We’re still not quite sure that the queue is going to lead all the way to the site. We’re all sort of hoping that there are some roadworks or something. Time to try and find a local radio station.
Sure enough, 2-3 minutes after tuning into BBC Somerset, we’re faced with the reality of a long wait. We decide to have a bit of a sweepstake on what time we think we’ll be in and pitched. I plump for 12.30, Andy optimistically goes for 11.30 and Jo (the pessimist) opts for 1.30ish.
On we go. Move forward 50-60 yards. Sit still for 10 mins. Repeat, repeat, repeat.
We cling on to any little things we can...
We’re now starting to pass through some villages. Not having been before, I’m impressed by the opportunism of the locals. We pass many people sat out in their garden, boxes full of bottled water and canned drinks all for sale with a modest profit. Not a bad way to spend the afternoon. The local pubs are keen to cash in too. Offering various roadside deals for the weary traveller.
On we go, 25° C, but not disheartened...
Several miles/hours pass. A couple of lads come running up clutching some sealed envelopes.
“Listen guys, from here it’s a nine hour queue to get in. I’ve got a shortcut that will knock four hours off that. I would normally charge £5 per head, but you look really nice people so I’ll knock a fiver off it and call it £15.”
Nine hours sounds a bloody long time, but I’m very sceptical.
“Thanks a lot lads, but I think we’ll take our chances”
I glance back at Andy and he totally agrees with my decision. The lads give us a wave and on we go.
A little bit further and we reach Glastonbury itself. We creep through the town and there it is... the Tor...
I should mention that something else is going on at this time. It’s the group stages of the World Cup. England have had two pretty poor first games. Today is a must-win game against Slovenia. Kick off is at 15.00 and hence why our guesses at arrival times were so hopeful. Get set up and then head down to the pyramid stage to watch the game on the big screens. That’s now not going to happen, so we tune into 5 Live.
This makes the next 45 minutes pass quite quickly. A big cheer as England go 1-0 up.
A little bit further and we’re there!
Turn off the main road and fairly soon got pulled up at a checkpoint where they’re checking all cars for any glass – a no-no for Glasto, as broken glass is not appreciated by the cows that inhabit the site for the rest of the year.
I open the boot (carefully, to prevent spillage). The steward takes one look at the rammed space and raises his eyebrows. I persuade him that we’re all law-abiding citizens. No glass for us sir. He’s happy to let us on our way.
Parking up now is fairly straight forward. We pull up against a hedge and jump out, excitement building again. The bags get pulled out and we make a really good note of where we actually are – don’t fancy losing the car on Monday morning.
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