Life in the Oddest Town in England
When we lived in simpler times, we observed the turning of the seasons – the great wheel of the year. Until quite recently in human history our survival depended on being prepared for Spring’s new growth, Summer’s sun, Autumn’s harvest and Winter’s cold and dark. In many places these seasonal celebrations have been forgotten. Even now, … Read more
Besides being home to a great number of extraordinarily talented musicians, Glastonbury Town also attracts well known performers from around the world. It helps that Europe’s biggest performing arts festival happens only 7 miles away, which has put the town on the map for touring musicians. Those for whom appearing on the Pyramid Stage is … Read more
The most wonderful time of the year…. What is it that makes Glastonbury’s annual Frost Fayre so special? It’s certainly my favourite event of the year and it seems to be popular with everyone – locals, visitors and shopkeepers. I think the answer lies in community. Glastonbury is remarkable for having so many different faiths … Read more
Glastonbury, the ‘Isle of the Dead’, shows the country how to embrace death while celebrating life. This year sees the launch of a ‘Festival of Death and Dying’, alongside the town’s traditional Samhain celebrations.
Saturday 25th of August 2018 saw the Osiligi Maasai Warriors and Sheikh Ahmad Dede visit Glastonbury for the Tor Free picnic. A wonderful celebration of unity and diversity.
I thought you’d enjoy a video and some photos of the magnificent May Day 2018 Celebrations in Glastonbury Town. The sun shone, there was ceremony, music and dancing, hugs and a picnic. Please share! Click on the photos to see larger versions. If you’ve enjoyed reading this blog please subscribe by email, ‘like’ the Normal for Glastonbury facebook page and contribute … Read more
Saturday 13th January saw the launch of Glastonbury’s first Body Art event in the Assembly Rooms. Organised by The Facepainting Company’s Mel Broom and Glastonbury local Stephen Duross, the event was a fantastic success in every sense of the word. The theme ‘Myths, Legends and Mythical Creatures’ is perfect for a town which frequently hosts … Read more
Christmas is a time of little rituals, some public, others particular to individual families. Now we see most of them as traditions – giving gifts, feasting, bringing greenery and light into our homes at this the darkest time of the year. It seems likely that they all originated as rituals to celebrate the return of … Read more
Most of England woke up to a Winter Wonderland today – carpeted in a blanket of snow and ground to a halt. Glastonbury saw strong wind, torrential rain, and then some wet stuff that was not really rain, hail or snow but came down as a sort of drizzly slush and melted immediately upon landing. The 6 year … Read more
Looking for a special Winter Solstice or Christmas gift? Give something unique and support Glastonbury writers, small businesses, photographers, designers, artists and craftspeople by buying something from this gift guide. I’ve tried to include gifts for a wide range of family and friends. I cheated by finding two slipper makers – after all who doesn’t … Read more