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Glastonbury 2022: Six of the biggest talking points from the Worthy Farm festival

The final day at Glastonbury ended with a jaw-dropping performance by American rapper Kendrick Lamar.

Over the course of five days, fans had danced to performances by top artists such as Paul McCartney, Little Simz, Pet Shop Boys, Sam Fender, and Billie Eilish.

On the last day of the festival, George Ezra turned up at the John Peel stage in what was possibly the worst-kept secret set in Glastonbury history, while jazz-fusion legend Herbie Hancock delighted crowds relaxing at the Pyramid stage with a virtuosic performance.

Here’s a look back at six of the biggest talking points from the entire Glastonbury 2022 festival...

Roe v Wade

News of the US Supreme Court’s highly controversial legal ruling broke on Friday, and it was clearly on a lot of people’s minds at Glastonbury. It certainly didn’t escape the attention of the artists, many of whom were American. From Billie Eilish, to Phoebe Bridgers, to Olivia Rodrigo, to Kendrick Lamar, lots of the performers included powerful statements about abortion rights in their sets.

From the youngest ever headliner…

Eilish made history with her Friday night headline slot, delighting fans with an intimate but lively set of songs from the 20-year-old’s two albums. As the festival’s youngest ever solo headliner, the pressure was certainly on Eilish’s shoulders, but as Mark Beaumont’s five-star review attests, she pulled it off with aplomb.

Billie Eilish at Glastonbury 2022 (Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)
Billie Eilish at Glastonbury 2022 (Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)

…to the oldest

On the other end of the spectrum, we had Paul McCartney, who delivered an absolute barnstormer of a set on Saturday. Performing a range of hits from his Beatles and Wings repertoires, as well as his solo career (and a couple of covers), Macca delivered a Glastonbury experience for the ages. At 80 years old, he became the festival’s oldest ever headliner.

Kendrick Lamar

Closing the festival on Sunday was Kendrick Lamar, who held the Pyramid Stage in the palm of his hand from the start of his electrifying, career-spanning set to the end. The stunning climax of his set – a rendition of “saviour” performed while blood dripped from his diamond crown of thorns, before he began a furious chant about women’s rights – was pure chills-down-the-spine stuff.

Ukraine

The ongoing war in Ukraine was also a core political issue for many of the festival’s acts and attendees. Ukrainian flags were spotted commonly around the festival site, with McCartney holding one aloft in solidarity as he took the stage for his encore. The Pyramid Stage also played host to Ukrainian band Dakhabrakha on Sunday, one of several Ukrainian artists the festival championed.

A little help from my friends…

While Kendrick’s set may have been all him, many of the festival’s other acts deployed some heavyweight guest stars. McCartney brought Bruce Springsteen and Dave Grohl on stage towards the end. Olivia Rodrigo welcomed Lily Allen for a duet of “F*** You”. Phoebe Bridges joined forces with Arlo Parks (who had her own full set at the festival) for a couple of numbers. Pete Doherty even showed up on stage during Hak Baker’s performance, having performed with the Libertines shortly before. It was a festival chock-full of unexpected – but thoroughly enjoyed – cameos.

Look back at our live blog below:

Glastonbury 2022 talking points

  • Everything that went down at Glastonbury 2022

  • Kendrick Lamar closes Glastonbury with powerful call for women’s rights

  • Paul McCartney – the best Glastonbury has ever seen? The Independent’s review

  • Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds review – Pyramid Stage

  • Olivia Rodrigo and Lily Allen say ‘F*** You’ to the Supreme Court in smashing Other Stage performance

Dying Glastonbury fan to travel to festival via helicopter

Thursday 23 June 2022 18:14 , Roisin O'Connor

A Glastonbury fan who has been told he has weeks to live has been granted his dying wish - to make it to the festival one last time.

Nigel Stonehouse, 58, from Hartlepool, will travel to Worthy Farm via helicopter after a GoFundMe campaign raised over £18,000 to fund the journey.

Any remaining donations will be donated to Water aid, Oxfam and Greenpeace, and a local cat rescue organisation, the fundraiser’s organisers said.

Stonehouse, who has been to Glastonbury 19 times, described the festival as being “like a family.”

‘We’re a family’: Dying Glastonbury fan to travel to festival via helicopter

How to watch Glastonbury 2022 from home

Thursday 23 June 2022 18:42 , Roisin O'Connor

Those who aren’t venturing to Worthy Farm for Glastonbury this year can keep up with the action from the comfort of their sofa.

This year’s festival – taking place from Friday 24 June to Sunday 26 June – will see Billie Eilish, Paul McCartney and Kendrick Lamar perform as headliners. Diana Ross will perform in the Legends slot.

Viewers in the UK can watch the Glastonbury live stream for free on the BBC.

