Glastonbury Festival Camping Guide: Here’s How to Do It Right

Glastonbury Festival Camping Guide: Here’s How to Do It Right

Glastonbury Festival is a legendary mix of music, mud, and pure chaos in the best way. Thousands of people attend it yearly in the middle of the English countryside. The exact answer to the question of how many people go to Glastonbury Festival is that it draws 200,000 people yearly.[1] Camping is part of the fun as it’s your home for five days, where you make memories. 

The difference between a great Glasto and a miserable one comes down to how well you have prepared. In this article, we look at how big Glastonbury Festival is, what you need to pack for it, and which Jackery small generator might suit you besthen was the First Glastonbury Event 

The first Glastonbury Festival was held in 1970, just one day after Jimi Hendrix’s death, with only a few hundred people in attendance. It started as a small, laid-back event but has grown into one of the most famous festivals in the world. 

Now, you might be wondering where Glastonbury Festival is. Well, these days, the event es place at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset. The land is privately owned, and if you are curious about who owns Glastonbury Festival, it’s run by Michael Eavis and his family, who still live and work on the farm.[2]

Camping Options: Self-Camping vs. Third-Party Services

If you are planning to go to the Glastonbury festival, camping is a requirement. The festival grounds are remote, and staying on-site is part of what makes the experience so immersive. Depending on your budget and style, you can choose from the different available camping options. The main options are:

1. Self-Camping (DIY)

Self-camping at Glastonbury is perfect if you like doing things your own way and don’t mind a bit of effort. It gives you full control, as in you choose where you camp, how to set it up, when to go in and out, and what comforts to bring. But it also means that you need to be prepared. This style is best for people who have camped before or are ready for a challenge. 

You must bring your tent, sleeping bag, roll mat or airbed, and something to cook with if you want hot food. A small stove, reusable plates, a kettle, and a portable oven can be useful. Don’t forget a torch or headlamp and some kind of power source like a generator with a portable battery to keep your phone and other devices going. 

2. Third-Party Camping Services

Third-party camping services are another option if you want an easier, more comfortable way to experience Glastonbury. Instead of bringing your own tent and gear, you simply arrive, and everything is already set up. These services offer ready-made tents with real beds, warm bedding, and sometimes even private toilets and showers. 

Glamping Providers 

Third-party camping is often called glamping, and it’s a great choice for first-timers or anyone who wants to enjoy the festival without the stress of carrying and setting up equipment. Some of the most well-known providers include The Pop-Up Hotel, The Love Fields, Glastonbury Retreat, and Pennard Hill Farm. 

Each of these providers offers a different level of comfort. For example, some might have simple bell tents, while others might offer luxury lodges with power and private bathrooms. While it costs more than regular camping, many people will find it worth the price, especially after a long day of walking, dancing, and getting muddy. It lets you focus on the fun, not the setup.

Festival Camping Hacks

At Glastonbury, your best plans might face problems if you face issues like mud, weather, or simple exhaustion. Even if you choose a glamping setup with extra comfort, small challenges can still appear. These helpful camping hacks can make your festival experience much more enjoyable:

1. Pick Higher Ground 

You should always look for a slightly raised area when setting up your tent at Glastonbury. Rain is common, and water usually collects in dips or flat spaces on the ground. If your tent is on lower ground, there’s a good chance it will flood or feel damp inside. Choosing higher ground will keep the water flowing away from your tent. 

2. Mark Your Tent Clearly 

Tents at Glastonbury look very similar, especially in large camping fields packed with thousands of people. To avoid getting lost or wasting time searching, it helps to mark your tent with something bright and unique. A colourful flag, scarf, or ribbon tied to the top or side can make it much easier to spot from a distance, especially after dark or when returning late at night.

3. Organise with Zip Bags

Reusable zip bags are great for keeping your things organised and protected from mud and rain. You can store snacks, clothes, or small items in them, making it easier to find what you need without digging through your bag. 

They are beneficial for keeping electronics like phones, chargers, and cameras dry and safe, even if the weather turns wet. Using these bags will also protect your important items from damage.

4. Use a Collapsible Wagon

A collapsible wagon will be helpful for carrying gear across the festival site. Glastonbury can be large, and walking back and forth with heavy bags or coolers can get tiring fast. 

With a wagon, you can easily transport tents, food, and other supplies without making multiple trips. It folds up small when you don’t need it, so it won’t take up much space in your tent or car. This will make moving your stuff quite easy, and you can then save energy for enjoying the festival.

5. Bring Night Lighting

A small solar lantern or headlamp is a must-have for the Glastonbury Festival, especially after the sun goes down. The festival site can get very dark at night, and having a working light will help you find your way safely around the campsite. 

