Glastonbury Returns!

After two long years, Glastonbury has finally reopened its gates! After consecutive cancellations in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic and in spite of ongoing rail strikes affecting travel across the country, Glastonbury has returned to celebrate its 50^th year. Headliners this year include Billie Eilish, Sir Paul McCartney, Kendrick Lamar and Diana Ross.

Over 200,000 fans have flocked to Somerset to see a massive array of singers, bands and performances. Locals in the surrounding area are happy to see the return of the festival, with one town councillor declaring Glastonbury a ‘part of the makeup of the area.’ The festival is estimated to generate a massive £50 million in both onsite and offsite spending, generating significant wealth for those in the local area and caterers and vendors at the festival itself.

Both founder Michael Eavis and his daughter Emily, who co-organises the event, were there to greet festivalgoers, many of whom had been queuing from Tuesday evening.

“It’s more spectacular this year, the wait has been so long and it’s just the biggest build up we’ve ever had. Everyone’s feeling very happy and a little bit emotional about opening the gates”

In typical British summer fashion, the Met Office is expecting a mix of sunshine and rain for the duration of the festival. However, it is unlikely to dampen the spirits of festivalgoers who have been waiting since 2019 to return to the festival.

This year will also see the return of the Food For A Fiver scheme. This scheme, which includes over 300 stalls (75% of all Glastonbury’s food traders) makes it possible for punters to sample a huge range of delicious cuisine without breaking the bank. £5 options could include a smoothie, muesli & coffee combination, a box of chicken or a hearty veggie salad amongst many options. Participating traders will feature a Food For A Fiver sticker on their menu boards.

Many an NCASS member will be at the event, with maps of their location available across their socials, awaiting the chance to share their delicious food and drinks with eager punters. So do as Glastonbury suggest and ‘take time out during the Festival to really explore the markets […] you’ll be amazed at what you can find!’

You can access the Glastonbury Webcam and see what is going on here and stay up to date with other industry news here.