As we near the colder months, on the better side of Christmas, it’s difficult to imagine dancing in an open field, cold drink in hand, sun on your face, surrounded by thousands of carefree people. But if you’re anything like me, the chance to talk, think, and breathe anything festival related, especially Glastonbury, is one you’ll jump at.
I’m lucky enough to have been to Glastonbury Festival twice already, and I would love, love, love to go a hundred times more. If you’ve never been, or if festivals aren’t your thing, don’t worry, this piece isn’t just another whimsical ode to Glastonbury’s magic (although, I do believe in that!). Instead, it’s about something wonderful I noticed while I was there.
As I wandered through the fields, one thing became clear: for so many, this isn’t just a festival. It’s a celebration of fandoms, shared memories, and the freedom to express ourselves however we please. The sheer variety of ways people represented their passions was incredible. Here are some of the standout expressions of fandom that caught my eye:
Band and Artist T-shirts
The obvious way to badge your fandom at a festival is through music related attire and of course thousands of Iconic band and artist T-shirts flooded the fields. Glastonbury’s diverse lineup invites fans of every genre, and there’s a special camaraderie that forms when you recognise someone repping a shared favourite. T-shirts, caps, tote bags, you name it. If an artist has merch, chances are someone at Glasto is wearing it proudly.
The Glasto-Branded Merch
Beyond the artists themselves, Glastonbury has become its own iconic brand, a symbol of the UK’s music culture for over 50 years. With this kind of legacy, it’s no surprise to see the Glastonbury logo on T-shirts, bags, and bucket hats, worn by festival-goers of all ages. It’s as if donning the Glasto merch is a way of saying, "I’m part of something bigger." For many, it’s not just a festival keepsake; it’s a badge of honour, a reminder of belonging to this unique, spirited community.
Character Costumes
One of the most joyful parts of Glastonbury is the freedom to dress up. This year, I saw plenty of adults dressed as their favourite characters: Spongebob and Patrick, Barbie, Scooby-Doo, Beetlejuice, and the Teletubbies (it was a warm one this year, so not sure how they managed that!). I know this is nothing new. We have fancy dress parties and Halloween, but there was something about seeing adults revisit their childhood selves, in what is essentially a giant playground for all ages, that added an extra layer of wonder and playfulness.
Football Shirts as Friendship Starters
And then, of course, there were the football shirts. I remember going on holiday as a child, where kids would bond over their rivalries or shared love for their football teams. This was happening at Glastonbury, too! People found instant connections and intrigue through their retro 80s and 90s football shirts, as well as rare European shirts. It was so nice to see complete adult strangers sparking up conversations as easily as a child would on an all inclusive family holiday! These small but meaningful connections create a niche community at the festival.
In a world where adulthood can sometimes leave little room for unbridled self-expression, Glastonbury offers an unguarded escape (other festivals and events of course offer this too!). It’s a place where people let their passions show on their sleeves, bonding over beloved bands, shared nostalgia, and quirky characters. Seeing this outpouring of fandom with my own eyes emphasised the power and impact brands and franchises can have on our lives. When brands genuinely connect with their fans, especially when we’re young, they have the potential to become a cherished part of our identities well into adulthood. Feeding these fandoms, whether through music, iconic characters, or timeless sports moments, can transform a brand from ordinary to truly iconic.
Glastonbury, with all its eccentricities and expressions, shows that celebrating our fandoms is about more than just nostalgia; it’s about carrying pieces of what we love into every stage of life. It’s a reminder that when brands stay true to what makes them special, they’ll have fans repping them for a lifetime.
