Are experiences more important than possessions? As Glastonbury returns for the first time since Covid, experts say that modern life means we want special memories more than we want things.
The world’s most lively festival is back
Are experiences more important than possessions? As Glastonbury returns for the first time since Covid, experts say that modern life means we want special memories more than we want things.
The lights on the Pyramid StageThe main stage at Glastonbury. Others include Avalon, Wow and the Rabbit Hole. are dazzling. Facing it is a sea of thousands, cheering and waving banners in anticipation of the headline act. Many have travelled hundreds of miles despite train strikes and plane cancellations. Once more, for five days, a sprawling farm in Somerset has become a place of magic.
This is an extra-special year for Britain's biggest festival. It should have celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2020, but had to be cancelled because of the pandemic. It was cancelled again in 2021.
The array of performers is breathtaking. It combines some of the hottest acts in the world with newly emerging artists and living legends: Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, Sam Fender, Little Simz, Paul McCartney, Diana Ross, Ziggy Marley and Foals.
All in all, there will be hundreds of bands on 93 stages. Around 200,000 fans will attend: the tickets sold out in 30 minutes.
"I think Glastonbury is a bit like Disneyland," says Francis Whately, the director of a new documentary called Glastonbury: 50 Years and Counting.
Glastonbury, run by Michael EavisThe festival takes place on his family farm, which he inherited when he was 19. and his daughter Emily, is far from being the world's largest festival. Austria's DonauinselfestIn German, Donau is the name of the Danube, insel means island and fest means festival., held on an island in the River DanubeThe second longest river in Europe, it runs for 1,770 miles from Germany to Romania., attracted over three million people in 2015. But for many Glastonbury is the most special.
"It is a family affair," says Whately. "It's not for profit. Everything is ploughed back into the festival or into good causesThis year they include aid for Ukrainian refugees.."
In the past, most festivals were not about making money. They brought people together through music. WoodstockThe acts included Jimi Hendrix, Joan Baez, Santana and the Grateful Dead., held in New York state in 1969, inspired a host of others.
The current boom in festivals is largely to do with the rise of streaming. Bands used to get most of their money from selling albums. Now that music can be downloaded cheaply, they rely more on live performances. For fans, being able to listen to a recording at any time makes a live version much more special.
In addition, says Carlos Chirinos, a professor of clinical musicMusic used as therapy for people who are unwell. and global health at New York University, people are more likely to spend money on experiences than things. Being able to share a clip of Billie Eilish is more exciting than buying clothes.
One survey of millennials found that 57% thought that travelling and seeing the world was more important than buying a flat or house.
Are experiences more important than possessions?
Yes: When most people think about the best and most memorable things in their lives, it is wonderful adventures, holidays or family occasions that come to mind, not a new bicycle or pair of shoes.
No: Experiences are fleeting - even the most brilliant day of your life will leave only vague memories. It is better to spend money on things that give a solid basis to your existence, such as a house.
Or... William Morris said that we should have nothing in our homes that we do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful. But the value of many objects lies in the memories we associate with them.
Keywords
Pyramid Stage - The main stage at Glastonbury. Others include Avalon, Wow and the Rabbit Hole.
50th anniversary - The first festival was called Pilton Pop Folk and Blues Festival. The acts included T Rex and Al Stewart, and 1,500 people attended.
Michael Eavis - The festival takes place on his family farm, which he inherited when he was 19.
Donauinselfest - In German, Donau is the name of the Danube, insel means island and fest means festival.
River Danube - The second longest river in Europe, it runs for 1,770 miles from Germany to Romania.
Good causes - This year they include aid for Ukrainian refugees.
Woodstock - The acts included Jimi Hendrix, Joan Baez, Santana and the Grateful Dead.
Clinical music - Music used as therapy for people who are unwell.
The world’s most lively festival is back
Glossary
Pyramid Stage - The main stage at Glastonbury. Others include Avalon, Wow and the Rabbit Hole.
50th anniversary - The first festival was called Pilton Pop Folk and Blues Festival. The acts included T Rex and Al Stewart, and 1,500 people attended.
Michael Eavis - The festival takes place on his family farm, which he inherited when he was 19.
Donauinselfest - In German, Donau is the name of the Danube, insel means island and fest means festival.
River Danube - The second longest river in Europe, it runs for 1,770 miles from Germany to Romania.
Good causes - This year they include aid for Ukrainian refugees.
Woodstock - The acts included Jimi Hendrix, Joan Baez, Santana and the Grateful Dead.
Clinical music - Music used as therapy for people who are unwell.