As Glastonbury Festival approaches its June 26–30, 2025 dates, preparations are underway to accommodate the more than 210,000 attendees expected to descend on Worthy Farm.
Alongside the anticipation surrounding performances by high-profile artists such as Olivia Rodrigo, The 1975, and Rod Stewart, attention has also turned to the evolving nature of accommodation at the five-day event.
While the festival has historically been known for its traditional tent camping experience, a growing number of attendees are opting for more comfortable alternatives, with glamping emerging as a preferred choice.
Companies such as Tangerine Fields have capitalized on this demand, offering pre-pitched tents and access to upgraded amenities, including cleaner portable toilets.
For those with greater financial flexibility, luxury accommodations have become increasingly accessible—and expensive.
The Pop Up Hotel, located approximately 10 minutes from Gate D, offers high-end camping packages that reach up to £28,000. These packages include a range of amenities such as hot showers, flushing toilets, a spa, a salon, valet service, a swimming pool, helicopter landings, and various dining options.
The demand for such accommodations has prompted the hotel to open a new section called The Orchard, providing the same level of service as its existing facilities.
Options vary from safari tents furnished with beds and seating, to pop-up penthouses costing around £14,000, and tipi-style tents designed for larger groups that sleep up to 10 guests.
For many, the ability to bypass the more rugged elements of the festival is a worthwhile investment.
However, the premium camping sector is not without its risks. In May 2025, glamping provider Yurtel went into administration, leaving some festivalgoers with unrecoverable losses.
Yurtel had offered accommodations ranging from £10,000 for a bell tent to £16,500 for a presidential suite, according to a report by SomersetLive.
Glastonbury Festival responded by telling the BBC it was “disappointing” for fans impacted by the closure, but clarified that it had “no involvement with the operation of Yurtel.”
Crowd management remains another pressing issue for organizers. In 2024, the festival faced challenges with overcrowding, including the closure of the Sugababes’ set due to safety concerns, and restricted access to Kasabian’s secret performance.
In response to capacity constraints, campsites such as South Park 2 and Oxylers were reduced in size for the 2025 event.
For professionals in the outdoor hospitality, glamping, and RV industries, Glastonbury’s approach offers insight into the growing demand for premium temporary accommodations.
The rise of luxury camping, particularly during major cultural events, reflects an opportunity to cater to a market segment willing to pay for comfort and convenience. It also highlights the importance of service reliability and contingency planning in high-ticket hospitality offerings.