted.
It was such a thought-provoking experience. A perfect new addition to Glastonbury Festival. Banksy helped create it, and you can see and feel it as you walk around.
We went back down the stairs to have a drink and a talk in the Terminal 1 lounge. This part is open to all, and you don’t have to queue to enjoy the bar and music.
Oh, Glastonbury, you never stop impressing me.
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.
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