Glastonbury, UK – Amid the sound of a convincing bass from The Ranges and guitars from The Pyramid, there’s a palpable sense of neighborhood within the air at Glastonbury – dwelling to the UK’s greatest music pageant. Because it started greater than 50 years in the past, it has change into a serious fixture for the British summer season, attracting some 200,000 individuals this 12 months.
As Britons head in the direction of a common election following 14 years of a Conservative authorities later this week, Glastonbury is a haven for these feeling lower than cheerful about life within the UK.
“All the things’s wrecked, principally,” festivalgoer Lewis John tells Al Jazeera as he relaxes on the camp he has pitched within the Silver Hayes devoted artwork area, the place he’s a crew member. “I imply, we’ve had 14 years of the identical factor. Public companies stripped down to reveal bones for the sake of revenue and privatisation is a whole joke.”
His most urgent concern is the price of dwelling. “Some new housing can be good, an precise reasonably priced mortgage,” he says. “So, I’m 23. And I just about know that I’m by no means gonna personal a home.”
For now, he doesn’t have to fret about all that. Glastonbury, with its music, arts, visible installations, lighting and design is an immersive expertise which gives some diversion from the actual world – if just for a couple of days. Folks right here say it offers them a little bit of hope for a greater, extra creative and extra harmonious lifestyle.
Klaud Brown, 39, is having fun with the relaxed ambiance earlier than the intense enterprise of an election begins. “This place, I preserve saying to everybody, is a hallowed floor. I’ve been to Glastonbury in all probability like six or seven instances now. What’s to not like?” he says.
“I used to be primarily a Labour supporter, however I feel I’ll be voting Inexperienced to let you know the reality, whether or not they get in now or in 10 years.”
Israel’s struggle on Gaza is what’s swayed his vote this 12 months, says Klaus, and he’s not the one one. In response to a YouGov ballot commissioned by Medical Help for Palestinians and the Council for Arab-British Understanding in Might, greater than 70 p.c of British individuals need a direct ceasefire in Gaza.
Daniel, 29, who stops to pose for an image with Al Jazeera in The Park space of the pageant (described as “a vibrant dwelling of eclectic fabulousness”) can also be involved about battle within the Center East. He says he longs for “world peace” and “a United Britain”. He’d actually like everybody to cease preventing and be a bit extra just like the individuals right here at Glastonbury.
“It’s my first time, I find it irresistible. Everybody’s so pleasant. Everybody’s having a pleasant time. There are not any points by any means amongst everybody.”
Rebecca, 50, stress-free on a chair at The Different Stage venue of the pageant along with her accomplice and two youngsters, echoes this sentiment. “I assume it will be higher if extra individuals might dwell peacefully and be extra tolerant of one another. Once more, I assume not so fast to evaluate. Yeah, simply extra tolerance.”
Ilona, 27, who’s strolling alongside a walkway between levels, is feeling politically homeless, however is hoping for change – one thing she’s not assured she is going to get even when the polls are right and the primary opposition get together, Labour, sweeps to energy in a landslide victory. “I don’t assume anybody’s actually obtained the most effective pursuits at coronary heart in any respect. What I hope for the long run is to see the federal government run by a celebration that isn’t considered one of two. Somebody completely different, a change.”
For now, she’s content material to benefit from the get together ambiance of Glastonbury. “Third time right here and I like that everybody is comfortable,” she says.