What Happens in Glasto's Naughty Corner?

Mastering Glastonbury's After-Dark Experience: A Guide to Nighttime Adventures

Glastonbury Festival, a towering giant in the world of music festivals, offers an unparalleled experience, particularly after the sun sets. With a vibrant nightlife that rivals any urban party scene, it can be overwhelming to navigate the various offerings. After years of discovering the festival’s nocturnal delights, I’ve distilled my insights into two effective approaches to mastering Glastonbury's after-dark experience. The first is a focused, action-packed night, while the second embraces a more leisurely, sociable approach throughout the weekend. In this article, I’ll delve into my Friday night escapade in Glastonbury’s famed “naughty corner” and explore the festival's dynamic dance sites. Join me as we uncover how to make the most of your Glastonbury nights.

The Two Approaches: Choose Your Adventure

When it comes to tackling the vibrant nightlife of Glastonbury, you can choose one of two strategies:

1. The All-In Experience: Dedicate one night to fully immerse yourself in the festival’s offerings. This method involves maximizing your step count and ensuring you have enough energy to sustain an 18-hour day of music, dancing, and exploration. With the right intake of carbohydrates and a few tinned cocktails, you’ll be ready to conquer the night.
2. The Nocturnal Crew: Embrace the long weekend with friends who are also committed to the after-dark adventure. This approach allows for a more relaxed pace, where you can emerge from your tents each evening to explore the festival's myriad delights without the pressure of cramming everything into a single night.

For the sake of my colleagues' workloads, I opted for the first approach and dedicated my Friday night to exploring Glastonbury's notorious “naughty corner.”

The Warm-Up: Four Tet and Beyond

The key to a successful night at Glastonbury starts with a solid warm-up act. I kicked off my evening with Four Tet’s headline slot at Woodsies, setting the tone for an unforgettable night. The atmosphere was electric, with festival-goers dancing in harmony, fully embracing the spirit of the festival.

Exploring Silver Hayes

After the warm-up, I made my way down to Silver Hayes, Glastonbury’s newest dance corner. Launched in 2013, this area has evolved to include two massive stages: Levels and Lonely Hearts Club. It was here that I caught the Scouse duo CamelPhat performing their unique blend of tech house, drawing huge crowds despite the competition from some of the main stage headliners.

The Visual Feast: Arcadia

Next on my journey was Arcadia, arguably the most visually stunning site at Glastonbury. Originally constructed in 2007 and solidified as a permanent stage in 2014, Arcadia is renowned for its giant spider structure and breathtaking laser shows. This year, it was transformed into a massive dragonfly, repurposed from a former Royal Navy helicopter. Australian DJ Sonny Fodera lit up the stage, sharing that performing at Arcadia was “one of the most insane experiences of my life.”

While Arcadia is a must-visit for first-time Glastonbury attendees, it has faced criticism for its sound system—often deemed too quiet for those not directly under the main structure. However, even from a distance, I found the sound clear and enjoyable.

The South East Corner: A Legendary Pilgrimage

Glastonbury’s late-night dance offerings have evolved significantly over the past 25 years. The South East Corner, introduced in 2008, adds an element of adventure to your nighttime escapades, as it is located far from the main stages, making the journey to it legendary in its own right.

As I began my trek to the South East Corner at 1 a.m., I felt the fatigue setting in, but I was fortunate to find a friend to join me on the pilgrimage. Our first stop was the Cabaret tent, where comedians James Acaster and Nish Kumar entertained the crowd with a back-to-back DJ set, a delightful surprise that primed us for the sensory overload that awaited.

Shangri-La: A Wonderland of Intrigue

Shangri-La is one of Glastonbury's most iconic after-dark locations, known for its intricate installations that often comment on political and environmental issues. Over 17 years, this area has undergone several transformations, and this year, it received a complete makeover, opening up the space for even more exploration.

Each corner of Shangri-La is filled with bizarre and beautiful sights—a mattress sprouting plant leaves, a phone line connecting you to nature, and art installations that challenge perceptions. The main stage of Shangri-La hosted dance vocalist Katy B, who expressed her love for Glastonbury at night and the excitement of performing at such a vibrant venue.

A Theme Park of Dance Music

The experience in Shangri-La can be likened to being at a theme park, where the South East Corner resembles a fun fair filled with techno beats. The eclectic mix of festival-goers adds to the ambiance—glitter-clad party-goers dance alongside fans sporting football jerseys, creating a melting pot of cultures and experiences.

Late-Night Adventures: NYC Downlow and Temple

As the night wore on, we ventured to Block 9, where we were greeted by a long queue for Glastonbury's LGBT hotspot, NYC Downlow. It was a surprise to find singer Lorde enjoying her night out in the vibrant atmosphere. Nearby, we spotted long waits for Temple, the home of drum and bass at the festival, where nights end at 6 a.m.

With so much to see and experience, it’s easy to lose track of time, and before we knew it, it was time to head back to our camp. However, as we made our way through the fields, we witnessed a steady stream of festival-goers still heading into the night, eager to embrace the revelry.

One Last Dance: The Greenpeace Stage

With a fallow year on the horizon, I realized this might be my last trip to the “naughty corner” for a while. I took a detour to the Greenpeace stage, where a disco night was in full swing. As I danced to the sounds of Sister Sledge, I couldn’t help but reflect on the joy and freedom that Glastonbury brings. It's a celebration of life, music, and community.

Conclusion: Embrace the Night

Glastonbury's after-dark experience is a mesmerizing blend of music, art, and community. Whether you choose the all-in approach for a single night or decide to embrace the nocturnal lifestyle with friends, the festival offers something for everyone. From stunning visual displays to eclectic dance music, the night is alive with possibilities. As you prepare for your next Glastonbury adventure, remember to let the atmosphere guide you and embrace the spontaneity of the night.

FAQs

What is the best way to experience Glastonbury at night?

The best way to experience Glastonbury at night is to either dedicate one night to fully immerse yourself in the festivities or to embrace a more leisurely approach over the weekend with friends.

What are the key nighttime areas at Glastonbury?

Key nighttime areas include Silver Hayes, Arcadia, Shangri-La, and the South East Corner, each offering unique experiences and entertainment.

How can I make the most of my time at Glastonbury?

To make the most of your time at Glastonbury, plan your night but also be open to spontaneity. Explore different stages and areas, and don’t hesitate to join in on unexpected adventures.

As you gear up for your next Glastonbury experience, how do you plan to approach the festival's nighttime offerings? Will you go all-in for one epic night, or will you embrace the long weekend with friends? #Glastonbury #FestivalNights #MusicAdventure