Crowd gathers for a workout class. Photo credit: Keiko Hirakawa

Attending Glastonbury this year was a fantastic experience. As someone who usually covers Fuji Rock, it was amazing to see the festival that inspired it all. The sense of community at Glastonbury is something special, and it’s quite different from Fuji Rock. Here’s a peek into the unique vibe that makes Glastonbury stand out.

Vastness and Accessibility

The first thing that struck me about Glastonbury was its size. Covering 900 to 1,100 acres and hosting up to 210,000 people, it’s enormous compared to Fuji Rock’s 100,000 to 150,000 attendees and 1.5-mile stretch. But despite its vastness, Glastonbury’s circular layout makes it surprisingly easy to get around. Every path seems to lead to another exciting part of the festival, unlike Fuji Rock, where you often have to trek through the entire length to get from one end to the other.

Post office inside of Glastonbury with a vast variety of postcards also available for purchase.

Diverse Community Activities

Glastonbury’s community vibe is boosted by its incredible variety of activities. I joined a Samba class, which felt just like my weekly Zumba classes—a judgment-free zone where I could dance my heart out. But that was just the beginning. There were movie viewings with Q&A sessions, like one with Florence Pugh discussing “Dune 2.” Entire sections of the festival were dedicated to relaxation, with massages, aromatherapy, and tarot readings. Activist movements were also prominently featured, encouraging everyone to engage with important social issues.

Iconic Carhenge at Galstonbury.

One particularly memorable spot was Carhenge, a playful homage to Stonehenge made of cars. Right next to it was Terminal 1, a new interactive section where you could learn about the migration process and the challenges faced by migrants in the UK. It was eye-opening and added a layer of depth to the festival experience. Adding to this “village-like” atmosphere were unique features like a post office, a pharmacy, and even the Glastonbury Free Press, a newspaper created specifically for the festival. These elements gave the festival a small-town feel, where you could truly immerse yourself as a resident of this annual community.

Flags fly all over Glastonbury to showcase individuality and solidarity. Photo credit: Keiko Hirakawa

Global Musical Diversity

The music at Glastonbury was another highlight. Over the weekend, I saw bands from all over the world. From Japanese taiko drumming and traditional Indian bands to Mexican mariachi performances, the festival showcased an impressive array of global musical traditions. There was even a new stage dedicated to uplifting musicians from the Global South, particularly South Asia. This commitment to musical diversity really highlighted Glastonbury’s inclusive spirit and celebration of cultural exchange.

Vegan food and options found throughout Glastonbury.

Culinary Variety

The food scene at Glastonbury was equally diverse. While Fuji Rock offers about 100 food stalls, Glastonbury boasts around 400, offering a vast array of culinary delights that reflect the diversity of England. The food at Fuji Rock is undeniably fantastic, with high-quality cuisine no matter what type, but Glastonbury’s sheer variety is hard to beat. From classic British fare to international delicacies, there was something to satisfy every craving.

Fuji Rock’s Unique Community Vibe

While Fuji Rock has a strong community vibe, it’s distinct from Glastonbury. The differences can be attributed to both Eastern and Western cultural nuances and the broader access to diverse musicians and attendees at Glastonbury. However, it was heartening to overhear people at Glastonbury talking about Fuji Rock. This interest suggests that Fuji Rock might begin attracting more international attendees, further diversifying its offerings in workshops, food, and performances.

Glastonbury’s community vibe is characterized by its vastness, accessibility, diverse activities, global musical representation, and culinary variety. It’s a festival that not only celebrates music but also fosters a sense of global community and cultural exchange. As Fuji Rock continues to evolve, it may draw inspiration from Glastonbury’s inclusivity and diversity, enriching the experience for attendees from around the world. There’s hope that Fuji Rock could also incorporate similar village-like components, helping attendees connect deeper with one another as “residents” of the community that comes together once a year.

Photography credit: Keiko Hirakawa