Coverage will be spread across BBC One, Two, Three, Four, BBC Radio, the BBC Sounds app, and BBC Radio.

For the first time ever, BBC iPlayer will be hosting a special Glastonbury channel from Thursday (23 June), which will broadcast preview shows and live performances over the next four days.

Here’s the full schedule!

Full TV schedule of BBC’s Glastonbury coverage

Glastonbury 2022 – in pictures

Thursday 23 June 2022 19:02 , Roisin O'Connor

Music fans are returning to Worthy Farm in their droves for the first Glastonbury Festival since 2019.

The world-famous event was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, but has now returned and is set to be headlined by Billie Eilish, Paul McCartney and Kendrick Lamar.

Other acts on the billing include Diana Ross in the traditional Legends Slot, plus Sam Fender, Megan Thee Stallion, Foals, St Vincent, Lorde, Olivia Rodrigo, AJ Tracey and many more performing from 24 – 26 June.

On Wednesday 22 June, festival co-organisers Michael and Emily Eavis welcomed revellers back to the festival in Somerset.

“To actually be able to see people there and welcome in, watch them streaming in and running to pitch their tents up… it’s an amazing feeling,” Emily Eavis told Lauren Laverne in an interview with BBC Radio 6.

Check out some of the brilliant photos so far:

See all the best pictures from Glastonbury 2022

Fat Boy Slim reflects on his Glastonbury memories

Thursday 23 June 2022 19:22 , Kerri-Ann Roper, PA Entertainment Editor

Fatboy Slim has reminisced about his first time playing Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage saying he’s “spent the rest of his career” trying to get back on it.

The DJ, real name Norman Cook, is now a household name but first performed at the music festival on Worthy Farm more than three decades ago as part of indie rock group, The Housemartins.

Glastonbury Festival opened its gates again this week for the first time in three years after being cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, with Cook, 58, one of the performers on the bill.

He told the festival’s on-site newspaper, the Glastonbury Free Press, about his first experience playing at the event, saying: “It was playing the Pyramid Stage with the Housemartins in 1986.

“Much to my shame, I thought it would be filled with old, stoned, bearded hippies who’d come from Stonehenge after the solstice. And we thought they’d all be flinging mud at us. We were pleasantly surprised to find out it wasn’t like that at all.”

Other big names at Glastonbury in 1986 included The Pogues, The Waterboys, The Cure, Level 42, Simply Red and Madness.

Press Association

The 7 most brutal set clashes – and how to get around them

Thursday 23 June 2022 19:40 , Annabel Nugent

“Clash” is a word that will cause any Glastonbury ticketowner to break out in a cold sweat.

Deciding between Billie Eilish and Foals and Little Simz feels impossible. Likewise, Haim, Olivia Rodrigo, Big Thief, and Glass Animals.

Here, we run through the biggest clashes of the 2022 festival – and some nifty workarounds.

The 7 most brutal Glastonbury 2022 set clashes (and possible workarounds)

18 highlights for Glastonbury from Healing Fields to Cineramageddon

Thursday 23 June 2022 20:00 , Annabel Nugent

Every Glastonbury weekend, the transformation of Worthy Farm from a West Country dairy farm into a glorious festival site never fails to wow.

Bars within bars, areas within areas, and festivals within festivals offer ticket holders a Russian doll of silliness and surrealism. The centre of which you’ll probably never reach – at least not without a comprehensive plan.

Take a look at our 18 hihglights for Glastonbury 202, from the Healing Fields to Cineramageddon.

From Herbie Hancock to the Healing Fields – 18 highlights for Glastonbury 2022

When does Billie Eilish perform and on what stage?

Thursday 23 June 2022 20:20 , Annabel Nugent

Tomorrow, Billie Eilish will make history as Glastonbury’s youngest ever solo headliner.

At 20 years and six months old, she will be the youngest solo act to headline Glastonbury. The youngest ever performer to headline Glastonbury as part of a group was Mark Hamilton of the UK band Ash who headlined in 1997 at the age of 20 and three months.

Find out when and where Eilish performs below.

What time, date and stage is Billie Eilish performing at Glastonbury?

Who are the secret sets? Everything you need to know

Thursday 23 June 2022 20:40 , Annabel Nugent

Sure, you may know who is headlining but Glastonbury – but are you clued up on who this year’s secret sets are?

With past secret sets including Lady Gaga, Franz Ferdinand and Pulp, it’s likely this year will see at least a few big names unexpectedly taking the stage.

George Ezra, Harry Styles, Green Day, Elton John, and Arcade Fire are among the artists rumoured to be making an appearance. Find out more below.

