Each year, cultural enthusiasts desiring genre ranging from contemporary music and dance to theater and comedy acts can find their heart’s desire at the Glastonbury Festival. The birth of this festival stems from an arts and culture series held in the mid 1920s. The current festival was reborn in 1970 when Michael Eavis was inspired to revive this old tradition following his attendance at a similar festival in Bath headlined by Led Zepplin.

Through the years, Glastonbury Festival has grown in size, attendance and media attention. Now under the direction of Glastonbury Festival Ltd., the festival site is in the Worthy Farm area of southwestern England’s County Somerset. Taking place the last weekend of June, it is now a 4-day event with an estimated 150,000 fans being accommodated in tents and recreational vehicles. While this is basically a BOYT (bring your own tent) happening, a limited number of campsites devoted to families and the mobility-challenged are available.

The main concert area is composed of 2 stages boasts a superior sound system and security detail for the safety of performers, festival staff and guests. There is a special comedy tent/stage as well. In addition to strategically located hygiene facilities over 400 food stalls are to be found including vegetarian diet options. These stalls as well as craft booths are staffed by volunteers. A large portion of funds generated by the festival are given to various charities.

Many methods of transportation offer special rates and schedules such as trains leaving London’s Paddington Station and coach service operated by National Express. Glastonbury Festival ticket packages often include transportation and camp site fees in addition to event tickets.

The Glastonbury Festival has hosted such artists as David Bowie, Sir Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Jay-Z and Bruce Springsteen. Many backup artists and groups have been catapulted to fame as a result of their appearance. Some notable names gracing the program roster for 2011 were Beyonce, U2, Cold Play, Paul Simon and B.B. King.

In commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the Glastonbury Festival (1970-2010) a special highlight was a duet performance of the traditional happy birthday song by festival founder, Michael Eavis and Stevie Wonder.

Although no Glastonbury Festival is planned for 2012 due to the practice of taking a rest or fallow year, and the 2012 Summer Olympics taking place in England, tickets and reservations are already being offered for the Glastonbury Festival 2013.