'I've been to Glastonbury four times - here's the things you must absolutely do'

Happy Glastonbury to all who celebrate - and to all who will be popping their Glasto cherry. As I sit and spectate the festival from afar, know that my heart truly lies at Worthy Farm.

It's been nearly a decade since I made my first pilgrimage to Glastonbury Festival, volunteering with an amazing crew who keep the festival enchanting for all. I've both worked and attended the event as a ticket holder, meaning I've seen the Farm completely empty, drenched in waist-height mud, and become the hottest place on Earth.

Veterans of the game will inundate you with recommendations, but you'll have to accept you won't get around to everything in one stretch, so you'll just have to attend again. I'm still yet to find The Rabbit Hole (if you know, you know).

So if you're new to Worthy Farm and feel slightly overwhelmed by the magnificence of it all, there are a few things I personally suggest you do. And if you don't, don't stress, Glastonbury will be back.

Glastonbury Festival 2016 altered the course of my festival experience, and nothing quite lives up to trekking up to the sign, pint in hand, overlooking the magical make-shift city. It's a place of solace where the outside world doesn't matter, with joy exuding from every person, artist, vendor, volunteer and worker you'll meet, reports Bristol Live.

Remember - stay safe and stay hydrated. Glastonbury isn't just a festival; it's a spiritual experience, a way of life. It's home.

Glastonbury sign

A trip to the Glastonbury sign, Above The Park, is a must for any festival-goer. It's best to make your first visit as early as possible, taking in the sunset as the sky transitions from blue to golden peach.

As night falls, the festival truly comes alive, transforming into a haven for hedonists. It's the perfect place to wind down after a night of revelry, offering a unique sense of tranquillity only found at the Farm.

Find a secret stage or bar

Glastonbury is renowned for its hidden stages and bars. While their existence may be debated, the thrill of the hunt adds to the festival experience.

These secret spots never stay in the same place twice, making them elusive and exciting. If you're looking for an escape from the crowds, there are always lesser-known areas to explore.

Although The Rabbit Hole won't be back for Glasto 2024, you can still try to find the Underground Piano Bar. Rumours abound at Glastonbury, but more often than not, they turn out to be true.

South East Corner - The Rum Shack

Any seasoned Glastonbury-goer will tell you that the South East Corner is the place to be on Thursday nights at the festival. This insider tip, passed on by a trader during my first year (cheers, Dan), led me to a part of the festival that truly knows no bounds.

In 2017, we made our way back to the SEC, kicking off the evening at The Temple - an otherworldly, 'spiritual' experience unlike any other. The party begins as the sun sets and doesn't stop until it rises again.

I won't delve into the details, but the sheer joy of the experience will keep you going. June 22, 2017, remains the best day I've ever had. For the ultimate afterparty that lasts until the early hours, The Rum Shack has been my sanctuary for nearly ten years.

It's a must-visit spot that keeps drawing me back every time I return to the Farm. It's become my home away from home, and I'm sure it'll become yours too.

Give an ostrich burger a go

Glastonbury is a paradise for food lovers, there's no two ways about it. Imagine a street food market on steroids, with thousands of stalls ready to provide the fuel you need to power through the weekend.

With such a vast array of choices, the colourful stalls can pull your attention in all directions. But if you're up for trying something new, there's one thing you simply must sample - an ostrich burger from I Love Ostrich.

This was one of the first food stalls I discovered when I attended Glasto for the first time in 2016, located conveniently by the Other Stage. Yes, it might seem odd, but at Glastonbury, nothing is out of place. They even offer a burger named after the festival itself, 'The Glastonbury', which is a must-try.

This unique creation features an ostrich patty, smoked bacon, stilton mayo, Jack Daniels onions and a handful of fresh leaves for a touch of healthiness.

It would take an age to list all the food vendors, but special shout-outs go to Camper Coffee Co (located at The Reach) and Buddha Bowls (found at The Brewery), as well as all the bars, for helping me survive numerous days of grime and perspiration.

The Meat Rack

This is where New York City meets Glastonbury. A colossal, humid warehouse lifted straight from the Meatpacking District and dropped into Glastonbury's block9.

It's dark, hot, and sweaty, bringing the underground queer NYC scene into the here and now. It has an air of exclusivity, as you need a ticket to gain entry - and not everyone manages to get one.

Many people queue for hours just to step inside, and once you're in, you'll understand why. The Meat Rack embodies the wonderful, liberated and powerful spirit of the LGBTQ+ community.