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Glastonbury 2007 Bog Blog
Day 1: Thursday
Although thousands of people had already arrived on the site during Wednesday - perhaps to enjoy the Summer Solstice sunrise in the stone circle on Thursday morning - the festival proper kicked off today, the longest day of the year. With a mere 74,292 people on site already, the atmosphere is lively, despite the occasional downpour and patchy mud. We spoke to two volunteers enjoying their first festival with WaterAid: Sarah, 26, arts education officer from London
"I went to Glasto years ago but this is my first time as a WaterAid volunteer. I am amazed at how many people are here! "It's been absolutely brilliant manning the she-pees, the people are so lovely and there's a great atmosphere, with lots of girly giggling! "I also think they are the cutest toilets on site, with lots of pretty flowers and decorations. "People approach with trepidation but then when we explain it they're not so worried. When they come out they're amazed. I've recognised people coming back for seconds! Most women are also very happy to make a donation to WaterAid."
Chetna, Mid-Kent Water employee
"It's my first time at a big festival, and my first time volunteering for WaterAid, so it's all very new to me! "I was on the supporters' trip to India in March. Seeing the problems first hand has motivated me to support WaterAid more actively, because I've seen how our projects make such a difference. "I've been looking after the End Water Poverty thumb-prints, which people (especially kids)have enjoyed doing. Lots of people have been wanting to find out more about the campaign." For those not so new to Glastonbury, returning after last year's absence was a great feeling. With the WaterAid stand set up in prime position next to the Pyramid stage, there's already been plenty of interest in the End Water Poverty campaign - and lots of inky fingers! There's a real buzz around the site (and not just from the electricity pylons), as everyone eagerly anticipates the weekend of music, performance and random happenings. As for the weather, there's a rumour circulating in the press tent that a severe weather warning for the Somerset area has been issued...
Day 2: FridayAs predicted, the heavens opened... and they didn't close. Glastonbury has turned into a sloppy, muddy quagmire but it seems many people here wouldn't have it any other way - something about character building and the 'authentic' Glasto experience, perhaps? Fortunately, the site is coping and the sun even made a belated appearance (greeted by mass cheering).
The good news for WaterAid is that sales of our cool blue ponchos have gone through the roof; the massive mac is quickly becoming a festival fashion favourite. The frequent cloudbursts also sent crowds of people running into the WaterAid tent near the Pyramid stage. While they escaped the rain, our volunteers told them about the End Water Poverty campaign and many pledged their support, with a thumb print or a signature.
The mud and mess helps get the WaterAid message about sanitation and hygiene across; it's hard enough staying clean here, but just imagine if there were no toilets at all at the festival. It doesn't bear thinking about, but for the millions of people who don't have access to a toilet it's a daily reality. Top celeb spots so far today have included Stephen Merchant, Andrew Marr and Ana Matronic from Scissor Sisters, who was in disguise but we still managed to recognise her! All three gave their finger print to the giant End Water Poverty hand, and showed their support for the campaign. We also bagged Stella McCartney's signature for the iCount campaign.
Our hardy volunteers were also out in force again, whatever the weather. Christina, 26, from York, who works at Yorkshire Water, said the day had been really positive and that people were very receptive. She said, "People are genuinely interested and quite shocked about the water and sanitation problems people face." Claire, 26, from Leeds, went on a recent WaterAid supporters' trip to Gwalior, West India. This is her third Glastonbury with WaterAid. Claire said, "Going on the visit made me realise how simple the solutions are - it's not just about saving lives, it's about changing lives. The rain is good for us today though - we've sold more ponchos in the last ten minutes than we have all day." As the rain clouds melt away, we're all looking forward to performances from Bjork, Hot Chip and Arcade Fire, then we'll be back to do it all again tomorrow!
Day 3: SaturdayWith over 165,000 people on site now, it wasn't surprising that the 160,000 bog rolls supplied by festival organisers have all been taken, so another 50,000 more are being delivered to the site!
