It’s 3am and there’s a real pagan feel to the Stone Circle tonight, with hundreds of people huddling around campfires, and a few people doing some decidedly more dangerous things with flames.
Arcadia was packed for MC Mash Clan’s set. It was really hard to get close – and they closed The Old Railway Track shortly after we arrived to stop anyone else getting in. It’s like stepping directly into a battle scene in the Matrix. The explosions were so intense that they shook and the ground seemed to light up the sky for miles around. The mix of thumping dance music and pyrotechnics is unparalleled. You just don’t see stuff like this anywhere else.
Block 9 was awesome tonight – dance music underneath a crashed Northern Line London Underground train. Natasha, Rob, Rachel and Karen headed straight there after the Gorillaz. “We’re working here as sign language interpreters – we sign quite a few of the stage acts, but we’re relaxing tonight before we have to get up for work on Shangri-La tomorrow”.
On the opposite side of the field is Download NYC – a regular Glastonbury venue. Tim is working there this year, as part of the regular transvestite show troop. To get in you need to wear a fake ‘tash. Jonny Woo was leading the dancing – in the highest pair of heels you’ll see at Glastonbury this year.
John and Polly last came to Glasto in 1983 – “It was very different then. Two stages and only around 40 bands. We’re amazed by everything at this end of the festival. The work is so inspiring.”
“Last night we were taken to the new secret underground Irish Bar. Everyone is mixing it up with the Rabbit hole bar, but they’re two different places. The underground Irish bar was built by some Irish guys who hitch hiked over from Ireland with the piano that’s now in the bar. The bar isn’t signposted, so is tricky to find, but it’s up to the left of the Stone Circle”
“We’re going back to the sand sculpture tomorrow. At the moment it’s a huge pair of hands, but they’re going to start pairing it back tomorrow to gradually reveal the muscles and then the bones”.
Tonight we headed down The Old Railway Track to check out Shangri-La. Hundreds of people were heading in the same direction, all wanting to get a taste of the late night party scene Glastonbury offers. Pete from Stockport has been to Glastonbury once before but never made it beyond the main stages. He’s taking a different approach this year and headed down to see what Shangri-La was all about. “We didn’t get down here last year, but I wish we had, it’s wicked. It messes with your brain a bit though”.
The team who created Shangri-La describe it as “a living breathing film set, populated with characters and creations. A futuristic citadel nestled next to an overpopulated slum riddled with filth of all kinds and the odd unexpected diamond ….”.
It’s live music, laser shows, a burlesque hotel, a nightclub, backstreet slum areas with seedy shops and futuristic buildings, all built around a huge town square …. oh, and free haircuts!
Lantern launching from the Stone Circle has become a Glastonbury tradition. On a still night like tonight it’s quite wonderful to see all the paper lanterns gently drifting into the night sky. Each lantern is gently warmed by the flame and when each one launches the crowd all cheer.
Glastonbury first-timers Anna and Joe have just finished their GCSE exams and are here with their mates for an end of exam treat. “It’s been a long day but we’ve all loved it. Can’t wait until tomorrow when the music kicks off”.
If you’ve never been to Glastonbury before, you’ll be amazed at the over-the-top late night entertainment on offer after the main stages have quietened down – and this year there are three new night-time areas.
When the sun goes down, find your way to the old railway track and head south. Here you’ll find the “badlands” of Shangri-La, one of our favourite places last year and where this year festival-goers have been involved as part of a competition to design part of the area themselves.
Emily Eavis says the late-night venues were so busy last year they’ve been expanded to give people more choice.
So new for 2010:
The Unfair Ground: Where you can be served drinks by maimed 70s Aeroflot trolley dollies in a crashed and derelict plane wreck or hang out at Bez and Sam Haggerty’s Acid House tent.
The Common: A new music performance area with late night bars and intimate side shows.
Block 9: Billed as a brand new late night party zone that’s “not for the faint hearted”.
If you go make sure you send us a photo or two … just in case we’re too faint-hearted to venture in!
