Thousands of Brits flocked to Somerset this weekend to experience the iconic Glastonbury Festival under the sun. With notable performers like Elton John and Lana Del Rey gracing the stage, eager fans set up camp across the expansive field. However, in the midst of the AI revolution, there is a question: will Glastonbury remain the same?
Chart-topping artists such as Megan Thee Stallion and Lil Nas X are already using virtual reality (VR) to put on captivating shows, with fans immersing themselves in the experience through headsets. Even ABBA profited from lifelike ‘hologram’ performances of their past selves. So, what can we expect in the next 30 years? MailOnline consulted experts to get a glimpse of what the future holds for this renowned festival.
One expert, futurist Andrew Grill, who himself enjoyed the ABBA Voyage experience, believes that mixed reality concerts will become the norm at Glastonbury. Although VR headsets are currently bulky, Grill predicts that by 2050, they will be lightweight and unobtrusive, allowing for seamless dancing and movement. He envisions this technology extending the lifespan of existing artists or reviving beloved artists from the past.
Professor Edith Van Dyck from Belgium’s Ghent University also sees a future for VR at Glastonbury. In a survey she conducted, most participants regarded VR as the future of the music industry, appreciating the potential advantages such as lower ticket prices, enhanced mobility, and reduced unwanted contact. However, Van Dyck acknowledges that VR cannot fully replicate the experience of attending a festival in person – aspects such as chance encounters, dancing with others, eye contact, and the overall energy cannot be replicated virtually. Despite this, she suggests that holding secondary online events in VR for those who live further away or enjoy the technological aspects could be a viable option.
The concept of VIP packages at festivals is nothing new, but futurist Bernard Marr believes that “digital celebrities” will play a significant role in the future. Marr predicts that celebrities will sell the rights to their digital versions, allowing fans to interact with virtual avatars of their favorite stars in the Metaverse. This combination of VR and AI could provide fans with personalized and immersive experiences with their beloved celebrities.
As festivals like Glastonbury continue to attract massive crowds, AI technology could assist in various ways. CEO of Midder Music, Will Fenton, suggests that AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants could handle customer inquiries, provide festival information, assist with ticketing, and answer frequently asked questions. AI algorithms could also analyze video feeds from security cameras to detect suspicious activities and offer efficient and accurate support. Additionally, AI could optimize traffic flow, predict crowd density, and identify areas requiring immediate attention, improving overall efficiency and reducing bottlenecks.
In terms of security, Fenton believes that AI-powered surveillance systems could be employed alongside traditional policing. These systems would monitor crowd behavior and identify any security threats or anomalies, allowing security personnel to take appropriate actions swiftly.
In summary, the future of Glastonbury holds exciting possibilities. From mixed reality concerts and virtual celebrity meetups to AI-powered chatbots and enhanced security measures, technology is poised to revolutionize the festival experience while still cherishing the unique aspects of live performances and human connections.
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