Glastonbury 2004: Green Fields

United Kingdom | by Sara Wright | 26 June 2004

There is a quiet place full of madness and a yearning for simpler times... it exists high up above the thronging metropolis of Glastonbury's markets and stages. It's known as the Green Fields.

VF on the Green Fields

The Green Fields are quintessentially part of the uniqueness of the Glastonbury experience. The fields encompass everything from alternative healing, environmentally friendly living, chill out spaces and quiet gardens to kids areas and the bizarre, wacky world of 'Lost Vagueness'. Smaller bands play in the relaxed tents around the area and impromptu performers entertain the crowds who mill amongst the weird sculptures. Depending on your mood you can enjoy poetry, meditation or massage. Regardless of how muddy the rest of the Glasto site gets, the Green Fields always somehow manage to remain true to their name, and provide a welcome respite from the bustling crowds down the hill.

Greenpeace's solar powered showers are always popular, as is their kids' climbing wall. Various religious groups can be found here and a Sunday service is held for those that want it. Tai Chi and dance lessons are available and you can even get married (or divorced!) at the 'Chapel of Love and Loathe' (although it's not strictly a legal ceremony). For those determined to bring their ball gowns to Glastonbury, the Lost Vagueness Ballroom and Casino are the places to be seen. The tipi field provides a unique glimpse into living in these majestic structures and some can even be hired for your Glastonbury stay. The Sacred Space - with its famous stone circle - is the ultimate place to chill late at night and listen to an impromptu jam session by a hundred hippies with guitars and bongos! The view over the site from here is spectacular, and if you can stay awake long enough the sunrises are breathtaking.

The Green Crafts field is just one area where skilled craftspeople can get together to demonstrate and share their skills. Over the next two pages VF chats to some of these workers to get their perspective on the festival.