Crowds (/ Overcrowding?)

[bob323]

big thumbs up from me to the planning and crowd control people - I thought this year was one of the better years for over crowding

 

no big issues at all, but I did plan ahead and avoided the main pinch points

 

Prodigy was rammed and I wasn't that close to the front, had to get out, but when I was out of the packed crowd I managed to watch it ok from the back

Edited July 2, 2025 by bob323

[Arrowman]

26 minutes ago, bob323 said:

Prodigy was rammed and I wasn't that close to the front, had to get out, but when I was out of the packed crowd I managed to watch it ok from the back

Where did you end up? I was a row back from the crush barrier and had plenty of space!

[cp89]

After I finished my shift, I walked into the Other Stage field about 10 minutes or so after Prodigy started from the side nearer to the railway line and it was really busy that side, all the way back to the food stalls.

 

But I was able to squeeze through the crowd as I was on my own and get round to the other side where there was lots of space towards Silver Hayes and at the back where the rest of Oxlyers used to be. 

[bob323]

23 minutes ago, cp89 said:

After I finished my shift, I walked into the Other Stage field about 10 minutes or so after Prodigy started from the side nearer to the railway line and it was really busy that side, all the way back to the food stalls.

 

But I was able to squeeze through the crowd as I was on my own and get round to the other side where there was lots of space towards Silver Hayes and at the back where the rest of Oxlyers used to be. 

 

31 minutes ago, Arrowman said:

Where did you end up? I was a row back from the crush barrier and had plenty of space!

 

I was just a bit further forward than the mixer desk - level with the screen (glade side)

 

the packed area may have just been behind the 2nd crush barrier.  People was trying to squeeze through but couldn't really move passed without really pissing other people off (shoulder to shoulder stuff)

 

I went after couple in front of me squezed past everyone - going to the back, I tagged on behind them. ended up at the food stalls and watched from there. and left early (was bored tbh) and also to avoid the inevitable movement out

 

Edited July 2, 2025 by bob323

[Physical_graffiti]

soooooo much noticeably better this year. Still busy compared to other festivals of course, but a much more pleasant experience that I was extremely grateful for. Thanks Emily, please keep it like this!!

[MJP]

2 hours ago, KefferK said:

Seems a bit at odds with the comment from Emily in the lead up that they'd discussed it and nobody thought it was too busy last year, but hey, I'll take it.

Every time I saw a drone monitoring crowds, or a message in the app, I laughed at the interview EE gave. Clearly they were hugely concerned.

 

It was mostly better - work to do on Thursdays e.g. Peach at Levels led to a totally screwed area, and Confidence Man.

 

I mostly just went the long way and got to Woodsies early for must-see acts. Scissor Sisters was also one where it felt like the area was totally screwed and we left the scorching tent to watch from near the Tree Stage.

[Bags73]

Didn't have any issues personally.  I was in some massive crowds (Keecap/Prodigy) but it was all good natured.  Closing access does cause issues - some people I know (performers and spectators) were unable to get where they needed to be but it's safety first.    I guess people just need to think ahead and get their really early if they don't want to miss anything.   I went to West Holts for the end of Nilufer Yanya just so I had a good spot for Kneecap.

[kh24]

33 minutes ago, MJP said:

Every time I saw a drone monitoring crowds, or a message in the app, I laughed at the interview EE gave. Clearly they were hugely concerned.

 

Yeah. This article from last Weds suggests otherwise: their biggest priority, and most time-consuming aspect. Passed me by in all the other coverage but a sobering read.  

[goldfishboy]

didn't really experience much overcrowding this year. the worst crowd i got into was a slow bottleneck near leftfield prior to chic but you are going to get moments like that and everyone handled it very patiently.

[gooner1990]

Experienced a few verybusy crowds getting about but that’s to be expected -  certainly didn’t see any crushes like the ones I got caught in 2022 and 2023

 

Seemed a lot more thought in one way systems and keeping people left/right when needed 

[philipsteak]

8 minutes ago, gooner1990 said:

Experienced a few verybusy crowds getting about but that’s to be expected -  certainly didn’t see any crushes like the ones I got caught in 2022 and 2023

 

Seemed a lot more thought in one way systems and keeping people left/right when needed 

 

Such a simple measure but it made a huge difference at times

[gooner1990]

2 minutes ago, philipsteak said:

 

Such a simple measure but it made a huge difference at times

I fed back to the festival after 2022 they needed to do it, glad they finally implemented it! 

[hjwright]

I spent more time in the last year reading people moan about crowds and how Glastonbury were stupid than I did in a crowd this year.

[HyperTechnoHorse]

I think it's time they got rid of the tent at woodsies and turned it into a proper stage (as much as I would seriously miss the tent)

[Crazyfool01]

29 minutes ago, HyperTechnoHorse said:

I think it's time they got rid of the tent at woodsies and turned it into a proper stage (as much as I would seriously miss the tent)

they do that for Pilton Party and I much prefer the tent 

[incident]

1 hour ago, HyperTechnoHorse said:

I think it's time they got rid of the tent at woodsies and turned it into a proper stage (as much as I would seriously miss the tent)

 

So you've never been in a mud year then?

[SPW]

I thought it was okay generally, but I did last yr also (Avril aside). The Other extension seemed to work for the likes of The Prodigy.

 

I do try and keep a live and let live mindset at festivals and gigs but, as said elsewhere, a bit tired and hot after my last shift on Sun I did find the large number of chairs and blankets littered across what looked a v.busy field for Snow Patrol a bit annoying. And ditto for a largeish group at Arcadia for Four Tet on Sat night! 

[ironmike8]

Have to echo what others have said, that was my 7th and it absolutely felt like the best organised yet, kudos where it is due. 

 

To contrast others though, I agree with Emily that it wasn't overcrowded before - the issue was everyone wanting to go to the same things and use the same paths. Improved scheduling and guidance made a bigger difference than 2/3 thousand fewer tickets