Festivalgoers attending Glastonbury this weekend are being offered a chance to step away from the crowds and connect with God, thanks to the ongoing Christian presence at the event.
The Church at Glastonbury, a temporary worship space, is once again providing festival attendees with a peaceful retreat from the noise and activity. Staffed by volunteers and clergy, the initiative offers daily prayers, quiet reflection, pastoral care, and even baptisms and wedding vow blessings for those who feel led to mark a spiritual moment during the festival.
Among those helping to lead the ministry this year is Lewis Simonds, 39, who is based at St Frideswide’s Church in Water Eaton, Bletchley. Simonds is set to begin his curacy there next month following his ordination as deacon.
Speaking to the BBC, Simonds described the outreach as “a very gentle expression of church".
A seasoned Glastonbury attendee, he said the festival has always been a spiritually significant space for him.
“The reason I come here is for a chance to be with real people, in a real place, in their real lives,” he explained. “The world is diverse, the festival is diverse, and the Church is part of that diverse world – it mirrors the microcosm of Glastonbury.”
Glastonbury Festival, now in its 55th year, draws around 200,000 people annually. Despite its reputation for music and revelry, the event has long hosted a Christian witness. Since 1970, the Sanctuary Marquee – also known as the Church Tent – has been a fixture at the festival, offering a calm space for prayer and reflection close to the famously spiritual Glastonbury Tor.
Last year, Rev Lee Barnes, who served with the Church at Glastonbury, told Premier he was struck by the openness of festivalgoers:
“There’s a real spiritual openness among the punters who come in. Many are looking for meaning, peace, or simply someone to talk to.”
Church volunteers continue to provide not only prayer and conversation, but also practical support. Each year, they distribute around 20,000 cups of free water, offering care and compassion to those in need.
This year’s musical line-up includes The 1975, Neil Young, Olivia Rodrigo, and Alanis Morissette, among many others. But for those seeking a different kind of encounter, the Church at Glastonbury stands ready to welcome them.