So I’m returning to Glastonbury for 2013 and I couldn’t be happier. This is my fourth festival working with Worthy FM and my sixth in total. I came as a punter in 1990 and 1991 and my only memory of the festival was rolling around in the mud to Adamski’s set. I say it was my only memory but I had NME to thank for this, as my clay covered face was plastered all over page 3 when I got back home. My only memory, in print, along with a wry smile every time ‘Killer’ comes on the radio.

I was young back then and cider was heavily involved.Oh how times have changed. Before I head back to Glastonbury this time, my biggest concern won’t be checking how much cider I can pack in to a rucksack, it’ll be making sure I’ve packed my moisturiser and I have a camera. If you’ve seen previous newsletters and pictures, you’ll know why. If you haven’t, let me explain.

I take a lot of photos at Glastonbury. And I’m usually in them, heavily moisturised, alongside some unsuspecting celebrity. I’m Worthy FM’s very own, one-man paparazzi. I’ve spent a lot of time, after doing my Breakfast Show in the morning, watching/following/stalking bands, celebrities and Peaches Geldolf. I’ve papped everyone from Damon Albarn to Russell Grant, Wayne Rooney to Andrew Marr.

Even the heavily disguised celebs (most notably, Will Young and Lily Allen) have been unable to escape my clutches. I’m good at it. I have a gift for spotting these people (and probably spend too much time reading Heat magazine). Doing this and having the honour of presenting the Breakfast Show every morning for Worthy FM, you’d think this would be what I’m most excited about.

Well, it’s not. And you may be surprised to know that it’s not the bands either. I’ll be watching The Rolling Stones and I am very excited about it. But it’s not what I’m most excited about.

The thing I am most excited about is seeing my family; the Worthy FM family. I have to say in all the years I’ve been going, all the bands and celebrities I’ve interviewed, all the great live music I’ve witnessed, all the great radio I’ve made, it’s the people of Worthy FM I’m most excited about seeing.

There’s something quite special about living in a field with people for a week. You’ll know that if you’ve been to a festival before. If that festival happens to be Glastonbury, then it’s very special. If you’re lucky enough to make radio for the people at Glastonbury Festival, with a team of people all pulling in the same direction, then it’s the experience of a lifetime. I’ve shared some great moments with my colleagues at Worthy FM, memories that I’ll have for the rest of my life and in my opinion that is the very essence of Worthy FM. It’s about making great radio, with great people and doing it with a smile on your face, even if your tent is floating down the hill.

I feel very privileged to be going back to see the family again and catching up with friends and I look forward to making new friends, in what will no doubt be a very special year again at Worthy FM. See you at Glasto!

Hey, my name’s Adam and I take care of the station sound for Worthy FM – jingles, trails, promos, whatever you want to call them – put simply, the bits that aren’t music, and aren’t presenters, I am responsible for. And for that, I apologise! In this little blog I’m going to tell you what it’s really like to work for Worthy FM, what it has helped me achieve in radio, and how I ended up there in the first place…

So, back to where my love affair began. I’ve never ‘done’ Glastonbury as a member of the public, having won a place at my first Glasto on the Worthy FM crew through an editing competition back in 2009. To say I was excited would be a gross understatement! Following my first year as an editor, I was fortunate enough to be invited back in subsequent years. 2013 will be my 4th Glastonbury, which really does make me feel OLD, but also very proud to have been involved with Worthy FM for so many years.

Since those first days as an editor, the skills I learnt and developed have seen me become an imaging producer professionally in the UK for UKRD Group’s 16 stations, internationally for Benztown AC Format, and also have my work used on Radio One in the UK – a dream come true, plus winning two Gold Station of The Year awards at the Sony Radio Academy Awards. I am certain that none of this would have happened had I not cut my teeth at Worthy FM, and for that I will be forever grateful.

My friends always seem to think that working at Glastonbury for Worthy FM is some sort of jolly, and that all we do is get a free ticket and sit about all day. They couldn’t be more wrong! It’s tough, tiring work and it is relentless – the festival is 24 hours a day, and so are we.

