Poet's work to immortalise Glastonbury Festival

Sally Jenkinson says the atmosphere is "as much a part of the magic as the music"

A creative writer has said it was "a privilege" to immortalise this year's Glastonbury Festival through the art of poetry.

Sally Jenkinson, who lives in the Forest of Dean, in Gloucestershire, was hired as the Poet in Residence to write verse before, during, and after the Somerset event.

The aim was to capture the atmosphere of the festival by drawing from everyday experiences.

"It's been wonderful hearing people's experiences at the festival and creating it into poetry," the 37-year-old said.

Ms Jenkinson performed her work in the Poetry and Words Tent in the Theatre and Circus field, at 16:15 BST on Sunday.

She said: "It was such a thrilling experience.

Ms Jenkinson also hosted poetry sessions at the festival

"I've got a young family, I'm a mum and a carer, so I don't get a lot of writing time."

Ms Jenkinson said "finding inspiration amongst the crowds" helped her write several poems a day on site.

"That magic of being in a field in England, and seeing all these writers and artists and talented people come together to create this other world, I just think it's amazing," she added.

Ms Jenkinson has already released her introductory poem, writing: "The festival was a mezze plate spread out before us, and we ate and ate and ate."

Her poem, titled 'Who am I this year?' breaks down her annual visits to Worthy Farm throughout the years.

Reminiscing on stomping through the golden fields at 20 years old, she documents her own personal growth since then, and the role the festival has played in marking the milestones.

Ms Jenkinson was offered the role after hosting the poetry slam event in 2023

"Here’s what I know," she wrote.

"There’s no one right way to join the greatest show on earth.

"Bring your joy, bring your hurt.

"Bring your dancing shoes or your aching bones.

"Whoever you are this time around – here’s to the magic that can happen when the humans sing, when the humans dance."

The clean-up for the festival is now underway.