I gave up drinking a year ago and, for me, there seemed like no better place to spend my sober anniversary than Glastonbury. I last came in 2011. I think the main difference this time will be that I actually remember the festival.
After going sober, I promised myself I wouldn’t change the things that I enjoy – and one of those is music. Alcohol hurt my life and my mind for a long time and I was determined that, after I gave it up, it wouldn’t take all the things I love with it.
Wednesday
I arrive at 6pm, later than I would have liked, and it takes me two hours and two trips to get myself set up. None of my friends could get tickets, so I am flying solo. A few hundred people come alone and joining a Facebook group in advance was a good way to meet others in the same boat. Another solo gets in touch and camps near me. I haven’t met any other sober people yet, but I am totally fine around people who drink. I don’t even notice people drinking today, as I am so busy getting set up and taking it all in.
Thursday
I wake up feeling refreshed and head to the Park stage for the peace procession and meditation with Deepak Chopra, which is a great start to the day.
There is a meetup for solos near the Pyramid stage. Everybody wears pink and brings vodka. I have iced coffee and a cookie.
I check out some drum’n’bass at the Temple, then head back to the tent. Glastonbury is overwhelming – in a good way – so by 10pm I just want to be comfy. It feels early, but I am really tired and my body aches.
Friday
I go to a conscious breathwork class at 11.15am. It is a pretty intense experience: I feel really strong pins and needles in my hands and legs. The lady taking the class comes over, holds my hand and says: “You’re safe here.” Coming to a place like this alone and sober is a big thing and the breathwork helps me to let go of the apprehension and anxiety I have been bottling up.
I have an energy drink, iced coffee and a lovely cold cranberry juice. The bar queues are massive, so I’m glad I don’t have to stand in them very often.
In the crowd for the Courteeners a man goes wild and throws his pint of cider, my old drink of choice, all over me. I’m going to have to somehow wash my hair.
Later in the evening, I seek out some drum’n’bass. I can still dance sober; I feel euphoric dancing to music that I love.
I am more sensible than I used to be – witness me going to bed on the first night at a reasonable hour. Before giving up alcohol, I would have stayed out, kept drinking and been dancing in places I didn’t even want to be. I’m much happier being in control of my choices.
Saturday
Today was the big day, 365, of my first year sober. To mark it, I go to an AA dome at midday in the healing fields and share a little about my journey and, of course, explain that it is my anniversary. They give me a little applause, which is nice. There is such an array of people there and listening to them is raw and special.
I also write “One year sober” on a chalkboard in the Avalon field that I happen to pass; more people clap. I feel proud today. My friends message me about how proud they are; they have been so supportive throughout this journey.
I watch Aitch, Lewis Capaldi (who is just amazing) and Lizzo. My “For the Love of Clarity” flag gets on TV. Then I have a little rest at the tent and get ready for the evening. I want to stay out late tonight and feel I have the energy to do it. I go to Shangri-La with solo friends. It is great, very busy and a trek to get there, but it is good to see it at night. Since going sober, I have become a bit of a music snob, in that I can’t dance or enjoy music I don’t like. So I see a drum’n’bass DJ for a while, then have a peek at a couple of places, but don’t like anything, so I go home.
Sunday
I wake up in a reflective mindset and start the day with coffee and a mind-and-body session at the Park.
Not drinking at the festival hasn’t been a problem. I think the issue has been my expectation of it being a similar experience to when I came with friends before. Not drinking does change your life for the better, but being here alone has taught me even more about myself. In addition, I probably spent about £30 a day on food & drink. A can of soft drink is £2.50, coffee £3.50 and a meal £10-£15. So it was a much cheaper weekend than if I had been drinking.
I will always be able to remember my solo sober Glastonbury experience, and that it was the very special place I celebrated being sober for a year. It has been amazing, but next time I would like to come with a sober friend. Because it is a very particular experience when sober – and only those who are sober can truly understand.
