Coachella v Glastonbury

 

I’m suffering Coachella blues. Already my Twitter and Instagram feed has become inundated with pictures of clear blue skies, girls parading their endless legs in ridiculously short high waisted Levi’s, picturesque sunsets and cowgirl inspired festival fashion everywhere. I mean seriously, everybody seems to be wearing enormous embellished necklaces, Miley-inspired hair buns and brown suede tassels. But hey who am I to talk, I know I’d be doing the same if I was there. But the most depressing thing is, I’m not. *Crying Emoji*

So taking this somewhat gloomy matter into account I thought I’d cheer up those of you who aren’t there about something which is bigger, better and typically British that tops Coachella: Glastonbury 2016. If you’re lucky enough to go to Coachella then good on you, but for those who have invested in Glasto tickets this year, you’ve got the better idea. I think for us Brits Coachella is like a dreamy wonderland that the vast majority probably won’t attend, (which I probably adds to its allure) but what we don’t realise is that Glastonbury tops it. ‘HOW?’ I hear you ask, I’ve weighed up some key factors that will show exactly why Glasto reigns supreme….

1- Weather

 

Okay, so Coachella does beat Glastonbury hands down. With an average temperature of around 33 degrees you can top up your tan and cool down in the number of pool parties littered round the festival no problem. Glastonbury on the other hand, is on the other side of the spectrum. Known for its thick mud and typically British rainy weather, you know you wouldn’t dare forget your wellies. Let’s face it– going to a festival when it doesn’t rain can make it that much better; with the sun beating down, tunes playing in the background and a cider in your hand, it does reach near perfection. 

Coachella 1: Glastonbury-0

2- Festival Schedule 

Both festivals have amazing artists so it is always going to be difficult to create a schedule that doesn’t make your favourite acts clash. But for me, Glastonbury has the edge over Coachella. Coachella acts finish at 12.30am- they do apparently have a silent disco after this time- but the nightlife at Glastonbury is just as top notch as its day presence. Who would want to miss the Spider Stage or the festival’s legendary after-hours area Shangri-La? With a maze of covered alleys riddled with nano-venues, performers and installations, artworks and hidden doors Glastonbury is the clear winner.

Coachella 1: Glastonbury 1

3- Draaaaaankz

Being able to take in as many bevs as you want puts Glastonbury way out in front with this one, plus you can take them anywhere you want in the multiple areas that make up the Glasto map. There is a range of different bars for festival goers- plus a main bar for each stage making it easy to pick up a cider if you need it- dotted around all areas of the site. At Coachella however, drinking alcohol is only permitted in designated areas, which offer a distant view of the two main stages. What’s a festival without a can in hand dancing away to your favourite act? Cya Coachella. 

Coachella 1: Glastonbury 2

 

4- Creativity & Day Activities

Unless you’re still passed out in your car/tent from the previous days antics, both of these festivals provide mind blowing creative installations and day activities to cure your hangover. The Snail Surfing installation in particular at Coachella is a favourite of mine, but due to the size of Glastonbury, they’ve got a lot more to offer. Watch the latest film releases, poetry readings, circus acts, a wide range of bands and a load more.

Coachella 1: Glastonbury 3

5- Camping

 

Coachella is known to be really organised in the way you’re allowed to camp. Each vehicle has its own 30’ x 10’ spot for camping whereas Glasto is a free for all. You can literally throw up your tent anywhere and hope you make it back to the right area on your way back from Shangri-La at 6am. While this could be highly entertaining walking into the wrong tent, Coachella makes it easier so I guess they’ve got this one.

Coachella 2: Glastonbury 3

6- Line Up 

 

In terms of artists both festivals create an awesome line-up that can cater to everyone’s taste but Glastonbury has this one in the bag. Number 1 being that Coachella cannot compete with the hundreds of artists that perform at Glastonbury across a huge selection of stages. And number 2: Adele is headlining this year. I mean, how incredible will it be when she rocks up in her custom made Burberry gown teamed with a pair of wellies belting out ballads to thousands?! You’d never think the combination would work but I can’t wait.

Coachella 2: Glastonbury 4

7- Price

A ticket to Coachella is around $350 (£235) compared to Glastonburys £216. Already Glasto is cheaper but don’t forget to buy your flight out to California that will set you back a pretty penny. Yes it’s a bit biased as I am a Brit and I live within an hour of Somerset, but Glastonbury beats Coachella again. Sorry ‘bout it. 

Coachella 2: Glastonbury5

8- Crowd Atmosphere 

At Glastonbury the crowds do not mess around: they go hard and you won’t catch them leaving early for their tents- they stay out until the sun comes up the next day. At Coachella apparently people wore ear plugs at the front of Red Hot Chilli Peppers, were asked to not sing a long to special guest R Kelly and have countless groups of people sitting down to headline acts. YAWN. 

Coachella 2 : Glastonbury 6

9- Fashion

  

How can I do a comparison of two amazing festivals without looking at their fashion? As a an obvious clothes Trojan this is one of the best things about going to a festival: wearing whatever the f**k you want, having so much glitter on your face that you find it days later and rocking the dry shampoo’d hair as there is absolutely no way of salvaging it otherwise. Comparing the two, there is no denying the uber-cool vibe of Coachella fashion: LA girls parading their perfectly tanned skin and Wild West fringing belonging on every inch of their metropolitan bodies. They somehow manage to make their grandmas bedsheet belted as a mini dress look awesome with oversized hats, brown ankle boots and enough jewellery that would make a magpie jealous. But there is something about Glastonbury that makes it better. Nobody looks exactly the same. Coachella has that vibe nailed, and like I said if I were there I’d probably do the same, but the beauty of Glastonbury is that you could see a girl rocking a sequinned kimono, velvet body suit, studded bumbag and Hunter wellies next to a guy dressed up in a Zebra harem pants, old-school band tee, bandana and ray bans and think absolutely nothing of it. Not that I’m saying anyone would be blown away in the fashion stakes with Zebra trousers but one thing that makes British fashion so interesting is its diversity. From grunge, to glam, to festival chic like you’d wear at Coachella those who attend Glastonbury make it quintessentially British: we wear what we want, however we want. That in itself is something that can never be compared to Coachella. Coachella you’re cool but you ain’t got nothing on our individuality. 

Glastonbury, you’re just awesome basically. 

So that’s it for my little post today. Yes you can see Kylie Jenner post pouting pictures of herself wearing the new Lip Kit colour and Peach wig all weekend but June brings Glastonbury that is bigger and even better. Yes you’ll be suffering the Coachella blues with me as you see images of beautiful desert sunsets when its grey and raining here as per usual, but it's better than spending a weekend with a bunch of self loving, fashion conscious Coachella go-ers right? Look to 22^nd-26^th of June to pick up your mood and remember we’ve got this International Festival shizz in the bag. Even if you’re not going to Glasto the BBC supply all the coverage of the festival you’d need so you can feel slightly more involved, and if that isn’t enough, I’ll be in my corner of the Internet supplying cyber hugs as I’ll be suffering the blues with you.

Which festival would you rather go to, Coachella or Glastonbury? Happy Saturday my angels!

 A x