Glastonbury: Heaven on Earth
It’s dawn when we
leave Shangri-la. The misty morning sees glittered and neoned revellers depart
the hedonistically named club. I’m at Glastonbury 2013. The Rolling Stones
headlined last night and the memories of their set still linger.
As we walk back to our
tent we reminisce about the night before. The surging crowd and feeling of
euphoria as we caught glimpses of Mick strutting on the big screens either side
of the stage. The sounds of ‘Brown Sugar’, ‘It’s only Rock and Roll (But I like
it)’ and ‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash’ still reverberated in our ears as we made our way
to Arcadia, one of Glastonbury’s legendary after party arenas. The huge metal
spider which formed the stage belched fire into the air and a crowd quickly
grew. It was rumoured Daft Punk would be performing. Everywhere around us
people whispered their names excitedly. Fat Boy Slim started his set. We’d seen
him on the festival’s first night, playing a secret gig. He’d included a
snippet of Get Lucky and two people dressed in the duo’s distinctive masks had
walked behind him. The crowd had gone hysterical. Everyone assumed it was a
not-so-subtle nod to tonight.
When the famed DJ
finished his set we strained our necks hoping to get a glimpse of a gold
helmet, black visor – anything to confirm the rumours. Alas, the MC comes on
the stage to announce the imminent arrival of Chase and Status. The crowd
quickly dispersed, let down by yet another false Glastonbury rumour. But this
is what it’s all about! The fevered excitement, the feeling that anything is
possible.
It was our last big
night at the festival and I was determined we weren’t going to bed before dawn.
We’d followed the crowds through the maze of takeaway stands and tents, passing
Boundary 9, another of Glastonbury’s after party areas, designed to appear like
an apocalyptic city. Decaying buildings and laser lights set the scene. Finally
we came to Shangri-la, home to the opposing clubs Heaven and Hell. Along the way we found a pop-up club in
the side of a tunnel where dancers in bras and knickers sprayed dry ice into
the crowd. When I went to get a drink I noticed Veuve Clicquot advertised on
the menu along cheap spirits and mixers – only in Glasto!
Back at the tent we
fall into bed fully clothed. In just three hours we’ll be waking up to our last
day at the world’s greatest music festival.
What are your favourite memories from 2013?
Sarah x
