WaterAid Volunteers Enhance Experience at Glastonbury Festival 2023

This year's Glastonbury Festival, held from June 21 to June 25, 2023, featured the dedicated efforts of over 650 WaterAid volunteers, who played a crucial role in ensuring the event ran smoothly. These volunteers were responsible for maintaining sanitation facilities and promoting hydration among festival-goers, reflecting WaterAid's commitment to providing sustainable water and sanitation solutions worldwide.

According to WaterAid, a charity that has partnered with Glastonbury Festival since 1994, the organization aims to highlight the importance of access to clean water and adequate sanitation. Volunteers, such as Liz Lace and Lucas Myers, shared their experiences of working behind the scenes, illustrating the rewarding nature of their roles.

Liz Lace, a seasoned volunteer who has attended nearly every Glastonbury since 1993, described her role as a 'water welcomer,' where she assisted festival-goers in staying hydrated by filling their bottles. "My favorite thing about volunteering at the festival has been meeting all the lovely people. Everyone was so happy to chat and get involved," said Lace. Her experience reflects the communal spirit fostered at the festival, where volunteers often forge lasting friendships.

Lucas Myers, a 21-year-old volunteer on the 'loo crew,' emphasized the sense of camaraderie among the volunteers: "Meeting other volunteers from all walks of life means every conversation back at the camp is unique, and has been some of my best times at the festival." Myers expressed pride in contributing to the festival's success while raising awareness for WaterAid’s mission.

WaterAid's involvement at the festival coincides with a significant global concern regarding access to clean water, particularly as the organization prepares to urge world leaders at the upcoming COP30 conference in Brazil to prioritize water security in their climate action agendas. In an open letter, WaterAid calls attention to the pressing need for urgent action to tackle the water and climate crisis, aiming to ensure that clean water is recognized as a fundamental human right.

The festival not only provides entertainment but also serves as a platform for organizations like WaterAid to promote vital social issues. The volunteers' work, which includes maintaining more than 3,000 toilets and distributing free water, underscores the importance of hygiene and health at large public events.

The Glastonbury Festival, renowned for its music and cultural significance, thus becomes a venue for social activism, with WaterAid volunteers exemplifying the intersection of enjoyment and social responsibility. As the festival continues to draw attention, the contributions of organizations like WaterAid highlight the enduring impact of community engagement in addressing global challenges. The festival's ambiance of joy, coupled with the volunteers' dedication, creates a unique environment where fun and purpose coexist, leaving a lasting impression on all participants.

Looking ahead, as climate change continues to pose challenges to water availability, the efforts of WaterAid and its volunteers at Glastonbury serve as a reminder of the importance of community action in advocating for essential human rights. The success of this initiative could inspire similar collaborations at festivals worldwide, promoting awareness and action towards global water issues.