Glastonbury 2009 – couldn’t have got much better?

This is now the fourth time I’ve attended Glastonbury Festival in Pilton, and have to say, it was by far the best. First speculation of the festival headliners weren’t exactly the best of all headlines, with the likes of Neil Young and possibly Bruce Springsteen not exactly appealing to the young generation as other acts.

However, as the lineup rumours leaked, things were getting better and better. What with the likes of Maximo Park, Lady Gaga, Pendulum, Dizzie Rascal, Tom Jones and La Roux, it was looking to be a stunner.

Then there was the weather. Tens of thousands checking out Metcheck for the latest forecast on the weekends weather – who may I add – were reporting weather up to a month in advance. Reports had given out a massive array of weather, from heavy rain over the whole weekend, to sun and unbearable heat for the weekend. So it was fairly safe to conclude, the long term forecast was unreliable. So why did so many follow it? I certainly did.

When the event started however, the weather could not have been better. Around 23c on the Wednesday if I recall correctly, and not a cloud in sight. A small thunderstorm came over the festival on Thursday, which was not giving good hopes – but this soon cleared up, along with the day of mud that had treated us.

The music was an absolute treat. For me, the highlights had to be Madness, Blur, Tom Jones, Lily Alen and Florence and the Machine. Just a massive blast of raw talent, that, judging by the crowds, everyone loved. Unfortunately La Roux could have done with a slightly larger tent, as the East Dance stage was absolutely heaving.

This year was nothing like the mud bath of 2007, and nothing like the lineup of any year. It’s safe to say that this weekend was one of the best festival experiences for thousands of festival goers.

Will I be going next year? If it’s anything like 2009, I’ll be buying tickets as soon as they go on sale.