Official ‘Glastonbury 2014’ app launches from EE
EE, the official communications and technology partner of Glastonbury Festival 2014, has today announced the launch of the only official mobile app for this year’s festival, available to download free on iOS and Android.
The 2014 Glastonbury Festival app is an evolution of last year’s hugely popular version, now with improved social integration, more detailed maps, a re-designed homescreen and top tips for people planning to attend the festival.
Following the huge success of the introduction of BBC live-streaming through the app last year, this will continue to be a key feature. This function is a must for music fans on the move, on and off site, to stay up to date with the latest sets from the six main stages at Glastonbury. Those at the festival can enjoy an improved streaming experience on site thanks to the bespoke 4G network installed by EE.
The new technology makes it the most advanced, user-friendly Glastonbury app ever.
Key features:
Interactive and customisable line-up ‘Schedule’ tools, including the innovative ‘My Planner’, which can now be easily shared and viewed by friends via social media
Interactive mapping featuring extended site coverage, location finding, customisable pin drops, ‘now and next’ info direct from the map, with improved zoom functionality
News section featuring content from the Glastonbury team on site, including real time updates direct from the Festival over the weekend, and the new additional info tab for people planning to attend
In detail:
The ‘Schedule’ section, in association with The Guardian, lists full set times for hundreds of artists performing across the Festival, and is the place for users to create their own personalised ‘My Planner’ of must see acts over the weekend. Any act can be added to a user’s planner where they can be viewed, reminders set and any clashes will be clearly flagged. New for 2014, users who have logged into Facebook within the app, will be able to share ‘My Planner’ with friends and view what their mates are going to see, as well as write on their walls from within the app.
Biographies and content from selected artists will be available as well as the ability to listen to 30 second clips of songs from artists, helping users to discover new music and decide on which acts to see. Over the Festival weekend, the BBC’s live streams of artist performances will be easily accessible from their listings in the schedule section.
The ‘map’ is the most extensive and interactive yet, with improved zoom technology for 2014. The map details every place those on site might need; all stages, campsites, bars, toilets and information points. The app will pinpoint your location, and customisable location pins can be used to mark important places around the site – be that where you parked or where your friends have pitched their tents. Clicking on any stage within the map will bring up ‘now and next’ info of artists playing on it, and all users, on site or at home, will be able to watch the BBC’s live streams of performances where available.
Use the map to find your way to the EE Exchange Cabin when your EE Festival Power Bar runs out of juice. The Festival Power bar - a portable mini-charger - provides full charge to any mobile phone. Once used, it can be exchanged at the dedicated Exchange Tent throughout the weekend. The Festival Power Bar can be purchased for £20 from the EE website until the 13th June.
In the ‘news’ section’, there will be regular content and news updates in the lead up to the Festival both from EE and Glastonbury and over the weekend the Festival team will be posting important updates directly into the app – so if the schedule changes or if there is an important announcement, the app will be the place to get the news first. Within the news section, app users can also view Tweets from the Festival team and EE.
EE is also working with Glastonbury Festival to launch widespread contactless payment on site for the first time, following a successful trial. There will be over 100 card readers across more than 25 of the main bars which will mean less time queuing for drinks and more time to enjoy this year’s sensational line-up. EE’s Cash on Tap app, in partnership with MasterCard, allows EE customers on selected Android handsets to tap and pay for items under £20, securely using their phone. Users can top up their Cash on Tap ‘wallet’ on site, quickly and easily thanks to EE’s bespoke 4G network. To find out more information on Cash on Tap, visit ee.co.uk/cashontap.
Spencer McHugh, Brand Director at EE commented: “The 2014 app builds on the success of the first EE Glastonbury app last year. The improved social sharing capabilities, redesigned interface and improved map contribute to make this year’s the most advanced, user-friendly digital guide to Glastonbury Festival. Our bespoke 4G network at the festival will make it even easier for Glastonbury goers to access all the exciting digital content, including live-streaming from the BBC, available through the app this year.”
Glastonbury Festival organiser Emily Eavis added: “Hopefully the app will help everyone navigate the Glastonbury site and make it even easier to find their friends and share their experiences.”
For more information on EE, visit ee.co.uk.
