Glastonbury 2016-goers party through the pain as news of Brexit spreads
With limited signal and Wi-Fi, a major news event is experienced quite differently
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference."F*ck, we're f*cking out." So started my Friday morning at Glastonbury, awoken by an unhappy festival goer near my tent.
"I can't sleep, I'm so angry," replied another, before discussing what's going to happen in the future, including a comment about Boris Johnson being a "nobby bloke with a nobby haircut".
As more people awake to the news of the UK voting to leave the EU, it becomes clear a strange mood has hit the festival, one in which no-one is sure what to think. The hungover crowd are both excited for the day ahead, with the likes of Muse and Bastille set to play, and worried about the future, the overwhelming sentiment being pro-Remain. There's a dose of guilt too, as many early attendees weren't able to vote on Thursday and didn't submit a postal ballot ahead of time.
Many are still blissfully unaware of what is going on though. As I leave the campsite, I ask someone how they feel about David Cameron's announcement of resignation - "Oh my God, I need to get on my news app."
A group waiting for the toilets - the queue around 50 people long - are primarily talking about the day ahead. A couple of odd comments here and there, and prominently someone shouts: "What a shit day." Yet, even though the majority are sad about the news, almost everyone is laughing. There's a sense of "we're all in this together" (to unfortunately paraphrase Cameron).
Passing by other tents on the way to the Pyramid stage, someone yells "I don't want Penguin [referring to the chocolate bar], I want a New England" - more laughs from fellow campers. As I wander the campsite for a while, people begin opening cans of cider readying themselves for a long day of partying. As the party must, and will, go on.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments