'In a way we’ve gone full circle' says Michael Eavis as Worthy Pastures campsite opens
A six week family-friendly campsite has opened at the world famous Worthy Farm - harking back to the 1960s, before the Glastonbury festival, when people would regularly camp there.
Last updated 26th Jul 2021
The Eavis family are throwing open the farm gates for a unique glimpse of the farm - after the festival was postponed for a second time in 2021 due to the pandemic.
There's no live music at the 'Worthy Pastures' campsite, which is described as 'tranquil' and uses pre-erected tents, but there's also spaces for campervans.
Campers are encouraged to chill out in the Stone Circle or attend on-site workshops for kids and adults - mostly organised by the festival’s charity partners Greenpeace, WaterAid and Oxfam.
Glastonbury creator Michael Eavis said: "After being forced to cancel two Festivals in a row, we’re just so excited to welcome lovely people back to the farm.
“I actually used to offer camping at Worthy Farm in the 1960s before we even started the festival, so in a way we’ve gone the full circle.
“Back then, the camping brought in some extra income on top of the dairy farm, and this year it’s giving us a way to make a bit of money and, more importantly, to give work to a lot of our regular staff, crew and traders who’ve struggled for work for 18 months now.
"The site is looking absolutely stunning and we’re all so looking forward to everyone arriving and enjoying a wonderful Somerset summer break.”
Prices start at £195 for a 3-night stay for two adults and two kids, or bring your campervan for up to five nights for just £150.
For more about Worthy Pastures click here
Reporter Andrew Kay's personal blog from the opening weekend of Worthy Pastures.
I loved it. First time I went to the festival I was amazed at the size, this is much smaller but still there's much more to see and try than I expected. The site is really well laid out, with huge pitches - both for the pre-erected tents and motorhomes. It's really easy to socially distance and feels very Covid safe. All of the activity tents have strict numbers on those entering - and each one has a great mix on offer.
A personal highlight was the nightime stories for young children - we were even treated to a reading by the author of a kids' book about plastic pollution and environmental awareness. The on-site permanent play facilities are amazing - the pink kids castle and huge pirate ship were hits with all the families.
I enjoyed seeing festival founder Michael Eavis making time to chat to campers - I think he spent two hours on one night going from bench to bench talking to people and posing for pictures.
Worthy Pastures is advertised as being 'tranquil' and I think it certainly achieves that. It's also great having so much safe space for kids to run around in and overall I saw lots of relaxed parents. Worthy Farm is also in a great location - off the local A-road network - allowing it to be a great base for sightseeing.
My weekend saw baking sunshine, lightning and torrential rain - so I feel I had the full experience. Overall the site coped well with all the weather. There's even on-site showers.
I did ask if the camping will become a regular event and was told that's unlikely as it takes a while to get the site ready after the festival which is a shame as it feels something - like the festival - that could keep growing.