With Glastonbury riding in on us without much notice, today I wanted to give all you like minded mud lovers my take on the festival. I first attend Glastonbury in 2008, and at the young age of 15, I instantly knew this was my favourite place in the world.


Unable to get tickets this year, I am secretly hoping NME send me to get some cracking stories behind the scenes (a girl can dream). But I have to somehow come to terms with the fact that this post isn't for me, it's for you, and if this is the first time you're visiting Glastonbury, believe me, it's the best discovery you'll find! Whether it be the magical comfort of Strummerville that ticks it for you, or the surreal, secretive and very rude rabbit hole, there is something for everyone and actually, you'll be surprised by how much your opinions of different area's changes throughout the week/end.

I have made a list of my top 3 areas of Glastonbury, that's if you can have a top 3, I mean this was very difficult for me to make a decision on because even I love the huge unicorn playground in the kidzfield...but here it goes. My top 3.


1. Strummerville

Nestled into some beautiful Greenland overlooking the whole site, The Joe Strummer Foundation have set up camp (literally) in the most idyllic area of Glastonbury. Perfect for those summer days lounging around, drinking beer, listening to some ace music and remembering Joe, of course!

A charity that is extremely close to my heart, I visit Strummerville every single day of the festival. Whether that be to relax after partying too hard or to just get the party started. Sometimes I just go up there purely for the view, which is breath-taking. So if you get the chance, in fact, no, please make this your priority to go check out this year - there is nothing not to like.



(You can find out more about The Joe Strummer Foundation here)


2. Shangri-la

This area is born out of originality, creativity, truth, and lies. A magical and mystical other-world pops up every year and summons in all the campers that are fascinated by alternative ideologies. Never been before? well, get ready for the new movement!


An empowerment through art, music and unity, we are being educated in the understand that people have lost their voice amongst the deceit and distractions of the mainstream media. People want the revolution, people want freedom and in Shangri-La the people's voices are being heard louder than ever before.

I've decided to purposely not write much about Shangri-La's best kept secrets because those secrets are best witnessed live.

3. Pyramid Stage

I think this area is pretty self-explanatory. You could say this is the most famous stage in the world having homed huge artists from David Bowie to Beyonce. Going in 2016? Get ready to watch Adele, Coldplay, and Muse amongst many other artists take to the pyramid. And don't forget to get there early for the Sunday Legends slot.



 4. The Rabbit Hole


Oops, I accidently added a fourth area, purely because the rabbit hole is the most amazing find. Every festival should have a rabbit hole, a secret dreamscape where you can let your imaginations run wild. Make it your must to find the psychedelic tunnel that welcomes you to live music and Dj's. Grab a delicious tipple from the bar and be prepared because from here there's no going back... who know's you might even bump into Alice in wonderland on the way.



*All photos were taken by Stevie. 

Defining the show as "the Cribs show to end all Cribs shows" has made my heart shudder a little as I contemplate not hearing another indie-punk masterpiece from the brothers.

The English indie rock band consists of twin brothers Ryan and Gary Jarman alongside their younger brother Ross. In 2008 The Smiths Johnny Marr became the 4th official member of the band where he remained until 2011, going on to proceed in his solo career.


So for those who are hard core fans you will already know that yesterday these merry lads announced a one off, four-band line up show at Leeds Millennium Square on the 22nd July 2016. The line up consists of Pulled Apart By Horses and MENACE BEACH, described by the band as "their bestest buddies" having toured with them individually. Also included in the line up is Thurston Moore who I think we can all agree with the boys by saying he is totally bad ass.

Going on to add that this is what everything has been building towards, I for one will not be missing out on this legendary gig.

Tickets on sale Wednesday 23rd March

Personally, this band means an awful lot to me. I will never forget the day my dad made me listen to Men's Needs and from then on I have never turned them off. They're so much rock and roll it hurts and the best thing is every time I have seen them live they know they aren't the greatest singers ever but that's what is fucking ace about them... they're not giving into this perfect ideology of music that is happening today and I think that is why people love them so much.

