2013
Hi, I would love to grow some of the acorns from the tree. I run the Campsite stewards team for Park Home Ground and my kids have always loved going into the Childrens Field. A friend of ours died this summer and it would be so fitting if life could come from this, many trees are being planted in her memory. Ellie had been to the festival all her life, only missing the first available to her when she was only 3 weeks old. She worked there this year banding the people working in the Healing fields. It was a place she loved and was truly happy.
In hope,
Kim
2012
“I have been coming to Glastonbury since I was 3 months old in 1984, and every year since 1995. I remember coming to the kids area of the Greenpeace field every year to sit under the tree. It wouldn’t be Glastonbury without a nap under the Oak tree on a sunny afternoon.” Ryan.
“The Oak tree at Glastonbury Festival holds wonderful memories for me as my husband proposed to me up the tree in 2009, 12pm the night of summer solstice. It was very romantic and he even got down on one knee! We were there early as we work in Cal’s Garden in the green fields every year. Each year we go back and spend time at the oak tree. It also holds childhood memories for my husband as he spent every year there growing up.” Izzy.
Izzy and, below, Izzy’s husband.
2011
This Oak tree has played a major part of our lives and growing up, which takes in the last seventy years (and even more). To the best Oak tree in Somerset – Thanks!
Michael Eavis
In 1990 I played didjeridu for Druidic ceremony, sitting up in the tree with a circle of berobed Druids below. I prayed for English Oaken strength. That evening I met Liam from the Hothouse Flowers. I was swept onto the mainstage with them and a career in music was launched. This year I played here again as a member of that same band. Circles. Strength. Dear dear Mother Tree. I visit her every year. I thank her. I love her.
Martin Brunsden
I have come to Glasto since I was a baby and I always remember it.
Maja
Thank you lovely Oak, under you I did my courting
Andrew Kerr
We celebrate our Midsummer wedding every year with a kiss under this so special tree
Calvin & Suzi Cumiskey
Mark & Amy couldn’t make it this year because they are about to have a baby; They got married here so I have come to say hello to the tree for them! xxxxx
Nicky
Sat in this tree two years in a row and was something I always looked forward to! really fun watching the world go past!
Josh Collony
One of the strongest memories I have is laying under this tree with my son, then aged 3, looking up at the sunlight coming through the leaves. Timeless. Wonderful memory.
Chris Holmes
I wasn’t here last year when your brother, Steve, Wendy and Alys came to plant trees for you under this beautiful Oak tree. I came to see the trees this morning – two horsechestnut trees growing strong in the shade of the Oak. I felt happy being close to you. Its been a year and I miss you more each day. I’m happy you’re here under the shade of the mighty Oak x
(Anon)
Sophie thought how her Grandad could have sat under this tree.
2010
Here is a copy of the poem read at Steve T’s memorial under the Oak Tree, Green kids field, Glastonbury festival 2010; on the Sunday evening: “The warrior of light has learned that god uses solitude to teach us how to live with other people. He uses rage to show us the infinite value of peace. He uses boredom to underline the importance of adventure and spontaneity. God uses silence to teach us to use words responsibly. He uses tiredness so that we can understand the value of waking up. He uses illness to underline the blessings of good health. God uses fire to teach us about water. He uses earth so we can understand the value of air. He uses death to show us the importance of life.”
Paulo Coelho. 2002
2008
This is a short piece about Nicky “Big-Top” Flood – born from a miracle 1947, died from a heart attack April 2008. He is remembered each year. Most of us knew Nicky for the red and yellow big top marquee with the ridiculous banana leaf sticking out of the top of the central pole. Nicky made that tent – and several other festival creations as well. He’d arrive early, set up, and then hide in his black Winnebago that looked like a giant tank around the back. Occasionally in the middle of the night you could hear him on his trumpet – as well as an extraordinary tent maker, he was also a fine jazz musician, playing professionally and a key member of the Mystery School Ensemble. Nicky was kind and avuncular with a great sense of humour. He could also be a grumpy old sod, especially when his knees got bad, but it never lasted long, and was only skin deep. He worked hard, played hard and always made time for chats and cups of tea (or the odd glass of whiskey) with friends. He was proud of his bus, his tents, his music, and most of all his family. He had hundreds of friends, and we love him. Each year when we put up the marquees we still know that he is looking down on us, shouting if we make a bad job of it, and shining if we get it right. I sit under the tree each year and ask him for guidance.