Having said that, it is probably the most rewarding work at the festival (minus Mr Eavis’ position of course!) with the best bunch of people possible. There’s a real team ethic, with everyone pitching in across areas of expertise, from presenting to news, production to management, everyone mucks in with everything – whether that be recording interviews, making features, documenting parts of the festival, or simply washing up the mugs with tea left in them…. but above all, it’s FUN!

The people who work at Worthy FM do not necessarily come to Glastonbury for the music. If that’s all you’re interested in, then the station is not for you. Yes, the music is a big part, but Glastonbury Festival is about so much more than that, and we strive to reach and highlight parts of the festival that may otherwise be considered ‘niche’.

It’s a great platform for new, aspiring radio talent to gain experience working under pressure. It’s an information service and form of entertainment for all the festival goers, and those listening from home. It shows the real side of Glastonbury, away from headliners, glitz and glamour. It’s a chance to be a part of the greatest festival in the world. And, for that one week in a field in Somerset, it’s a chance to be part of a radio family.

Station Manager, Debbie Molloy, recalls her first year working for Worthy FM and what it felt like to attend the world’s most famous music festival for the first time…

I still remember getting ‘that’ phone call; I was in the library at University. It was very quiet. I was so excited but I was unable to express my happiness for fear of being escorted from the building! I had been asked to volunteer for Worthy FM at Glastonbury Festival. The holy grail of all festivals. And I, a radio student, a radio lover whose hobby was attending festivals was now part of the festival onsite radio team. It was a dream come true. I stumbled into the library stair well and screeched down the phone to one of my friends with excitement. I couldn’t believe my luck.

Arriving onsite for my first Glastonbury festival, I will never forget seeing the Pyramid Stage for the first time. This iconic platform was engraved in my mind, having watched Glastonbury coverage many, many times over the years and now here it was, right in front of me. I will admit to getting a little misty eyed! And then before I knew it, I was on air at Worthy FM, broadcasting to the festival site in the early hours. I have to say, sleep deprivation aside, I loved being part of the overnight team in my first year at Worthy FM. It was so peaceful and the feedback from listeners was unreal.

That was in 2007 and I have been so lucky to be part of the Worthy FM team since then. It is hard work, it can be stressful but it is one of the most unique mind blowing experiences anyone can ever have. It is a cliché but Glastonbury Festival has become my spiritual home. There isn’t a day that I don’t think of it in some way. The memories of the past six years, the excitement of what is to come. I can’t wait to yet again meet new people, work with a great crew, help make great radio, listen to some great music and explore a fantastic festival. 2013 will be magnificent.

A little later than expected, but better late than never, here’s the next Worthy FM podcast for your listening pleasure.

Based on your feedback from the last one, we’ve upped it to over half an hour of music, interviews, features and information about what Worthy FM will be doing on air and on site this year during Glastonbury Festival.

Names like Pixie Geldof, Marcus Brigstocke and Tom Baxter are joined by Worthy FM’s Guy, Michelle and the legendary Daddy Teacha. There’s also news on how you can come and say hello to us in Arcadia this year too…

Use the player below to listen to the podcast now, or click ‘download’ and listen to it later…

On Wednesday we brought you an interview with one of our established Kids Show presenters and today it’s the turn of Worthy FM’s latest Kids Show recruit to get a grilling. Courtney is the niece of our Licensee Joanne Schofield and will be taking to the airwaves this festival alongside our presenters Phil, Hayleigh and Jack.

Hi Courtney! You’re new to the WorthyFM team for 2013, so tell us a bit about yourself!

Well, I’m 16 which means I’m in my last year of secondary school and just about to finish my GCSEs. I enjoy things like reading and drawing because I’m quite a quiet person, but on the other hand I also love performing in front of audiences and acting.

What are your Glastonbury experiences to date?

A few years ago now, when I was younger, my aunt Joanne took me to the site before the weekend when everything was being built and set up. I remember thinking how massive the site was and how diverse and different it was to what I was expecting. I used to think it was just music but now I know that it’s much more than that.

How are you feeling so far about coming to Glastonbury 2013?

I’m so excited but I’m also nervous because I’m not going to know many people. I think the experience is going to be incredible, as well as the atmosphere, and I literally cannot wait!

