Worthy FM: The Voice of Glastonbury Festival
For festival-goers, the experience of Glastonbury is as much about the atmosphere and community as it is about the music. Central to this experience is Worthy FM, the official onsite radio station that provides a heartbeat for the event. Launched in 2007 to replace the previous station, Radio Avalon, Worthy FM was named by festival organiser Michael Eavis after his own farm, Worthy Farm, which serves as the permanent home of the legendary festival.
From its humble beginnings on the edge of the Big Ground field to its evolution into a digital broadcaster, Worthy FM has served as a vital link between the artists, the organisers, and the attendees.
Key Facts
- Founded: 2007, replacing Radio Avalon.
- Naming: Named after Worthy Farm by Michael Eavis.
- Broadcasting: Now includes Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) in the Somerset area.
- Content: Features live interviews, acoustic performances, traffic updates, and site news.
- Global Connection: Conducted a crew swap with BMIR (Burning Man Independent Radio) in 2012.
The Early Years and Evolution (2007–2011)
Worthy FM began its journey in 2007, operating from the upper western edge of the Big Ground field. In its early years, the station was highly interactive, featuring an outdoor stage where acts like Bible Code Sundays and Small White Light performed. High-profile interviews became a staple, with guests ranging from Damian Marley and Paul Weller to Greenpeace's Bob Wilson.
By 2008, the station introduced the Wireless Stage, hosting artists such as The Levellers and Martha Wainwright, while also producing lighthearted features on festival essentials like solar showers and "green" tent pegs. However, 2009 marked a significant shift in accessibility; the compound moved closer to Worthy Farm and was placed behind a security cordon, restricting public walk-ups. This year also saw a return to fully acoustic performances, including a historic first acoustic set by Dreadzone.
Milestones of the First Five Years
The 40th anniversary of the festival in 2010 saw Worthy FM collaborate with BBC Radio 6 Music, with crew members co-presenting alongside Steve Lamacq and Lauren Laverne. By 2011, the station expanded its demographic reach by introducing a dedicated Kids' Show, presented by children under 10. This show famously hosted the station's first live marriage proposal. Additionally, the station became a practical tool for attendees, providing real-time updates on queuing times for the south-east corner of the site.
Global Inspiration and Modern Expansion
Because there was no Glastonbury Festival in 2012, Worthy FM used the hiatus for professional development. The station arranged a fact-finding crew swap with BMIR, the official onsite station for the Burning Man Festival in Nevada, USA. This international exchange directly influenced the station's 2013 return, leading to the creation of a second studio in the public area of Arcadia, allowing the public to walk directly into live broadcasts.
Following the forced cancellations of the festival due to COVID-19, Worthy FM returned in the 2020s with upgraded technology. In 2022, it began broadcasting on Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) in the Somerset region and started its transmissions two days earlier than usual.
Recent Broadcasts and Digital Integration
In 2023, the station maintained its tradition of 24-hour broadcasting, running from midday on June 17 to midnight on June 26. Beyond music and interviews, it provided essential traffic, travel, and site-wide information. The most recent evolution occurred in 2024, with the station broadcasting from June 24 to July 1, coinciding with the launch of the Vodafone x Glastonbury mobile app.
Worthy FM History Summary
| Year | Key Milestone / Feature | Notable Guests/Events |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Station Launch | Michael Eavis, Paul Weller |
| 2009 | Move to security cordon | Lady Gaga, Nick Clegg |
| 2010 | BBC Radio 6 Music partnership | Damon Albarn, Tony Benn |
| 2011 | Launch of Kids' Show | First live marriage proposal |
| 2012 | Burning Man (BMIR) crew swap | International exchange |
| 2013 | Arcadia public studio | Liam Gallagher, Portishead |
| 2022 | DAB Radio launch | Return after COVID-19 |
| 2024 | App Integration | Vodafone x Glastonbury app |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Worthy FM?
Worthy FM is the official onsite radio station of the Glastonbury Festival, providing music, interviews, and essential site information to attendees.
Who named the station?
The station was named by festival organiser Michael Eavis, after his farm, Worthy Farm.
How did Burning Man influence Worthy FM?
After a crew swap with BMIR (the Burning Man onsite station) in 2012, Worthy FM established a public-facing studio in the Arcadia area in 2013 to increase audience interaction.
Can you listen to Worthy FM outside of the festival site?
Yes, as of 2022, the station broadcasts via Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) within the Somerset area.
What kind of content does the station broadcast?
The station broadcasts a mix of live music, acoustic sets, interviews with artists and politicians, traffic and travel updates, and general festival news.