"I've been wearing the poo costume for three hours so far this morning. It's a bit damp and sticky but apart from that, fine. "Half the people seem to just like the novelty and the other half come up and ask 'why are you dressed up as a poo?' Then I can explain about sanitation issues. "The great thing about the costume is that now there are going to be hundreds of photos with a WaterAid sign saying 'lack of toilets kills' in them, which can't be bad."
Over near the Left Field tent we found David, from Tring in Hert's, on recycling duty. "We've been working hard. Yesterday, when Joss Stone was playing, it was packed in the tent. When everyone left there were lots of paper cups to collect, which made me strangely happy! "This is definitely the greenest festival around and people are getting the message about recycling and not littering - they really appreciate what we and other volunteers are doing to help keep the site tidy."
Next, we wandered to the chilled-out King's Meadow, near the Stone Circle, where the WaterAid VIP latrines are located. That's Ventilated Improved Pit Latrines to you and me, but they're certainly fit for VIP's.
Robin, volunteering at the latrines, explained: "There's been a long queue here all day long. "People are really appreciative of these latrines after they've used some of the other toilets on offer. "Some are surprised to find out exactly what a traditional pit latrine is but, after we explain, they are fine about it. "We have to remind people to check their pockets for loose coins, phones and so on as we don't really want to have to retrieve anything from the pit. "Of course, we also encourage them to give any loose change to WaterAid!"
Phil, from Reading, landed perhaps the most coveted volunteer job:
"I was elated to get the job of toilet cleaner! People really appreciate using nice, clean toilets. I'll stake my reputation that these are still the cleanest toilets on site. "Even though we have had lots of satisfied customers we've had no bums on seats!"
Lots of media interest in WaterAid activities too today, with The Guardian taking an intimate look at the she pees, BBC Asian Network quizzing our volunteers (including Claire Moore, while dressed up as the poo), and a piece on Sky News. |
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| Mud, glorious mud! |
| Credit: WaterAid / Matt Simpson |
Day 4: Sunday
WaterAid volunteers have now been busy campaigning, recycling, handing out water, manning the she pees, waving flags, signing up celebs, cleaning latrines (and blogging about it all), for four long days.
The end of the festival is in sight and, while the weather has made life challenging to say the least, we've survived and enjoyed it!
The day started with yet more rain but, just around lunchtime, the sun came out... and so did the smiles.
In the relaxed backstage bar, celebs (and their mates) including Howard Marks, Phil Jupitus, Jody Latham from Shameless, and skateboarding hellraiser Matthew Pritchard from Dirty Sanchez, mingled with WaterAid volunteers and were happy to hear more about End Water Poverty.
Duncan Wilbur, who has been running WaterAid's Glastonbury operations, said "It's been another fantastic festival for us. The mud and rain has made it quite difficult but we've got a great group of volunteers who've kept their spirits high and have done a superb job helping raise awareness about water and sanitation."
Environmental consultant and WaterAid photographer Matt Simpson told us about his Glasto experience:
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| Photographer Matt Simpson |
| Credit: WaterAid / Joe Downie |
"It's been a nightmare trying to keep all my kit clean to be honest! The miserable skies also made life difficult, but when the sun has come out people have been smiley and happy and I've been able to get some really good shots.
"Everyone, punters and celebs, have been happy to have their picture taken, which has been great.
"My favourite picture is probably the WaterAid balloon in the rain (below). One of the nicest moments was when Andrew Marr and his daughter posed for us. They were really happy to support WaterAid.
"Partying to Fatboy Slim DJing in Lost Vagueness last night was also absolutely amazing!"
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| A WaterAid balloon, in the rain (obviously) |
| Credit: WaterAid / Matt Simpson |
Once again, Glasto has provided WaterAid with an invaluable opportunity to get our message out there to thousands upon thousands of people.
Thanks again to all our volunteers and everyone who worked so hard behind the scenes to make it all possible.
See you again next year!
