Glastonbury retains its magic decades later – despite technology, there is still nothing like it

With Glastonbury less than a week away, The Independent's culture desk is struggling to think about anything other than line-up schedules and weather forecasts. In another year that feels saturated by both established and brand new festivals, Glastonbury seems to be the only one that prompts a near-endless stream of reminiscing (or gritted teeth if you failed to get tickets this year).

It’s easy to understand why Glastonbury has a special place in the hearts of those who were privileged to attend the early years. But even now, in 2019, the moment where thousands of hopefuls wake up early, crouch over their laptops and hit the refresh button in the hope of getting tickets is practically an event in itself.

Perhaps it has something to do with how Glastonbury has adapted with the times. Sure, it’s still working out issues like the prevalence of all-male headliners, but over the years its organisers have spotted new music scenes and made new additions to cater to those fans like few other festivals. Elsewhere you have Isle of Wight and Reading and Leeds, which are stubbornly (or increasingly desperately) clinging on to their reputations as “rock festivals”, despite the common knowledge that this is no longer the most popular genre.

Music festivals have to create balance between current and upcoming artists, and the heritage acts that can also serve as major draws. Glastonbury has somewhat nailed that this year with The Cure and Stormzy as two of its three headliners: The Cure are superb live and have a massive catalogue to their name, while Stormzy is one of the most exciting and successful artists of his generation.

What you can count on hearing during Glastonbury this year is the old (true) adage that there really is no other festival like it. People go to Glastonbury either for the first or 50th time in the knowledge that they will experience an unforgettable atmosphere, surrounded by thousands of people who might not share their music taste, but are there for the same reason: to make memories and understand what it is to be part of something great.

Yours,

Roisin O'Connor

Music correspondent