Glastonbury 2019: An insider's guide to where to go and what to see

It's been two long years waiting for the 2019 pilgrimage to Glastonbury, but now it’s finally here. The excitement is palpable – here's what not to miss.

In the heart of Shangri-La find the Gas Tower. Orca Sound Project have provided the building materials and strategy to create the world’s first festival stage built from collected ocean plastic.

They've used some seriously up-to-date technology to create this arena and it's quite something – don’t expect a stage made from fishing crates and plastic bottles. This one is fully immersive with 360-degree visuals and cutting edge sound tech. There’s an extraordinary line up on Saturday night with Archie Hamilton, BICEP and Orca Sound (Jolyon Klean) getting the crowds dancing. Elsewhere in Shangri-La, the iconic Block 9 has doubled in size and now consists of Block 9 East and Block 9 West. The memorable train crash building will still be there but now there’s also an enormous head on it's side wearing virtual reality goggles – you'll have to see it to believe it. Expect wild visuals. The line up includes Josh Wink, Larry Heard and The Black Madonna.

Another new addition to the festival is Glastonbury on Sea; if you like to be beside the seaside, then you're in luck. There's a full sized pier, arcade, candyfloss, deckchairs and dodgems – with the scorching weather predicted this weekend, it should be an ideal spot. Another (sort of) newbie on everyone's lips is Arcadia; the Spider has gone and been replaced this year by Arcadia Pangea, built from an old dock crane and towering 50m tall. There's a monster line up all weekend – look out for Carl Cox B2B Jamie Jones followed by Charlotte de Witte on Friday night.

Spot an old motel sign and you've hit the Beat Hotel. Its fun, warm atmosphere and orange hues create a safe haven for any time you want guaranteed good music and perhaps a chance to reset. This year is their last year at Glastonbury and they’re really going out with a bang. On Sunday don't miss High Tea at the Hotel with Maribou Stare and Medlar. Their renowned Sunday night closing party then kicks off with Seth Troxler, DJ Tennis and Daniel Avery B2B Haai.

For Glastonbury regulars, "If you get lost, see you at Strummerville" is a familiar phrase. A friendly open fire awaits you with warmhearted souls and acoustic guitars. It's open 24 hours and for many Glastonbury-goers, a spiritual home. Strummerville is organised yet covert, so don't be startled to suddenly be witnessing a performance from surprise special guests – in previous years, these have included the likes of Frank Turner, Mystery Jets, Jamie T and Mumford and Sons. Strummerville is undeniably one of the festivals long standing gems and whether you go to find it or stumble across it, you'll be in a happy place.

Take a trip down the Rabbit Hole, an aptly-named warren of madness. Enter through one of three unpredictable tunnels – once in, there'll be a pit stop full of characters offering you a potion on the way through. Once in, head to Funkingham Palace, the Alice in Wonderland-themed disco tent. Friday night, the line up at Funkingham Palace is exceptional: Scarlett Lapidus will play a Brazilian and African disco set, followed by Isaac Ferry, who'll play a cosmic blend of funk, soul, disco and electronica. Hugo Heathcote will end the night with an eclectic uplifting set to get you grooving into the early hours of the morning. The Rabbit Hole has moved this year, so good luck finding it, – but make sure you do.

Last but not least, try the mythical Piano Bar. You won't find it on a map, but if you find the hatch, you'll know. You'll feel as though you've been transported back to the middle ages and will likely witness the most bonkers variety show you’ve ever seen – and you might even spot Michael Eavis sipping a cup of tea.