This year’s Glastonbury Festival promises to be a spectacular event, with an impressive line-up featuring renowned artists such as The 1975, Neil Young, and Olivia Rodrigo headlining the prestigious Pyramid Stage. Other notable performances include Charli XCX, Doechii, Rod Stewart, Loyle Carner, The Prodigy, and Wolf Alice. The festival's commitment to diversity is evident, as the Irish rap trio Kneecap remains on the roster, despite controversy surrounding one of its members.
Festival organizer Emily Eavis emphasized the importance of inclusivity, stating, “We remain a platform for artists from all over the world, and everyone is welcome here.” This year has seen its fair share of heated debates, particularly surrounding the inclusion of Kneecap, after band member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh faced serious charges. Eavis also mentioned that it is unlikely that Neil Young's performance will be televised, as the artist is known for his reluctance to allow cameras to disrupt his show. During his last appearance at Glastonbury in 2009, only five songs were permitted for broadcast.
Nonetheless, festival-goers can look forward to over 90 hours of coverage across BBC radio, television, and iPlayer. Additionally, the festival is known for its surprises, with more than 50 slots labeled TBA, hinting at potential surprise guests like Haim and Pulp, alongside more ambitious speculations involving Lady Gaga and Radiohead.
The excitement of Glastonbury is palpable among attendees. Julie and Nigel Ford traveled from North Yorkshire to celebrate Julie's 60th birthday. They expressed their astonishment at receiving tickets after multiple attempts, saying, “You often don't think you are going to get through on the ballot... so yeah, it's super exciting.”
Another attendee, Kate from Taunton, shared her enthusiasm for the festival vibe. Arriving with her family, she expressed her excitement about the performances, particularly mentioning her anticipation for Rod Stewart and The 1975. Additionally, she mentioned her curiosity about a mysterious act known as Patchwork, which has sparked various theories among festival-goers.
As thousands of revellers make their way to Worthy Farm, transportation logistics are also in place. Over the festival weekend from June 25 to 27, a total of 37,000 train seats will be available from the nearest station, Castle Cary, along with an additional 16,000 seats for the return journey. Shuttle buses are organized to accommodate the high demand, although luggage space is limited, and trolleys are prohibited.
Some attendees have opted for unique modes of transport. For instance, 25-year-old Ollie White has cycled from Madrid to the festival, traversing mountains and coastal roads to arrive in time. He remarked, “A lot of people think I'm crazy for doing this, but for me it doesn't seem too crazy.”
Ella, attending Glastonbury for the seventh time, is excited to share the experience with her husband and two daughters. She described it as “the best place on earth,” emphasizing the joy her children find in the festival atmosphere. Ella plans to explore the festival with her family, expressing her eagerness for the various activities and performances available.
Emily Eavis shared her emotional connection to the festival, stating, “It’s been such a build-up this year, it’s been an amazing amount of excitement.” As the gates prepare to open, Eavis highlighted that Glastonbury is “the most joyful city in the UK” for the next five days, ready to embrace thousands of music lovers and create unforgettable memories.
