The prestigious festival is set to welcome music enthusiasts back to Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset for its 51st year. The celebrations will take place from Wednesday to Sunday, and whether you’re attending in person or watching from afar, here’s everything you need to know:
Who are the headline acts?
Sheffield rock stars The Arctic Monkeys will kick off the festival as the first headliners on Friday, following the cancellation of their Dublin show due to frontman Alex Turner’s acute laryngitis. This will be their third time headlining the festival, having done so in 2007 and 2013. On Saturday, rock legends Guns N’ Roses and pop superstar Lizzo will dominate the stage. Sunday will see Sir Elton John taking the top spot, marking the final UK tour date of his farewell tour.
What surprises await?
Glastonbury has a history of surprising festival-goers with unexpected performers, both planned and spontaneous. Friday’s main stage will feature a mystery band known as The Churnups before the Arctic Monkeys, with rumors suggesting it could be the rock band Foo Fighters. The Pretenders also announced a surprise performance on Saturday, with some “friends” joining them on stage. Sir Elton John is also expected to bring surprises with an entirely new show for his performance.
What’s the weather forecast?
As tradition dictates, muddy conditions are expected due to thunderstorms on Tuesday. However, temperatures will remain warm around 22C on Wednesday and Thursday. The rain is expected to clear over the weekend, with dryer and brighter conditions and highs of 26C on Sunday for Sir Elton’s headline performance.
Controversies surrounding the festival
The festival received criticism for the lack of gender diversity among the acts closing the Pyramid Stage in 2023. Co-organizer Emily Eavis explained that they strive for gender balance, but a female headliner had to cancel. Taylor Swift, who was confirmed as a headliner for the 2020 festival, was speculated to have headlined this year. Additionally, the festival faced controversy for initially planning to screen a “conspiracy theory film” about Jeremy Corbyn but decided against it following claims of antisemitism.
Environmental concerns
Organizers have urged festival-goers not to bring disposable vapes, gazebos, non-biodegradable body glitter, disposable wipes, knives, or glass items as they harm the environment. WaterAid will also be showcasing their “Living Loos” made from composted waste from previous festivals.
Comedy and culture offerings
Aside from live music acts, festival-goers can enjoy theater and circus performances, film screenings, and speeches. Labour MP Ed Miliband and charity worker Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe are scheduled to debate, and Joe Wicks will lead an exercise class. Greenpeace will debut a short film by Oscar-winning director Sir Steve McQueen, and Carhenge, a Stonehenge made of vintage cars, will be open for the Summer Solstice.
Where to watch the action on TV?
The BBC will provide exclusive coverage of the festival across its TV networks, iPlayer, and online platforms. They will also stream Pyramid Stage performances in British Sign Language for accessibility. BBC One will join the celebrations from Friday with live reports from the festival on The One Show.
Radio coverage
The BBC’s pop radio networks will air more than 85 hours of live broadcasts, starting with Lauren Laverne’s 6 Music breakfast show live from the Glastonbury gates on Wednesday. BBC Sounds will offer podcasts, collections, and playlists, and BBC Radio 6 Music will provide all-day Glastonbury coverage. Additionally, the BBC’s New Music Fix Daily will bring listeners on-site atmosphere and festival news.
Glastonbury festival 2023 will take place from June 21 to 25 at Worthy Farm in Somerset.
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