Glasthomebury 2020: How people are bringing the cancelled Glastonbury Festival to their home during lockdown

Glastonbury Festival was supposed to be celebrating its 50th anniversary live from Worthy Farm this year, with performances from the likes of Paul McCartney, Kendrick Lamar, Taylor Swift and Diana Ross.

Those plans were scuppered by the coronavirus pandemic, but Glasto-lovers have found an alternative way to celebrate, from the safety and comfort of their own homes.

GlastHOMEbury is an online, socially distanced Glastonbury replacement that has been organised by Sarah Emberson.

It aims to recreate the festival experience while also raising money for a number of charities.

Here is everything you need to know…

What is GlastHOMEbury and how does it work?

GlastHOMEbury is a way to bring festival fans together digitally to celebrate Glastonbury’s 50th anniversary, while raising money for good causes.

People are encouraged to set up camps inside their own homes and gardens, and watch along as the BBC airs some of the most iconic sets and moments from years gone by.

It takes place from Thursday 25 to Sunday 28 June, when the festival was supposed to go ahead.

Famous stalls from the festival, including the Cider Bus and the Hare Krishnas, will be sharing recipes and giving demonstrations. Details can be found on the event’s Facebook page.

The event is not officially linked to Glastonbury Festival, but does have its backing.

Sarah told BristolLive: “Back at the end of March we thought ‘what will we do without Glastonbury? It’s their 50th year!’

“We want people to recreate the festival experience at home, whilst watching and listening to Glastonbury on the BBC, this year is all about nostalgia.

“Their TV line-up looks amazing and we get to watch David Bowie’s set, which is always the one that fellow Glasto fans say really stands out. I’m excited to see it.”

Which charities does it support?

All money raised will be split between five charities: mental health charity Mind; NHS Charities Together, which is supporting the health and emotional wellbeing of those at the frontline of the NHS; the NSPCC, including its Childline service; national domestic abuse charity Refuge and The Trussell Trust, a nationwide network of food banks.

You can donate and find out more on GlastHOMEbury’s Just Giving page.