Bill Klemperer, steward
Best memory: I saw two guys a few years ago completely covered in mud. And they were running up to people trying to hug them and everyone was going “nooooo”. And I was thinking, “you’re enjoying that now mate but in the morning you’re gonna need a shower!”
Festival advice: Stay chilled and keep walking. And when you’re tired, stop, have a drink. It’s confusing. It’s great to get lost. Get lost, be nice to people, find the little nooks and crannies.
Claire Alison, 48, campsite crew
Best memory: Once I was told they needed some extra stewards for something, so I said OK, I’ll go along, and we all went to the meeting point and it was to steward for the Dalai Lama. I was two metres away from him while he was delivering his speech. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life.
Festival advice? Put everything in the lock-ups. If you do that you’ll give yourself so much relief from having to worry about having stuff in the tents. Car keys and house keys. I didn’t put my bank card in there and I lost my bank card on the first night. Normally I’m so good. So I’m living proof that it’s a bad idea not to use them.
Hilary Hare Duke, 64, steward
Best memory: I came with my kids when they were little. The first time my eldest son was nine months old. We didn’t know any better! Back then you could take your time and camp beside your car. It was an easier deal to be a young parent at that point. I don’t know how the parents are doing it now.
Festival advice Make sure you know where the shade is – to keep children out the sun. And don’t worry about the music – head for the Kidzfield. There’s so much going on – cabaret and street performers. You can have such a great time as an adult and your kids are having a ball as well. You’re making memories as a family.
Pip Hayes, 64, GP
Best memory: Oh, it’s the good teamwork. The festival medical services are an amazing organisation. Well established. Been working for years together. Really, really well organised.
Festival advice: Enjoy! I’m relatively old and I think life is for having fun. My mother said last week that my two sons are following in my footsteps – and she said this disapprovingly. They like having fun. And life is for fun!
Deb Klemperer, 64, steward
Festival advice: You need less than you think you do. Boots and shorts. And don’t try to bring too many things with you and just enjoy it. Don’t worry if you think you’ve forgotten something because you can buy things here. Festivals like Glastonbury are essential because adults need to play. Life’s very, very serious. So come here and play!
Louis, 33, traffic steward
Festival advice: Always make a mental note of where you’ve camped, before you set out for the first time. A big flag is useful. When you pack, make a list because you always end up forgetting at least one or two things. And sensible wear as well as your festi-gear. And cereal bars.
Stacey Collett, campsite crew
Festival advice: Just relax. Don’t worry about trying to do everything, because you won’t be able to. Have an idea rather than a plan. Because it will go out the window when you get here. And you might find that you spend too much time focused on doing something that you miss something else. I’ve been coming for 20 years and I’m still finding new stuff.
Travel light. If you’re gonna be here for a while, it sounds comfortable having a nice big tent and an inflatable mattress, but come Monday morning you’re gonna have to drag it through the mud, possibly up the hill. So I always say travel light. Bring a spare pair of pants, obviously. Or don’t.
Duncan McCallum, 57, steward
Best memory: I guess the muddy years are the memorable ones, when you just see a load of people just falling in a large puddle. And often they’re doing it deliberately and they’re just rolling around in the mud and they’re really enjoying it. But you think they’re gonna struggle to get the mud off later.
Festival advice: Wear shorts and walking boots, because everything gets wet and muddy down the lower part of your leg. I’d also say start early. I started too late in life. Ideally come when you’re one and then you get used to it.
Laura Stewart, 62, nurse
Best memory: As a punter, I’ve been coming here for about 20 years. Working here as nurse, this is my seventh year. Yes, it’s lovely we can see the bands – but ultimately we’re here to do some good and help people. And you get some really nice kids coming in and they’re just delighted that you’ve been able to help them.
Festival advice: Take time out if you feel overwhelmed. There are welfare places here, but it’s important for you to have some time out because sometimes people, if it’s their first time, get carried away.
Steve Toye, 50, steward
Festival advice: Prepare well. And either make a plan and stick to it or make no plan at all. Because you’ll make a plan for who you’re going to see and it never happens. So if anything I’d say pick one person each day and just go and see them. Other than that, just go with the flow.
John Hext, 51, police officer
Best memory: My best memory is that I got promoted to inspector at Glastonbury in the middle of the field – there’s not many people who can say that. I was successful in passing my promotion board, and the boss was here, and he stood out in the middle of a muddy field and he gave me my inspector pips.
Festival advice: Try to get a map because it’s really important, and use the Glastonbury app. Bring lots of money but keep it safe. Or use your card – that’s even better. The main thing is to come and have a really good time and enjoy yourself, and just look after each other. That’s what it’s all about.
