Tipi Field

Tipis have played a part in the Festival at Pilton since the early days. Given the extraordinary power and beauty of these majestic structures, they soon established themselves as part of the annual landscape at Worthy Farm - and one that many people would walk a long way to see. Individual tipis have always been dotted throughout the site.

After some 20 years the tipi circle was established as a designated space for any lodge that wished to be there. At that time only about half the field was used by tipis, with the rest given over to Avalon crew and performer's camping. Eventually the tipis were allocated their own complete space, and what had been the Tipi Circle became the Tipi Field - tipis only - some 150 of them -the largest annual gathering of tipis in Europe. Certainly the vast array of tipis and their inhabitants involved with their day to day activities; cooking, washing, chopping firewood, changing babies, chilling out with friends over tea - has to rate as one of the great visual experiences of the Festival: think of it as "performance living".   Tipi interiors range from reeds, sheepskins, and traditionally built firepits - to purpose made groundsheets, Habitat rugs and Conran picnic sets! It is veggie/vegan in trading terms, although tea and flapjacks are usually about the extent of catering in the Field.

A key activity is the raising of the Totem - after days of communal carving and painting, this structure becomes the field's focal point. In 1999 a system of ropes, the brute force of 150 people, and much enthusiastic shouting, ensured the safe erection of the 5 ton solid piece of Cornish oak brought from the wilds of North Cornwall to pay tribute in the Vale of Avalon.

Tipi Field performances include everything from Tai Chi Greeting the Dawn, mid morning Morris Dancing, to bands such as Chan Chan and Substation. Afternoons are often packed with workshops in everything from Medicine Bundle and Dreamcatcher making, to drumming, storytelling and sacred Native American dance - many of these workshops are tailored especially for children. Daily painting and crafts activities send the children happily to sleep. The Tipi Field is family friendly, with many children and lots of space for them to run and play freely. It is also a very sociable and secure space

The field is close to the Jazzworld stage and Green Kidz is a few minutes walk though Avalon. Being part of the Green Fields means that anyone living in the Tipi Field is already based in the most beautiful, interesting and varied part of the Festival.    

Nightime in the Tipi Field is probably more spectacular than day - and sunset/sunrise across the forest of poles and brightly coloured ribbons with a backdrop of the big oak bordering the field and Avalon has to be seen, and then remembered.

This year has brought exciting new developments to the ‘Tipi Field’ so we have decided to rename it the ‘Global Tipi Field’. Not only does the field showcase Tipi living, but the new field embraces other native traditions from around the globe. The Tipis available for private hire have now been relocated to the new ‘Tipi Village’ area, thereby creating the space for more performance and play areas.

Michael Eavis is keen to promote more ways for the festival goer to participate and play so we have a new ‘global games arena’ that offers fun and games for all ages.

Traditional favourites of the field return. These include storytelling, ceremonies and the much loved Sunday evening Sweat Lodge.  Come and groove to the live music in the Bimble Inn our giant stage.

Also a wide range of new additions, Tipi field cinema, Performance by Tribal Vibes African rhythms and dance. come drum, dance and sing with the Tribe of Doris crew.  The new Roundhouse Dance space with Breton and Tango workshops. Other workshops include  Mongolian over-toning, felt making, Survival &  yoga and so much more.  And Kids will have no end of entertainment.

Find out all about the field and what it has to offer at the ‘Welcome Tipi’. Relax with a warming chai tea on a sheep skin rug, enjoy intimate fireside music, learn about nomadic lifestyles and join a shamanic ritual. The delights of the field are not to be missed- a chance to embrace our tribal roots and native traditions.