Glastonbury Festival, renowned worldwide for its music and performing arts, is a grand event that attracts thousands of visitors each year. Behind the scenes, a colossal infrastructure powers this spectacle, with companies like Bellwood Rewinds who’s generators serving as the heartbeat of the operation. These robust machines play a crucial role in providing reliable and sustainable electricity to support the festival’s diverse array of stages, installations, and facilities. In this article, we delve into the world of generators at Glastonbury, exploring various types, including electric generators and PTO (Power Take-Off) generators, and their wide range of applications that contribute to the success of this extraordinary event.
Types of Generators:
Diesel Generators:
Diesel generators form the backbone of Glastonbury’s power infrastructure. These generators utilise diesel fuel combustion to drive an engine, which, in turn, powers an alternator to produce electricity. Renowned for their high efficiency, durability, and ability to deliver substantial power output, diesel generators are commonly used for large-scale applications. They sustain heavy loads required by stages, lighting, sound systems, and other critical festival infrastructure, ensuring uninterrupted power supply throughout the event.
Electric Generators:
In recent years, Glastonbury Festival has embraced electric used generators as part of its commitment to sustainability. Electric generators, also known as gas-powered generators or gensets, employ internal combustion engines to produce electricity. They can run on various fuel types, including natural gas, propane, or gasoline. Electric generators offer a cleaner energy alternative, reducing emissions and promoting environmental stewardship.
PTO Generators:
Glastonbury also utilises Power Take-Off (PTO) generators, which are driven by power take-off systems found on tractors or other heavy machinery. These generators are highly versatile and cost-effective, as they utilise existing equipment to generate electricity. PTO generators are often employed in agricultural areas of the festival site, taking advantage of available machinery and reducing the need for additional standalone generators.
Hybrid Generators:
Hybrid generators have gained prominence at Glastonbury, combining traditional diesel power with renewable energy sources such as solar panels or wind turbines. By integrating renewable energy, hybrid generators reduce carbon emissions and fuel consumption while maintaining a reliable power supply. Hybrid setups are often employed in areas where lower power demands or intermittent energy sources are suitable, such as smaller stages, campsites, and off-grid installations.
Applications of Generators at Glastonbury:
Stages and Performance Areas:
Glastonbury Festival boasts multiple stages and performance areas spread across its vast site. Each stage requires a significant power supply to run lighting rigs, sound systems, video screens, and other production equipment. Generators, including diesel, electric, and hybrid variants, play a crucial role in providing consistent and high-quality electricity to ensure seamless performances and captivating experiences for festival-goers.
Temporary Facilities and Infrastructure:
Beyond the stages, Glastonbury requires power for a wide range of temporary facilities, including food and beverage stalls, information booths, medical tents, and staff areas. Generators, encompassing diesel, electric, and PTO types, ensure these areas have the necessary electricity to support operations and provide essential services throughout the festival.
Campsites and Amenities:
Thousands of attendees camp on-site during the festival, necessitating power for lighting, showers, charging stations, and other amenities. Generators, including electric and hybrid variants, supply electricity to campsite areas, enabling campers to have a comfortable and functional experience while enjoying the event.
Sustainable Initiatives:
Glastonbury Festival is committed to sustainability and has implemented various renewable energy solutions. Hybrid generators, which integrate renewable sources, such as solar panels and wind turbines, are employed to power smaller installations, reduce environmental impact, and showcase sustainable energy practices. Biogas generators, fueled by organic waste from food vendors and compost toilets, further contribute to the festival’s renewable energy initiatives.
Glastonbury would not be without generators:
Generators, including diesel, electric, PTO, and hybrid variants, are integral to Glastonbury Festival’s infrastructure, powering stages, installations, and facilities that create an unforgettable experience for attendees. From diesel generators meeting high-power demands to electric generators promoting sustainability, Glastonbury demonstrates a wide range of generator types. By strategically employing these generators, the festival ensures a reliable and environmentally conscious power supply, enhancing the overall experience for performers, attendees, and staff alike. As Glastonbury continues to embrace sustainable power solutions, its use of hybrid and biogas generators highlights the importance of reducing carbon emissions and fostering a greener future for music festivals.