Follow the Reader

A few months ago I submitted a piece for the travel section of The Australian newspaper called Follow the Reader. Writers send in a 400 word article about a travel experience for a chance to win a prize. Unfortunately my work wasn't published (sob) and so far I haven't heard a response back from them. Nevertheless, I'm still pretty proud of what I wrote and thought I'd share it here with you all. It recounts my experience at Glastonbury 2013. As 2013 draws to a dark, cold end it's time to look back and get nostalgic at the year that was. Here's my favourite memory this year - arguably the best 5 days of my life!

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