With Glastonbury ’25 about to kick off next week, health officials have a harsh reality check for festival-goers: it’s not just your dignity that might not make it out alive. Measles is doing the rounds, and it’s not messing about.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a warning that measles cases are surging across England, particularly in London and the South West—AKA, prime Glasto territory. It’s highly contagious, spreads like wildfire in crowds, and can hit hard if you’re not jabbed up.
Dr Alasdair Wood from UKHSA South West pulled no punches, urging punters to check if they’ve had both doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. “Festivals are the perfect place for measles to spread,” he said. Not exactly the headliner we asked for.
Most cases so far have been in unvaccinated kids under 10, but young adults aren’t immune—literally. If you’re not sure about your vax status, now’s the time to call your GP. Showing up to Worthy Farm unprotected is a risky move that could land you in a grim tent-bound lockdown while everyone else is belting out “Common People” in the sun.
That’s not all. STIs are also on the rise, with the UKHSA reminding folks to wrap it before they rock it. STI symptoms can be sneaky, so testing post-festival isn’t just smart—it’s essential.
Somerset public health officials also chimed in with the usual pre-festival wisdom: drink water, don’t overdo the booze, and don’t pass out in the sun.
Between The 1975, Olivia Rodrigo, Neil Young, and The Prodigy, this year’s lineup is stacked—but so are the health risks if you’re not taking the right precautions.
Bottom line: Glasto might be your spiritual home, but viruses don’t care about your bucket hat or your bumbag. Get vaccinated, stay safe, and don’t let a 90s disease wreck your 2025 party.
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