Since the line-up has been announced which band or artist are you most looking forward to at the festival this year?

The line-up this year is amazing! There are so many acts there that I love, I’m excited because Example is going to be there because I’m a huge fan of his, but I also love Mumford & Sons and I think they are so unique and talented.

What would be a Courtney ‘Top Tip’ for people coming to Glastonbury for the first time?

Definitely to bring wellies and a raincoat because the weather is so unpredictable.

Tell us what your dream festival line-up would be…

If Taylor Swift performed at Glastonbury, that would be it for me, I think she’s incredible! I think it would also be amazing to see Michael Bublé and Florence + The Machine because they both have powerful voices.

What do you think of the 2013 line up so far?

I’m so excited, it’s one of the best line ups for Glastonbury I’ve seen, there are so many diverse acts and something there that everyone will love.

What are you most looking forward to on the Kids Show this year?

I love working with children so the Kids Show is going to be so fun, I’m just looking forward to meeting new people and having the opportunity to work with a younger audience.

One of the things we do best at Worthy FM is creating shows for every age group. In recent years our daily afternoon Kids Show has been a highlight for listeners and the Worthy FM crew, and this year it’s back again with guest presenter, Jack.

Hi Jack. Welcome back to the Kids Show team for 2013. For anyone who hasn’t heard you on the radio before, tell us a bit about yourself!

Well, I’m Jack, I’m twelve, I like the colour blue and my favourite food is chilli.

What are your Glastonbury experiences to date?

I can remember going to Glasto with my family for as long as I can remember. I do remember one year where I found this amazing panini bar it was awesome.

How are you feeling about coming back to Glastonbury 2013?

Amazing! I have to say I’m looking forward to seeing more bands.

What was your highlight of working on the Kids Show in 2011?

If I had to choose I’d say when we went and got some of those wraps from the chicken stand which was actually a big red double decker bus! It was all part of a challenge that me and Caiomhe were set on the Kids Show.

Which band or artist are you most looking forward to at the festival this year?

Arctic Monkeys, definitely.

What would be a Jack ‘Top Tip’ for people coming to Glastonbury for the first time?

Have fun and see lots of people performing!

Tell us what your dream festival line-up would be…

Green Day, then Muse, and then finally Fall Out Boy.

What do you think of the 2013 line up so far?

I haven’t had time to properly study the line-up yet. But what I have seen I think looks cool.

Finally, who’s your favourite on the Kids Show, Hayleigh or Phil?

Out of Hayleigh and Phil it has to be… RASTA MOUSE!!

Treetop Flyers, winners of the 2011 ETC Competition, perform at the live final.

So the entry deadline for the 2013 Glastonbury Emerging Talent competition was the 24th January, and since then, the entries have all been divvied up and sent out to the judges.

Some of them have already started blogging about the entries they have been sent, so we thought we’d give you a quick roundup of who’s been saying what so far.

Many of the blog posts feature videos or audio files of the entries, so if you want to say you heard these bands before anyone else, get reading!

2 U I Bestow
Interesting posts about some of the competition entries here, here and here.

Breaking More waves
This blog has its Glastonbury posts categorised, so click here to read all of their posts about the Emerging Talent Competition.

Devil has the best tuna  
Another blog with its Emerging Talent Competition blog posts categorised into one page, click here to read their thoughts so far.

Just Music That I Like  
There’s a really good write up of some of the different entries here.

Neon Filler   
Another blog with Glastonbury posts tagged, so click here to read all of the relevant posts on Neon Filler.

Play Pause Rewind
Finally, Play Pause Rewind have blogged here about their top 6 picks from the entries they’ve received.

UPDATE: Here are some more thoughts from Play Pause Rewind too.

There’s a full list of all of the judge’s blogs and websites on the main Glastonbury website here, and no doubt many more of them will be blogging about the entries over the coming weeks. Keep an eye on them for more!

If you’ve listened to our first Worthy FM podcast of the year, you’ll already know who won our 2013 competition to find two new crew members. On Friday we introduced Ellie Wright and today it’s the turn of winner Sam Brough.

If you’ve listened to our first Worthy FM podcast of the year, you’ll already know who won our 2013 competition to find two new crew members. Today we’re introducing you to our first new addition; Ellie Wright.

