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
The Heart Land Tattoo Temple didn‘t arrive quietly in town. They commissioned a bright and bold mural to cover the walls and windows of their shop at the top of the High Street. Back in 1969 the building had been the first in town to be painted, with brightly coloured flowers, yet the new mural … 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
Occasional contributor to Normal For Glastonbury, David Taplin, has written this wonderfully lyrical description of the Starlings coming into roost at dusk on the Avalon Marshes, I hope you enjoy it. “The land here is already soft and floating, the horizons low, and perspectives hard to judge as shadows start to creep. Both the reeds … Read more
When you are choosing Christmas gifts, please buy from small local suppliers and support Glastonbury’s independent shops. We are lucky to be able to buy directly from artists, craftspeople, musicians, designers, writers, knitters, potters, jewellers, candle makers and other creative people. When we buy from the maker we are supporting a family, not a corporation, and bringing more art, beauty and creativity into the world.
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
Even Glastonbury can seem dull and grey on a cold November morning when the Winter light bleaches all the colour from the Town. On days like these, we need reminders of sunshine. As I pass through the narrow alleyway of the Gauntlet, the rainbow colours of the crockery in Steve and Jan’s shop always catch … Read more
Free Cannabis, proprietor of Glastonbury’s ‘Hemp In Avalon’ shop, is a man on a mission: to raise awareness of the many benefits of cannabis.
A guest post from David Taplin. “Just as the people we have been in our past are still alive within us, the Glastonbury I first knew and loved 45 or more years ago seems to me very much still alive within the current town; it’s like having a foot in two worlds simultaneously (rather appropriate for this place, perhaps)”.
I went to visit Mark from Glastonbury’s ‘Sonus Magus’ Music Shop, he was in an uncharacteristically bad mood, and decided to share with me some of the annoying things customers do in his shop.