It was 1981. I was working with Original Mixture Theatre. “Dug, we’ve been booked at Glastonbury for our kids’ show and circus workshops”, said Mitch. “Bring your kids. We can go in Tony’s bus.”
That first year, we parked in what is now the Kidz Field. We did circus workshops in front of the bus and every day paraded across the whole site on stilts with the accompaniment of the Fallout Band. We did our shows after carrying the set, costume and props across the site. On one occasion, I was inside a zig-zag illusion (a standing magic box in which you slide two blades through, cutting the person inside into three), and the ground was so bumpy I fell into the audience. Health and safety!
Now it’s 44 years later. I’m 80, the festival is more than 10 times bigger, our children are bringing their children, and we’re presenting ‘The Birthday Party’ for the 10th time. In the years between, we’ve involved punters in circus workshops and various ‘wandering’ acts — council workmen, juggling games, low flying aircraft (don’t ask) and other mad schemes, gradually involving our children in performing and later the grandchildren too.
Why ‘The Birthday Party’? My younger daughter was born on 24th June, and as we were usually at Glastonbury around that time, celebrations could be somewhat pushed aside. One year, when she was a teenager, we all gathered in the Green Room at the allotted time, and she didn’t make it till the following day, looking slightly the worse for wear. No mobiles then!
It struck me that there must be quite a few people at Glastonbury whose birthday is on the same day. 200,000 divided by 365 is a big number, so why not have a birthday party and see who turns up? And they do. We play pass the parcel, musical chairs — fabulous prizes! And there is an extreme version for those so minded. And they can walk along the red carpet to be presented with a large cake. What could be better than celebrating in a large field on a (hopefully) sunny day with a few mad people and a band to sing along to?
“This is the best birthday I’ve ever had.” — Jean from Leeds.
People often return year after year, and last year a lass came who was actually born at the festival and was returning on her 10th birthday. In addition, this year, one of the grandchildren is celebrating his 9th birthday during the festival, so that’s a first.
Glastonbury is an Arts festival in the broadest sense, and it’s a shame the media coverage concentrates on the music and then only the big stages. Only the mud and loos get a mention sometimes! There’s so much more. Sitting in the sun with my son whilst his sons spend hours bouncing around at ‘Ring World’ in the Kidz Field. Magic. Or chilling in the Green or Healing Fields. Watching the sunset overlooking the tipi encampment. I remember the most amazing hat juggling on a tiny stage somewhere. The New York Brass Band and Bowjangles quartet wandering in the Circus Field. There’s always something in Theatre and Circus that blows your mind. And you don’t need drugs!
The space often allows gigantic site-specific acts that you would never ordinarily see. And the People… One year, we camped next to ‘Lizard Man’. It’s amazing how five and seven-year-olds just accept a man with green skin and a forked tongue! We invited him over for a cuppa — an encounter still talked about in the family. But that’s Glastonbury. Get away from the Pyramid stage and have a wander.
44 years — it doesn’t seem possible. The joys, music, rain, mud, smelly loos, wonderful acts, lack of sleep, playing in sand pits, camaraderie with old friends, sunburn, queuing to make a phone call, grandson (now 16) taking his first steps… so many memories. It’s been both a privilege and a feeling of heartfelt pleasure to be able to share the Glastonbury experience with my six children and stepchildren, and now with all the grandchildren as well. 2025 will be a great year — roll on 2027. See you there!
Come find us in the fields, and follow us on Facebook — Dug Orton, 80 years old, The Birthday Party Friday, Saturday, Sunday at 5pm in the Circus Field.
