Glastonbury, United Kingdom – Between the booming bass of The Levels and the guitars of The Pyramid, there's a palpable sense of community in the air at Glastonbury, home of the UK's largest music festival. Since it began more than 50 years ago, it has become a major event of the British summer and this year attracts around 200,000 people.
As Britons head towards a general election after 14 years of Conservative rule later this week, Glastonbury is a haven for those unhappy with life in the UK.
“Basically everything is destroyed,” festival-goer Lewis John tells Al Jazeera as he relaxes at the camp he has set up at the Silver Hayes art space, where he is a member of the team. “I mean, we've had 14 years of the same thing. Public services reduced to a minimum for the sake of profit and privatization is a complete joke.”
Their most pressing concern is the cost of living. “Some new housing would be nice, a really affordable mortgage,” she says. “So I'm 23 years old. And I pretty much know I'll never own a house.”
For now, you don't have to worry about all that. Glastonbury, with its music, art, visual installations, lighting and design, is an immersive experience that offers some deviation from the real world, if only for a few days. People here say it gives them a little hope for a better, more artistic and more harmonious way of life.
Klaud Brown, 39, is enjoying the relaxed atmosphere before the seriousness of election day begins. “This place, I tell everyone, is a sacred place. I’ve been to Glastonbury probably six or seven times. What more could you ask for?” he says.
“I was mainly a Labour supporter, but I think I will vote Green, to be honest, whether they come to power now or in 10 years.”
According to Klaus, Israel's war against Gaza is what has influenced his vote this year, and he is not the only one. According to a YouGov poll commissioned by Medical Aid for Palestinians and the Council for Arab-British Understanding in May, more than 70 percent of Britons want an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
Daniel, 29, who stops to pose for a photo with Al Jazeera in the festival's park area (described as “a vibrant home of fabulous eclectic displays”) is also concerned about the conflict in the Middle East. He says he longs for “world peace” and “a united Britain”. He would really like everyone to stop fighting and be a little more like the people here at Glastonbury.
“It's my first time, I love it. Everyone is very friendly. Everyone is having a good time. There is no problem between everyone.”
Rebecca, 50, relaxing in a chair at the festival's The Other Stage venue with her partner and two children, shares this sentiment. “I guess it would be better if more people could live in peace and be more tolerant of each other. I repeat, I am not quick to judge. Yes, just more tolerance.”
Ilona, 27, who walks along a catwalk between the stages, feels politically homeless but is hopeful for change – something she is not sure she will get even if the polls are right and the main opposition party, Labour, comes to power in a landslide victory. “I don’t think anyone has their best interests at heart. What I hope for the future is to see a government run by a party that is not one of two. Someone different, a change.”
For now, he's content to enjoy the festive atmosphere of Glastonbury. “This is my third time here and I like that everyone is happy,” he says.