Naturally we decided to welcome Ellie into the Worthy FM fold by grilling her about her background in radio, and what she’s most looking forward to about the festival, not to mention working with us lot!

Name: Ellie Wright

Occupation: English Literature student, University of York.

How did you hear about the Worthy FM competition?

I thought working on radio at Glastonbury would be incredibly fun so I had a look on the website and found this opportunity at WorthyFM!

What is you background in radio production/presenting?

I’ve been a presenter at UniversityRadioYork for a year and a half. I’m part of the music and speech teams and help out with events. I have two shows this term: ArtsHour and WorldMusic. ArtsHour is a colourful pallet of poetry readings, theatre, reviews, interviews and live events reporting mixed together with music. WorldMusic is a trip around the globe weaving politics into local and global music, plus spoken word and meditation. My favourite type of broadcasting is outside broadcasts, most recently at the York Cider Festival.

Have you been to Glastonbury before? 

Not yet! But I’ll never forget listening to Amy Winehouse perform on the Pyramid stage in 2008, with her deep and wondering voice.

What are you most looking forward to about working for Worthy FM?

I’m looking forward to roaming around the site with my ears pricked, ready to stumble across hidden pockets of the festival to share down the radiowaves. I’m excited to meet and work with the creative WorthyFM team, too!

What are you most looking forward to about Glastonbury 2013?

I love world music and am excited to hear that the first headliner is the Malian singer, Rokia Traore. Hopefully with the momentum of the African Express project there will be even more exciting world musicians to be announced!

I’m looking forward to the spoken word, Shangri-La, Chai Wallah’s stage, Cuban Salsa tent, sunrise at the Stone Circle, the Kidzfield – and having a clamber around the playgrounds! I’m also looking forward to exploring the Green Fields and I’m crossing my fingers for a moment of mediation to float down the radio, plus hopefully catching some lovely sounding sessions at Strummervile, preferably accompanied by a campfire.

Thanks Ellie! Come back on Monday to meet our second newest crew member, competition winner Sam Brough.

Do you like talking?

Do you know lots of different words?

Do you know how to put those words in an interesting order?

Do you want to hear yourself on Worthy FM at Glastonbury Festival this summer?

If so, then here’s your chance to be heard by tens of thousands during the Glastonbury Festival.

Every year, Worthy FM puts together lots of little segments of audio, which we play to link things together and help people know which station they’re listening to. In the trade, they’re called things like ‘sweepers’ and ‘idents’, but you probably know them better as ‘Those Worthy FM things they play at the end of a song before a presenter starts talking again’.

This year, we’d like to invite all of you out there to have a go at recording one of these, then send it in to us.

If we like it, we’ll edit it professionally, perhaps add some music or sound effects to it, and put it in the collection of ones we play on air during the festival this year. So if your submission is chosen, you could be heard on air again and again and again throughout the week of the festival.

You don’t have to be a radio professional to do this, or even someone who’s done radio before. We’re looking to hear from anyone and everyone. We can’t offer you any prize for it either, other than the prize of being heard on air for a week all across the greatest festival in the world. Which is pretty cool in itself.

Interested? Here’s the criteria;

• Record no longer than 10 seconds of audio

• Save it in MP3 format

• Email it to audio AT worthyfm.com

What We’re Looking For

We don’t want to specify what we’re looking for too much, as we want you to be creative. However, your audio must be clearly audible and free from background noise, but you can record audio like that directly into most laptops these days.

Typically our idents contain phrases like ‘On 87.7fm, and online, this is Worthy FM’, or ‘You’re listening to Worthy FM’, so do try to include ‘Worthy FM’ in there at some point. Humour is often good, but if it’s offensive we can’t use it. We also can’t broadcast regular plugs for your band / company / Tumblr or whatever too, so  best leave those out of it, and keep it focused on Glastonbury Festival and /or Worthy FM.

For reference, here are some of the ones we’ve used in previous years. Don’t be too influenced by them though, surprise us!

• Kids On Worthy FM

• Worthy FM – Ode to the Cows

• Worthy FM ident by the B6 Massive