Our favorite musical festival! Glastonbury Festival began in 1970 on a dairy farm in Somerset, UK, and started as a celebration of music, arts, and counterculture, inspired by the hippie movement, specifically Woodstock in the US in 1969. The festival is still run by its original founders, Micheal and his daughter Emily Eavis, who you may see driving through festival grounds in their old pickup, throwing small cartons of milk produced on the farm (the cows are temporarily rehoused nearby during the festival). Over the years, Glastonbury has grown into a global icon. The Pyramid Stage, introduced in 1981, has become a symbol of the festival, hosting legendary acts like David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, and Beyoncé. It has become a symbol of iconic status for musicians…if you make it to pyramid, you’ve secured a spot amongst the world’s biggest music legends, forever. Those lucky enough to make it… artists like Nirvana, Adele, Paul McCartney, Coldplay and Beyoncé, have praised the festival for its energy and sense of community. The music is certainly the primary draw of Glasto, but for us at Stairwell Baby, the best thing about Glasto is that it does not rely on corporate sponsors. You will not be inundated with free samples of the newest vitamin infused water or a “brand ambassador” soliciting around every corner. It’s a strange concept for Americans to grasp, but the absence of corporate sponsorship completely changes the festival experience. It kind of shocks you into an elevated awareness and adds to the feeling that Glasto is a sacred space for people to escape the psychological trappings of living in a modern capitalist society. Additionally, Glasto has always embraced sustainability, activism (they partner with Oxfam), and diversity, featuring artists from various backgrounds and promoting gender equality. Today, Glastonbury continues to be a major highlight of the festival scene, attracting music lovers worldwide with its expansive stages, art installations (the political satire installations are always so good), and electric atmosphere. From its humble roots to becoming a cultural phenomenon, Glastonbury remains a celebration of music, creativity, and connection. Do yourself a favor and GO TO GLASTO!