Glastonbury fun

I talked a bit about my Glastomadrama at Glastonbury. It was pretty stressful even though it did all end well. But I thought I would just share a few photos as we had a really lovely weekend.

I was unsure as to whether we would make it at all as it was only 7/8 weeks after my surgery. But as Timm and my son were working there, it would have been pretty lonely at home. I am so glad I made it, even if I did have to rest a lot whilst we were there.

We had just the loveliest weekend. It’s been a really stressful time and to get some one on one time with Timm was pure joy. Charlie came with us (Eli is in Australia and Thom didn’t want to come so stayed with his bff) but he is nearly 19 so didn’t want to spend the whole time with us. He mainly just popped back for food, drinks or cash! So it was brilliant to get some time with Timm that was about nothing but fun.

Glastonbury

If you haven’t been to Glastonbury, it’s like another world. A whole city of over 200,000 people, it is absolutely huge! My first Glasto was in 2000 when I was 6 months pregnant and this was my fifth time there. If you have an impairment or disability, then get in touch with the access team as soon as you have your tickets. You can talk through your needs and ensure you have things put in place to support you. Whether that is PA tickets, accessible camping, accessible toilets, disabled platform access or more, don’t assume that you won’t be able to enjoy a festival, have a look into what they can do to make it accessible to you.

For me, it was all about access to the toilets so I knew I could get there at a moments notice and have the space and facilities to change my bag if needed. I didn’t use the accessible toilets unless it was necessary or an emergency. When you are facing a stinky, overflowing festival toilet, having a she wee and an ileostomy was a god send!! Stand up wees and poos for the win!!!

I’ve always taken the kids to festivals since they were babies but it is so different with an adult child! I have to say it was lovely to not have to worry too much about him. It was also great to have time to see bands we like together. He is an absolute doll that biggest bambino of mine!

It was a HOT one! Temperatures were well into the 30s which made my ileostomy bag a bit of a nightmare. It was hot and sweaty and trying to keep hydrated was tough. I took some rehydration sachets with me (I always keep some in my kit bag, theyre my number one recommendation!) They were so useful in staying hydrated and well.

Your festival, your way

The main thing for me is to not fall into the FOMO trap and to listen to your body. As I was recovering from surgery and also just living with the aches, pains and fatigue of chronic illness, I know I need to rest. It is easy to feel that you have to do festivals a certain way, that it’s about going wild and being out all night. Or feeling you have to see every single band there.

The reality is that you do your festival your way. Sure, make a list of the bands you’d like to see, but also know that you probably wont see them all. And the things you don’t expect to see that you fall upon will be the best things ever.

Listen to your body and do what you need to do. For me, that meant missing Stormzy as the crowds were too big and I got quite anxious at the thought of being knocked in my stomach. But instead we went and sat in the stone circle and had a drink and watched the whole beautiful festival below us.

It meant going to bed at 9pm on the Saturday night because I was exhausted and in pain. But it was lovely, I had a cup of tea and read my book whilst listening to the Killers playing in the background. My Glasto might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it was right for me and that’s what is important.

The whole weekend was a joy and though at times it was tiring, I was so proud of myself for making it there.

Here’s to Glastonbury 2020!

Sam xx