Why go to Glastonbury? Research suggests it could change your life

Most of the 210,000 people who go to Glastonbury festival probably think of it as a glorious event filled with music, dancing and camaraderie. Those who avoid it may fail to see the appeal of a weekend of dirt, noise, crowds and toilets that don’t bear thinking about.

I’m an avid festival-goer myself, having been to events including Glastonbury, Burning Man and Latitude many times. I’ve also spent almost a decade researching festivals and other large gatherings in the UK and the US.

My aim has been to understand from a psychological and social perspective what it is that makes these events so special for those who attend. What is it that motivates people to go back year after year?

One of the reasons may be to do with my finding that attending festivals can actually change people’s lives (in a good way). For many, it is a “transformative experience” – an event that positively alters their sense of self and their relationships with others.