Solar-powered lights are great because you don’t need to worry about batteries running out. Wearing a headlamp frees your hands, and you can perform tasks like cooking or setting up your tent much more easily in the dark. This simple item is very important and should be at the top of your camping items list if you want a comfortable stay at the Glastonbury Festival.

Weather & Clothing Tips

If you want to be fully prepared while camping at the Glastonbury Festival, you will need to think about a few more factors. One of the most important things is how you prepare for the weather and what other essentials you bring with you. 

Glastonbury’s Unpredictable Weather

Glastonbury’s weather is famously unpredictable, and that is something every camper should take seriously. One moment, you will feel the sun shining, and the next, you will be caught in heavy rain or even a thunderstorm. This is why checking forecasts and packing for all conditions is a major part of preparing for the festival. 

For this year’s festival, the first day is expected to be dry, with pleasant temperatures around 20℃. However, a thunderstorm will be forming in the background, which means that the calm may not last. Thursday looks more intense, with thunder and lightning expected, especially in the morning. Things should improve by Friday, but scattered rain is likely to return on the weekends.[3]

Essentials

Taking the changing weather into account, here are some things that you should take with you:

Waterproof poncho or jacket

A waterproof poncho or jacket will help you stay dry during sudden rain, which, as you now know, is common in Glastonbury. The coat or poncho is light to carry and easy to throw on when the weather quickly changes. 

Rubber boots (wellies!)

Rubber boats, also called wellies, are perfect for walking through muddy fields at the Glastonbury Festival. Regular shoes can quickly get soaked or ruined in wet conditions. Wellies keep your feet dry and comfortable, especially after heavy rain. They are also very easy to clean and can handle rough, uneven ground. 

Extra socks & base layers

Bringing extra socks and base layers will make a huge difference during cold or wet days. Thermal socks can help at night when the temperature drops. They will keep your feet warm and dry, which will help prevent any potential blister formation. 

Base layers will also keep you comfortable and trap your body heat. Choose ones that are light and easy to wear under your regular clothes. 

Hat & Sunglasses (yes, you may still get sun!)

A hat and sunglasses will be useful during the sunny hours, as you will likely get between the showers. This will help protect your eyes and shield your face from the potential UV rays. Even if rain comes later, having these items will keep you comfortable and safe during the sunny periods. 

Bring layers

Wearing layers will let you adjust your clothing as the temperature changes throughout the day. It is the easiest way to stay warm in the evening and cool when the sun comes out. Adding or removing layers quickly will keep you comfortable during sudden weather changes. 

This flexibility is going to be extremely beneficial as the Glastonbury Festival is set to face sun and rain throughout the 5-day event. 

Power on the Go: Jackery Portable Power Stations

If you are going for self-camping at the Glastonbury Festival, you should have your own power source if you want a comfortable event outing. You will surely want to keep your phone charged, maybe power a small light at night, plug a speaker, heat some food, and keep your drinks cold. There aren’t any plugs around standard campsites, so having portable power would help you. 

Jackery portable power stations are one of the best options among all the other products on the market. They are light to carry, simple to use, rechargeable with solar power, and, best of all, budget-friendly. You can choose from the many options that Jackery has based on your needs and your family size. The best recommendation for a Jackery portable power station is as follows:

Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Portable Power Station

The Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Portable Power Station best suits festival-goers who need compact portable power. Weighing just 3.75 kg, it is small enough to be packed in a backpack, which gives it the advantage of being carried around the Glastonbury Festival. 

Despite its size, it can simultaneously charge up to four devices and power appliances like phones, mini-fridges, and even kitchen items. 

Key Featuresustainability at Glastonbury

Glastonbury has always cared about more than just music and fun. It also stands for protecting the environment. The festival has strict green rules. No single-use plastic exists, and everyone is expected to clean up after themselves. You should leave the place just as you found it. 

Jackery’s solar products go well with these values. They give clean and quiet energy without using petrol or creating smoke. With a Jackery power station, you can charge your phone or small gadgets in a way that is safe for nature. 

If you are camping at the Glastonbury Festival, try to do it in an eco-friendly way. Use reusable bottles and bags. Do not leave any rubbish behind. If each person takes care of their space, the festival will stay enjoyable and safe for the environment. Being responsible is easy and makes a huge difference. 

Conclusion

Now that you know about camping during the Glastonbury Festival, you can begin packing for the event. Remember that the most important steps are checking the weather forecast and planning your stay accordingly. Do not forget to bring a portable power station from Jackery, as it will keep your devices charged and help you stay comfortable throughout the event. 

Check out Jackery’s portable power stations and purchase the one that feels suitable for you and your family. 

References

[1] https://www.britannica.com/art/Glastonbury-Festival

[2] https://metro.co.uk/2022/06/22/who-is-glastonbury-creator-michael-eavis-16873144/

[3] https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/music/glastonbury-festival-2025-weather-forecast-b1226914.html