Volunteering with Wessex 4×4 Response at Glastonbury festival: A Behind-the-Scenes Look:
Since 2016, Wessex 4×4 Response has been providing essential support to Glastonbury
Festival, whatever the weather. Whether it’s transporting supplies, delivering water or
responding to last-minute requests, their volunteers are always ready to assist. Using their
own 4×4 vehicles, their team helps keep the festival running smoothly by taking on a range of tasks.
One of their biggest challenges was at Glastonbury 2016 when heavy rain turned the site into a mud bath.
Their volunteers worked tirelessly to provide traction assistance in the car parks, ensuring
thousands of festival-goers could get home.
In hot years, they deliver canned water to the Festival gates to keep people hydrated. They also help move equipment around the site. No job is too big or small for the Wessex 4×4 Response team.
Some volunteers bring their own vehicles while others work as crew or banksmen to help
operations run safely. Behind the scenes, their controllers check in on our welfare and send extra support when needed. It’s a real team effort, and that’s what makes it so rewarding.
Below is a Q&A with Hayley from Wessex, 4×4 Response.
How long have you been volunteering at Glastonbury, and how did you get involved?
I volunteered for the first time last year with Wessex 4×4 Response, but I’ve been coming to Glastonbury for years. Some of our team have been volunteering since 2016. This year, my partner Chris and I are leading the team, which means a lot more organising, but it’s worth it.
What tips would you give to first-time volunteers?
Volunteering at Glastonbury is a completely different experience from being a festival-goer. You see how everything comes together and how the huge team behind the scenes keeps things running. It can be hard work, but you still get time to enjoy the festival and see your favourite acts.
What are the pros and cons of volunteering at Glastonbury?
Pros:
- You arrive before the public and experience the pre-festival buzz. Tuesday night
- before the gates open is amazing.
- Crew camping has showers and toilets, which is a huge bonus.
- You’re part of a fantastic team, and every day is different.
Cons:
- Some shifts are tough. In 2024, we spent all day delivering water in the heat. I personally loaded over 1,000 boxes. While my team got to see the gates open, I missed that moment, but that’s part of the job.
Had you been to Glastonbury before volunteering?
Yes! I grew up near the site and have been coming on and off for 15 years. Sometimes for
the whole weekend, sometimes just for a day.
Any tips for Glastonbury first-timers?
Wear comfy shoes! You’ll be walking a lot. Be ready for all weather. Suncream and water if it’s hot, wellies and waterproofs if it’s wet.
Sleep well. A good sleeping mat or a caravan, if you’re lucky, makes a big difference.
Explore! The smaller stages are brilliant for discovering new artists. Wander and see
where you end up.
What makes Glastonbury so special?
It’s like nothing else. The size, the atmosphere, the endless things to see and do. I’ve made so many amazing memories with friends over the years, and now I get to continue making them with my Wessex 4×4 Response family. If you’re thinking about volunteering, go for it. You won’t regret it!
Thank you, Hayley and keep up the great work!
See you on the farm!
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Hey there, Glasto Newbie!
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