Glastonbury felt like I was staring at an ex, I couldn't watch and here's why...

I'm paying the price for joy neglect 💔

Let me level with you. I’ve royally fucked it.

My past self was festival focussed. I would go to 3 or 4 a year at one point, the grotty camping? Doesn’t bother me. The warm beer? I love it. I want it all, maybe not the come down as I’m pushing 40 but still, I have massively neglected my inner joy. Some pictures below, I’m both horrified and extremely impressed at the silver shorts teamed with a strawberry bumbag.

Earlier this year, a brand I’m working with asked me what my summer plans are - I looked at my diary and saw lots of lovely days with friends but no concrete plans for occasions. That in itself is absolutely fine, I can have fun with my friends in my kitchen no problem but as Glastonbury loaded this year, I realised I have been very un-Virgo and not booked a single thing in the diary!

I didn’t book a single festival this year. Not one. Not even a day pass. Not even a local one where I’d have pre gamed at home and ended up crying in a portaloo listening to Robyn (I have done this previously).

I’ve avoided the Glastonbury coverage, the festival scenes felt like an ex, the chance of me seeing an ex on any of those posts not imaginable! I’ve avoided social media, I can’t read the festival outfit articles because I know what I’ll see: glitter, togetherness, marginal sunstroke, and the energy I’ve been craving… but didn’t plan for.

The truth is: I neglected an energy radiator.
A joy source. A soul charger.
And I can feel the gap.

I’m not drinking alcohol much at the moment, so there is a prang that perhaps this is why I haven’t got anything booked. Fertility isn’t going to plan so we’re being careful with our booze levels. Could I do a festival sober? Dunno, I love getting wrecked too much!

I realised last night that it’s not even about the lineup or the outfits. It’s about the version of me that shows up when I’m in a field with people I love, no phone signal, with music pulsing through the ground and nowhere to be except there. I haven’t made space for her this year and now she’s sat somewhere in my subconscious, arms folded, rolling her eyes like, “Great job, Jules.”

But here’s the deal, I can sit in the shame spiral OR I can install joy into my diary on purpose. Because joy doesn't accidentally show up in a summer that’s already busy. We have to carve it in. With glitter pens.

If you’re feeling a bit flat right now — if you’ve not booked the things, made the plans, or given your inner glitter goblin space to dance — it’s not too late! Here’s what I’m doing:

Book a Joy Placeholder

Pick one weekend this summer. Label it “My Festival of One.” or as I' have done simply a 🌞 emoji in the diary. Whether it’s a BBQ with friends, a solo night out (don’t knock it til you’ve tried it Susan) or a backyard rave — protect it like it's your Glasto.

Even joy needs a slot in the calendar!

Make a “Joy Hits Different” Playlist

No algorithm. Just YOUR FEEL GOOD VIBES. The tracks that make your body hum.
Stick it on while you clean, walk, or cry during a sit down shower. Let music remind you you’re still in there 🥰

Reignite an Energy Radiator

Phone the mate who makes you feel like a tonic and revisit a place that gives you buzz. Bring a level of conciousness into how you spend your time. Revisit some festival memories if you like (the stories I have from the fields are the glue that hold many of my friendships together - we’re bonded by secrets).

Romanticise a Local Joy Moment

Is it a rooftop cinema? A street food market? A sauna on the beach? Whatever it is — say yes. Wear the thing. Bring the energy and bask in the vibe.

Ask Yourself: “What Would Festival Me Do?”

She’s our compass. Would she sit indoors doomscrolling? No. She’d grab a pint, flirt with someone in a hat, and dance under the starts. Let her lead.

🌞

As the dispair unfolded, naturally we booked a trip to Ibiza, hippy vibes loading… My poor husband doesn’t even like clubbing.

Tell me your favourite festivals, what are you up to this summer, send me your vibes!

Love Always XX Jules