BuzzBallz, stubborn spirit and hungover expressions: 25 lessons I picked up about life at Glastonbury 2025
Shaving Your Armpits Feels Out of Date
Back in the '90s, people couldn’t stop arguing over whether feminists should shave their underarms. Some felt it was giving in to unrealistic beauty norms and catering to outdated ideals, simply to appear neat and hairless for an audience that couldn’t handle the natural scene. On the flip side, others just liked the tidiness or associated it with femininity. Despite the debate, most ended up shaving anyway. But trends moved on, and now it’s mostly out of fashion. The sad irony? After years of razors, the hair might not grow back—like youth that slips away, silently and permanently.
The Rise of At-All-Costs Skimpy Fashion
Outfit minimalist Bimini, known for pushing standards, called it plainly: “Skimpy.” Clad in a bold mix of heels, a bustier, and hot pants, Bimini surveyed the festival scene and declared the lack of layers the look of the moment. Pointing to an unsuspecting girl in a bra and shorts, the message was clear—less is more.
But it’s not as simple as ditching one layer. It’s about creative exposure. Jeans missing the backside, tops with random cut-outs, or shirts rolled halfway. The aesthetic hovers between cartoon caveman and underground club—your choice.
Whatever Happened to Brat Summer?
Last year, influenced by the rebellious Charli XCX, a new unconventional persona emerged—she didn’t wash her hair except once a week, she drank in the morning if she wanted to, and she didn’t wait for anyone to text back. It wasn’t chaos—it was liberation from expectations, a pushback against polished norms. If it had vanished as a fleeting phase, many would have mourned it.
Charli’s symbolic burning of the “brat curtain” marked a shift, and the crowd's DIY brat fashion has dwindled. But Charli herself? Still around—stronger and louder than ever.
That One Celebrity You Can't Ignore
Most people pride themselves on staying cool around famous faces—no selfies, no gushing, no poking your friend to point them out. After all, they’re human too, and often just trying to relax post-performance, sweaty and tired.
That was my approach—until I saw Mr Tumble. Straight from a kids' show, and somehow very important to my past. I broke my own rule, told him he brightened a whole decade for me, and tried for a selfie. The end result? Only my ear made it into the frame, but the excitement was real enough.
Secrets Spread Fast
Pretend secrecy is the fastest way to make news travel. Call a set “secret” and suddenly everyone knows about it. Whether it’s a well-hidden Pulp gig disguised under a fake name or a rumoured Lewis Capaldi surprise show, secrecy rarely stays secret. Sure, stories get twisted, and mistaken artist names get tossed around, but once the engine of festival gossip fires up, there's no stopping it.
Fuzzy Bucket Hats Are Everywhere
Jarvis Cocker once said Glastonbury is bigger than anyone. It has a mind of its own and sometimes churns out ideas that take off—whether they deserve to or not. Case in point: this year’s trend is a fluffy, faux-fur bucket hat, usually adorned in pink. Why? No one knows. Yet, here we are.
Being Nice with Sunscreen
Avoid awkwardness by not applying sunscreen for strangers or overexplaining your intentions. Just spot a sunburn in the making—like the back of someone's neck—and give a quick spray. Then move on. That’s the sweet spot between helpful and weird.
The Hidden Cost of Hangovers
In the endless coffee line, one barista noted something strange—no one’s face ID was working. The reason? They all looked too different from their regular photos—hangover face is real.
Kneecap Has Loyal Fans
No matter what opinions fly around about Kneecap’s message, their fans remain unmoved. Political debates, praise or criticism—it’s all noise. People simply like their stuff. Let’s leave it at that.
The Curious Comeback of Headscarves
Fifties-style headscarves are popping up again—Gracie Abrams herself wore one. But what are we communicating here? Overly glamorous modesty? Farm work fable? The vibe is unclear, but the accessory is back.
Decoding the Mystery Pringle
That SuperMario-themed Pringle? It starts with a sharp pickled onion flavor—easy to clock. Then comes the heat, a chili-style burn that Pringles generally call “spicy.” Whether that matches Mario’s taste preferences remains up for debate.
The Odd Joy of Puppets
Reading about puppets at a festival may trigger a hard pass—giant sheep heads, cartoon hand puppets? Yet, their presence always brings an unexpected flash of joy. No one knows why, but when the puppets show up, things get oddly cheerful.
Wearing Arsenal? Expect Talk About Arsenal
If you're donning the jersey, be ready for spontaneous football chat. That’s part of the deal—it’s not just a red and white fashion choice.
Stone Circles Don’t Amaze Everyone
A guy once showed his Egyptian girlfriend a photo of Stonehenge. Her unimpressed reply? “Your ancestors were small and weak.” Harsh. But even the less-famous Glastonbury stone circle attracts devotion from festival-goers, who embrace these rocks like holy relics.
The Cowboy Revival Doesn’t Need a Reason
Everyone’s in boots, hats, and tassels lately. Maybe it’s the look. Maybe people are hot. Maybe everyone just wants to channel Beyoncé. It might be coincidence, or it might be a collective style wish.
Settling the Haribo Debate, Once and for All
For ages, Starmix pretended to be the leader of the Haribo pack. But during a treat drop in the festival’s press tent, the hierarchy was revealed. First to go? Nostalgix. Followed by Tangfastics, Giant Strawbs, then the rest. Starmix? Left at the bottom of the bowl, unwanted and sad.
BuzzBallz Aren’t Just for Teens
Small, neon round bottles loaded with harshly sweet liquor used to seem like the territory of fake ID holders. But shockingly, they’re cleverly designed for outdoor drinking—and surprisingly fun if you enjoy throwing them around before opening.
Rod Stewart's Political Plot Twist
The shock of 2023 was not just Rod Stewart ditching the Tories but hinting at support for Labour. People paid attention to see if this year he’d stick to that switch. Then, days before his festival slot, he backed Nigel Farage. So—we’re all confused again.
Swear Words Have Lost Steam
Once, “cunt” was a word you stealthily thought but never voiced—too loaded, too risky. Now? It’s on T-shirts, banners, badges. It’s lost its taboo. The word hasn’t changed, but the culture definitely has.
The Return of Spice Girls Hype
Only Mel C made a real appearance, but all five Spice Girls were present in spirit. The sheer number of themed T-shirts and accessories turned Glastonbury into a tribute zone. Girl power never completely fades.
Female Urinals Are ... Complicated
The idea is solid—more inclusivity. But when you look at the tech and planning required to let women pee standing up, it starts feeling less like progress and more like a symbol of trying too hard to copy a flawed system.
Replace “Are You OK?” with Literally Anything Else
You could say it nicely. You may mean well. But depending on how it's heard, “Are you OK?” can come off as concerned, condescending, or just judgmental. A universal replacement? Try "How are you?" It hits better.
Stop Tracking Steps and Start Enjoying
Yes, we get it. You walked 15,000 steps. Everyone did. The whole festival is a maze of distant stages and zero transport. Maybe it’s time to let go of the pedometer pride and enjoy the show?
Pack a Parasol, Not Wet Wipes
People fuss over wet wipes endlessly, but nobody actually uses them more than a few times. Here’s a pro tip: what you really need is a parasol. Skip the wipes—you won’t miss them. Avoid the sunstroke, and thank yourself later.
The Real Cost of a Glasto Weekend
Tickets now cost £373.50, plus a booking fee. Add in travel, food (even “cheap” nachos are £6), and drinks, and an average weekend can easily top £800. That steep cost pushes out younger fans, especially those drawn to acts like Faye Webster. Maybe it’s time to admit that the festival is aging, or maybe we’re just feeling a little nostalgic.