Keep calm and party on

Glastonbury is many things but tranquil isn't one of them, which can make it a tricky place for neurodivergent people. Olivia Petter discovers the ways the festival is changing that

- Olivia Petter

Nobody comes to Glastonbury to relax. With 200,000 people on site, countless musical acts to see, and miles of farmland to traipse across, it couldn’t be a less conducive atmosphere for calming your nervous system.

The music is loud and everything else somehow feels even louder. Most of us dive in headfirst, thinking we’ll just keep calm and carry on until the dreaded Monday morning return. Of course, for the neurodivergent, it’s not quite so simple.

Thankfully, all that is changing. Because this year, relaxation seems to be a priority for Glastonbury, with a new site dedicated to fostering those quieter moments. Nearby Shangri-La is Dragon’s Tail, which features a 40 metre dragon sculpture created by stained glass artist Edgar Phillips, a 170 metre mural, and a chilled out bar area. The space is all about encouraging people to take time out from the madness. Glastonbury has also partnered with earplug company Loop, by wearing the sound-reducing earplugs (which are available to buy on site) when near speakers. We’ve spotted plenty of people wearing them.