Rain rain go away, it's Glastonbury 2009

June 17, 2009

Festival fans from across the globe will be descending on the village of Pilton in Somerset next week, for Glastonbury 2009.

Britain's most famous summer music occasion, gates open at 8 am on Wednesday June 24 at Worthy Farm. The music won't stop until Sunday June 28.

This year's huge line-up features Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, Neil Young, Blur, Franz Ferdinand, Lily Allen, The Prodigy, Bloc Party, Doves, Calvin Harris, Black Eyed Peas, The Ting Tings and Georgie Fame among hundreds of others.

More than just a place to see your favourite bands, Glastonbury is a temporary town with diverse areas including the Dance Village, Pilton Palais Cinema Tent, Kidz Field, Trash City, the Green Fields and Theatre & Circus fields.

Europe's largest open air event began on September 19, 1970, the day after Jimi Hendrix died. Marc Bolan performed, and the 1,500 people who attended paid £1 each, which included free milk from the farm.

This year's event was sold out by April and about 177,000 revellers are expected, according to Avon and Somerset Police. This rural village normally has a population of around 1,100 residents.

On the police website, Sergeant Kerry Williams, from Operational Planning for the festival, said: "As the festival improves year on year, police and partner agencies continue to work together to ensure the village remains a safe place for local residents..."

Festival-goers can get the latest advice and tips on personal and property safety from the local police's dedicated Glastonbury micro-site: www.glastonburypolice.org.

Written by: Maxine Clarke

Flying into the UK for Glastonbury? Book a Heathrow airport hotel with Holiday Extras for before or after the festival, and make the most of a comfortable bed and hot shower.

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