WaterAid volunteers share polaroids of Glastonbury Festival

A set of polaroid film photos have revealed what it’s like to work behind the scenes as a volunteer at Glastonbury Festival.

Two WaterAid volunteers, Liz Lace and Lucas Myers, shared a sneak peak into their first shift on Wednesday handing out free water and cleaning toilets on site.

WaterAid has been a charity partner of Glastonbury since 1994, supporting water and sanitation services on site while spreading the message that everyone deserves access to clean water, decent toilets, and good hygiene.

Ms Lace described the experience as “really fulfilling”, allowing her to enjoy all the festival has to offer while simultaneously “doing something worthwhile”.

This year marks Mr Myers’ fourth time volunteering with the charity, working on the ‘loo crew’ to keep more than 3,000 toilets onsite clean.

The 21-year-old described the team of volunteers as “one big family”.

“Meeting other volunteers from all walks of life means every conversation back at the camp is unique, and have been some of my best times at the festival,” he said.

“I really enjoyed taking the photos and capturing moments of volunteers enjoying themselves, rolling their sleeves up and spreading the important message of WaterAid’s mission – that change starts with clean water and decent toilets.

“The whole event is just indescribable. I’ve met the best people here and I always feel like I’ve made a real difference with volunteering.”

Ms Lace acted as a ‘water welcomer’, helping festival-goers stay hydrated by filling up bottles for those passing through the gates and exploring the site.

The 60-year-old has been to every Glastonbury Festival since 1993 except one, following the birth of her daughter.

“My favourite thing about volunteering at the festival has been meeting all the lovely people. Everyone was so happy to chat and get involved,” she said.

“This is my fourth time volunteering here and over the years I’ve made some firm, lifetime friends.

“I will keep coming back to volunteer with WaterAid because it’s such a great experience. You never know who you’ll meet or the amazing experiences you’ll have.”

WaterAid is encouraging festival-goers to add their name to its ‘Water can’t wait’ open letter, calling on world leaders attending this year’s COP30 conference in Brazil to take urgent action to tackle the water and climate crisis.