Music festivals such as Glastonbury are renowned for providing an immersive and gratifying experience. Over a span of 72 hours or more, attendees often find themselves consumed by the pressing question: what do I need at this moment? What will bring me joy and alleviate any discomfort? Whether it be a simple burger, a canned beverage, or a brief respite, it is widely acknowledged that indulging at a festival can result in considerable expenses, compounded by the already steep ticket prices.
Within the micro-economy of Glastonbury, vendors frequently impose inflated prices to meet the fundamental needs of festival-goers. Notwithstanding this, attendees frequently cast aside caution and spend lavishly. However, the true extent of these expenses is a matter of intrigue. To ascertain this, I meticulously documented all my expenditures over the course of three days at Glastonbury this year.
Day 1
The day commenced with a severe hangover and an urgent desire for coffee, which incurred a cost of £4. This was promptly followed by a substantial £15 vegetarian full English breakfast, along with my first cider of the festival at £6.75. A visit to Taste Tibet for lunch amounted to £14.50, and a concluding pint at £7. Additionally, canned drinks during the concerts totalled an estimated £2.
Total expenditure for the day: £50
Day 2
The day commenced with a £15 breakfast to satiate my hunger, along with a £4 coffee. Subsequently, I indulged in various negligible food and beverage items throughout the day, including an £11 toastie, a £12 Bloody Mary, and a £7 IPA, among others.
Total expenditure for the day: £74.50
Day 3
The day commenced with a £13 breakfast, followed by a repeat lunch from Taste Tibet at £14.50. A visit to the bar for a pint amounted to £6.75, resulting in a relatively modest total expenditure of £60.25.
Total expenditure for the day: £60.25
Cumulatively, I expended a total of £184.75 solely on food and beverages over the duration of the festival. When factoring in the cost of the festival ticket and the return train ticket, the grand total expenditure amounted to a staggering £602.75.
It is evident that indulging at Glastonbury entails a substantial financial implication. While the exhilaration and fervor of a music festival are unrivaled, it is imperative to exercise prudence and budgeting to avoid undue financial strain. Therefore, for any prospective festival attendees, it is prudent to bear in mind that each purchase contributes to the overall expenses, and adhering to a budget can significantly enhance the overall experience.