Festival lore runs deep at Glastonbury, and a recent r/glastonbury_festival thread resurrected one of its quirkiest legends: “Pop-up Pete.” This veteran prankster, dating back to the 1980s, was known for diving into Glasto’s notorious long drops (festival portaloos) wearing scuba gear and surprising users with a booming yell as he popped up unexpectedly. Though Pete’s antics have slowed, his mischievous spirit remains legendary among attendees.
The conversation also spotlighted Leeds Festival’s infamous “Poo Girl” incident from circa 2008-2009, when a festival-goer fell into a long drop and had to be airlifted out—a vivid example of how these myths and mishaps become a permanent part of festival culture. Fans shared laugh-out-loud stories, including lost flashlights and imagined horrors for the person who walks in right after the long drop challenges someone faced.
This tribute to long drop folklore perfectly illustrates the offbeat, DIY-punk humor that colors Glastonbury’s vibe beyond just the music. These enduring tales keep the festival’s wild, irreverent identity alive—one unexpected splash at a time.
For deeper context on the Leeds story, check out the Leeds Live retrospective.
Source: r/glastonbury_festival