I read somewhere on facebook that one fan thinks they're "the best band since The Clash" and honestly I'd take that. The Clash were and are on a different level but even Joe Strummer didn't sing the same lyrics at every live gig. And that to me is perfection.

A band that means music. Their newest album release in 2015 - For All My Sisters - instantly became my album of the year despite albums from the likes of The Charlatans and Tame Impala. I saw them twice last year and they blew me away with their new material it was like I was in my natural habitat listening to their amazing monotone voices bless my ears. My favourite song and the perfect ending to any gig- Pink Snow, a seven minute guitar riff wonder.

Willingly every year thousands of people buy their tickets for the world renowned festival without even knowing one single artist who is performing, some would say we are mad, I say in these cases it is about so much more than the music.

But we would all love a decent headliner wouldn't we?

The anticipation is enough to make anyone crack and after several months of waiting patiently I feel like its a Kanye West disaster all over again. I was there 2015, Kanye West headlining the Pyramid stage. I didn't want to be there really it all came down to two things for me - I was there when I saw Kanye West headline Glastonbury and it was the most amazing experience ever OR I was there when I saw Kanye West get bottled off stage at Glastonbury... either way I was winning however neither happened. Kanye was pants and the audience was ace! I mean seriously Kanye what was you thinking with the 10 minute black out to get on a fucking cherry picker, the black out made everyone leave.

I begun the set stood near the back because it was so full and 30 minutes in I walked right down towards the stage, people clearly realised that there were better things going on like getting trashed in Shangri La or dancing the night away at Arcadia. Those who wanted comfort and peaceful music took themselves up to Strummerville (where you would find me no doubt).

So how are we feeling about the Adele announcement?

I am guessing for some this is fantastic news I mean she is huge right now... for others bleurgh, watching twitter explode was like watching the whole world collectively moan! Here's my take on this years headliners....


1. Coldplay

This band where do I begin. Announced as the first headlining act playing the pyramid on Sunday Coldplay in my judgement shouldn't have took this spot which is so worthy to many other great artists. Now I understand they have a new album out and it's all about what people are into in 2016 because that's what draws the crowds right? Yep, but along with Muse this will be the 2nd time Coldplay have headlined. This makes you wonder if there are any headliners left at all?

Coldplay, formed in 1996 and described as a very British rock band have a very large following but why? Their music seems so mundane and every song sounds the same. Their colourful, confetti endorsed tours auto tune and lack of lyrical content just introduces to me a very boring band.

Their new music relationship with Beyoncé is one that should have never happened. And again the fireworks, colourful paint and confetti is one that should have never happened. "Feeling drunk and high" ... I think you must have been high when you wrote this one Chris. Hymn For The Weekend doesn't feel very rock band and that's why it's a no from me.


2. Muse

Now Muse I don't mind as much. Although again I feel it is a little inappropriate that they should headline again having done so in 2010. My step sister introduced me to Muse when I was younger and I became instantly attached. She dragged me along to Sheffield Arena to see them in 2006 and at that age I literally thought they were my muse, my god damn religion. What did I know? I was 13.

Now hear me out, whilst I say I wouldn't mind Muse I think it is mainly due to me loving Matt Bellamy's voice. If they came on to the Pyramid stage and absolutely smashed Origin of Symmetry, Absolution or even better Black Holes and Revelations I would be in my element. However, I trust they will be offering their newest album Drones... which is absolutely pants!

So, after much consideration, Muse, unless you shred Supermassive Black hole I'm not bothered thank you.



3. Adele

I think this one is probably well deserved in all honesty. While Adele isn't my cup of tea she isn't the worst in the industry and the way she took over the charts this year shows she is killing it. I believe the majority of Glastonbury goers will love this, whilst the rest may sit and question it.

Thinking about an Adele concert, I just wonder what you do? Sing along yes but watching her live seems very boring to me. All of her songs are very slow and relate to those who have gone through heart break... is that what you want at a festival? I cant help but think this will dampen the spirit of a Saturday night headliner.

Hello, from the other side .... of Glastonbury springs to mind.