Glastopedia: Interview with Creator Ben Smith

• July 20, 2024 ● From Fujirockers.org, Interviews

Glastopedia, an extensive and unofficial online compendium dedicated to one of the world’s most famous music festivals, Glastonbury Festival, offers a treasure trove of information on every aspect of the festival. From its history and timeline to detailed data on performers, venues, campsites, crew, and vendors, Glastopedia expands far beyond the capabilities of the festival’s official website and app to date.

I met Ben Smith, the sole creator of Glastopedia, in London during my year there, and had a chance to enjoy Glastonbury together this year. Having come across Glastopedia while doing my own searches for new performers on the horizon at Glastonbury 2024, I was excited to find out that my own acquaintance was the sole brain behind the encyclopaedic website. Here, we get insights into the inspiration and aspirations for the ever-evolving grassroots archive.

Interview with Ben Smith of Glastopedia

Ben Smith, the creator of Glastopedia, shares his journey from being a latecomer to Glastonbury in 2019 to becoming deeply obsessed with the festival, leading him to create what is now one of the largest unofficial encyclopedias dedicated to Glastonbury. Reflecting on his first experience, Ben describes how he was “blown away” by the temporary city that emerges and disappears within a week, sparking his curiosity and eventual deep dive into all things Glastonbury.

Since its inception, Glastopedia has grown exponentially, fueled by Ben’s passion for uncovering and documenting every aspect of the festival, from stages and performers to the people who build and run it. He reveals, “I’m a bit of a data nerd,” which is evident in his meticulous research methods, including scouring the web archive, old festival forums, and even long-forgotten Flickr accounts to unearth hidden details about the festival’s history.

Despite moments of doubt, Ben persevered, and Glastopedia is now flourishing, attracting around 100,000 visits per month. His dedication to maintaining an ad-free, community-driven platform is clear, as he emphasizes, “I never will monetize it… I just want it to be something for the people to use.” Ben’s work has also garnered attention from the festival community, with longtime festival workers reaching out to contribute information, further enriching the site’s content.

Ben shared further insights into Glastonbury’s unique atmosphere, its evolving yet evergreen nature, and the challenges of maintaining its grassroots identity in a rapidly modernizing world. He emphasized the festival’s open and accepting culture, allowing attendees to fully express themselves and pursue their passions. Ben described Glastonbury as a place where “anyone can do anything they are passionate about and showcase it there,” highlighting the festival’s commitment to providing a platform for creativity and self-expression.

A notable aspect of Glastonbury’s charm, according to Ben, is its resistance to modernization. He mentioned that while the festival’s website and processes may be considered outdated by some, this quirkiness adds to its authenticity. “The fact that everything’s a little bit shit… it’s kind of cute,” Ben said, drawing a contrast between Glastonbury’s organic vibe and the polished, Instagram-perfect aesthetics of other major festivals like Tomorrowland.

Ben also reflected on the festival’s commitment to sustainability, particularly in comparison to Fuji Rock. He acknowledged that while Glastonbury takes significant steps towards environmental responsibility, such as eliminating single-use plastics and using sustainable power sources, there are still cultural differences that influence the festival experience. For instance, he noted the prevalence of rubbish at Glastonbury despite its eco-friendly initiatives, contrasting it with the near-pristine cleanliness of Fuji Rock, where even the smallest piece of litter is rarely seen.

A highlight of the interview was Ben’s recounting of his favorite email from a long-time festival contributor, Alistair. Alistair, who has been involved with Glastonbury since its inception, shared stories about the festival’s early days and expressed appreciation for the website’s archival efforts. This exchange underscored the importance of preserving Glastonbury’s rich history, with Ben noting, “Archiving things is so important… Glastonbury is a culture and community of itself.”

Ben’s passion for documenting the festival’s history is evident in his meticulous approach to gathering even the smallest details, such as set times for specific performances. He expressed a deep sense of pride in his work, acknowledging that it is an ongoing project that will likely continue long after the festival itself. This dedication to preserving the festival’s legacy speaks to Glastonbury’s enduring impact and the importance of keeping its story alive for future generations.

The interview concluded with a discussion on the challenges of securing tickets for Glastonbury, a process Ben described as “the worst day of the year.” Despite the difficulties, he emphasized the importance of community and teamwork in overcoming these obstacles, staying true to the festival’s core values. He shared the strategy of forming groups and pooling resources to increase the chances of obtaining tickets, reflecting the festival’s spirit of collaboration.

Looking ahead, Ben is excited to continue expanding Glastopedia, particularly focusing on the festival crew’s stories and exploring new ways to present data, such as visualizing how stages have evolved over time. He concludes by expressing his excitement for the future, hinting at new projects in the works that will further deepen the site’s offerings for Glastonbury enthusiasts. Overall, Ben’s insights provided a deeper understanding of what makes Glastonbury so special—from its grassroots origins and commitment to sustainability to its unique culture and sense of community. His passion for the festival and dedication to preserving its history shine through, offering a glimpse into why Glastonbury continues to captivate and inspire so many.

General Website Information

Glastopedia covers the festival’s rich history, providing insights into each year’s events, weather conditions, and standout performances. It includes comparisons across different years, allowing users to see how the festival has evolved. The site also features detailed statistics and interactive maps to enhance the browsing experience.

Venues and Performers

Explore the 401 venues and 5,600 performers that have graced Glastonbury over the years. From the iconic Pyramid Stage to lesser-known, intimate spots, Glastopedia provides detailed information on each venue’s capacity, genre, and unique characteristics. The performer section highlights headliners, Sunday legends, and poets in residence, along with performance statistics.

Campsites and Crew

Find the perfect place to stay with comprehensive details on the 97 campsites available, including regular spots, crew and performer areas, and luxurious glamping options. Learn about the 99 crew members who make the festival possible, from festival founders to production designers.

Vendors and More

Glastopedia lists over 1,300 vendors, including food and drink stalls, traders, and bars. The site also features spotlights on special aspects of the festival, quizzes for fans, and practical information on packing and causes supported by Glastonbury.

Ad-Free and Unofficial

Created by Ben Smith, Glastopedia is an ad-free, unofficial guide to the festival. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the official Glastonbury Festivals. The site aims to be a comprehensive, user-friendly resource for festival-goers and fans alike.

Explore Glastopedia to delve into the vibrant world of Glastonbury Festival and immerse yourself in the festival community with detailed information and fun insights.

Visit Glastopedia here