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Wednesday 25 Jun 2025

From the platform to the pyramid stage: passengers advised of busy stations as Glastonbury Festival officially begins

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Western

| Wales & Western

• Glastonbury Festival officially opens its gates today (Wednesday 25 June), drawing crowds from across the country and beyond as big-name stars take to the stage for five days of unforgettable performances and summer revelry
• Passengers are advised that stations on the festival route to Castle Cary are likely to be busier than normal, with extra rail staff on hand to keep everyone safe
• A queuing system will be in place at London Paddington for services to the festival – GWR requires all passengers travelling to Castle Cary to have a reservation

As the iconic pillar of the British summer kicks off today, passengers are advised that stations and trains are likely to be very busy, with festival-goers travelling to Castle Cary in Somerset to join the crowds at Worthy Farm for five days of unforgettable performances.

GWR is advising all passengers heading to Castle Cary that reserving a seat is essential, as thousands are expected to arrive at the festival site between Wednesday 25 and Friday 27 June. A shuttle bus service is running from Castle Cary to Worthy Farm, with a queuing system in place.

With the headline acts taking to the stage on Sunday night, Monday 30 June will also be a busy day on the railway as festival-goers head home. Access to trains on the way back is on a first-come, first-served basis. Passengers are advised to download their tickets ahead of time as mobile reception at Castle Cary is poor.

Susan Evans, Network Rail’s head of passenger strategy for Western Route, said: “We’re expecting to see thousands of extra passengers on the network over the next few days as people make their way to Glastonbury Festival. There will be a queuing system in place at London Paddington for those boarding trains to Castle Cary, where a seat reservation is essential for travel.

“It’s important that people get to where they need to be safely, and to facilitate the high volumes of passengers we will have extra customer support assistants in action to make sure our stations are a welcoming environment for all who visit. Passengers are advised to check their journeys with National Rail Enquiries to ensure they’re able to get to their destinations as smoothly as possible.

“We hope everyone has a fantastic festival weekend and remind passengers to stay safe when travelling. As ever, please stand back from the platform edge and if you have luggage with you, please use the lifts.”

For more information, please visit GWR’s Glastonbury Festival guide here: https://www.gwr.com/stations-and-destinations/travel-inspiration/festivals-and-events/glastonbury-festival