Glastonbury secret sets 2022: Rumours and how find out who will play

A brief look at Glastonbury’s storied past

Thursday 23 June 2022 21:00 , Annabel Nugent

If you’ve ever been interested in the history of the iconic festival, we’ve got you covered.

Founded in 1970, Michael Eavis – a farmer from Somerset – decided to stage a festival to pay off his overdraft. The rest is history.

When did Glastonbury start?

How to watch Glastonbury from home and full TV schedule

Thursday 23 June 2022 21:20 , Annabel Nugent

For those of us not at Worthy Farm, you can tune into the action live thanks to live coverage of the event.

Whether you want to follow it all or just catch a performance or two, BBC has you covered.

Coverage will be spread across BBC One, Two, Three, Four, BBC Radio, the BBC Sounds app, and BBC Radio.

See a comprehensive TV schedule below.

Full TV schedule of BBC’s Glastonbury coverage

Up to date weather forecast for Worthy Farm

Thursday 23 June 2022 21:40 , Annabel Nugent

It wouldn’t be Glastonbury without some rain. Hope you packed your wellies!

Latest forecast threatens thunderstorms for Glastonbury

Lineup and set times for this year’s biggest acts

Thursday 23 June 2022 22:00 , Annabel Nugent

Hundreds of acts are performing at Worthy Farm this weekend. Here’s a list of the big names that you’ll likely want on your radar – including when and where they’re playing.

Glastonbury 2022 full lineup and set times by day

How to get tickets to the next Glastonbury festival

Thursday 23 June 2022 22:20 , Annabel Nugent

If you aren’t at Worthy Farm, by now the FOMO has likely set in and you’re wondering how to get tickets for the next Glastonbury.

Find out everything you need to know about 2023 registration here, including ticket prices and when they will become available to purchase.

Glastonbury 2023 registration, tickets and everything you need to know

Glastonbury 2022 in pictures

Thursday 23 June 2022 22:40 , Annabel Nugent

Curious to see what this year’s festival looks like? See below for a rolling list of pictures from Glastonbury 2022.

Warning: If you didn’t have FOMO before, you’ll definitely feel it after seeing these photos.

See all the best pictures from Glastonbury 2022

The 22 greatest Glastonbury performances ever, from Beyoncé to The Cure

Thursday 23 June 2022 23:00 , Annabel Nugent

Ahead of the glorious return of the world’s greatest festival, headlined this year by Paul McCartney, Billie Eilish and Kendrick Lamar, here’s a look back at the best ever Glastonbury performances.

From Patti Smith and Jay-Z to The Cure and The Smiths, here’s the 22 greatest sets of all time to take place at Worthy Farm – in our humble opinion, at least.

The 22 greatest Glastonbury performances ever

Paul McCartney at Glastonbury: Day, time and stage details for musician’s second headline set

Thursday 23 June 2022 23:20 , Annabel Nugent

Paul McCartney is one of three headliners to be taking the stage this weekend.

The former Beatle will headline the Pyramid State alongside Billie Eilish, the festival’s youngest ever solo headliner, and Kendrick Lamar.

Find out when and where McCartney performs below.

What day and time will Paul McCartney perform at Glastonbury?

This is the musician’s second Glastonbury headline performance after performing in 2004.

Speaking about that set, he said: “My best memory was that moment we walked out on stage, when we performed there in 2004. The sheer size of the crowd, and the banners and the flags that they all hold up which reminded me of the battle of Agincourt.”

Glastonbury in pictures: Day 2

Thursday 23 June 2022 23:40 , Annabel Nugent

Between laughter yoga workshops, burning sunsets, and outrageous festival outfits, Glastonbury certainly makes for a brilliant photo opportunity.

Catch up on Day 2 of the festival in pictures below...

See all the best photos from Glastonbury day 2 at Worthy Farm

Kendrick Lamar at Glastonbury: Day, time and stage details for rapper’s festival debut

Friday 24 June 2022 00:00 , Annabel Nugent

A number of artists will be making their Glastonbury debut this year, but few are as highly anticipated as Kendrick Lamar.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper will headline the Pyramid Stage on Sunday, the final night.

His appearance follows the release of his critically acclaimed fifth album Mr Morale & the Big Steppers. You can read The Independent’s five-star review of the record here.

Find out the details for Lamar’s performance, including when and where his set will be, below.

What day and time will Kendrick Lamar perform at Glastonbury?

Up-to-date weather forecast for Worthy Farm

Friday 24 June 2022 00:20 , Annabel Nugent

With a Yellow Warning issued for thunderstorms, anyone at Worthy Farm right now will no doubt be keeping an eye on the weather.

Worst comes to worst, though, what’s Glastonbury without some mess and mud?

Keep up to date with all the weather updates for the festival below.

Latest forecast threatens thunderstorms for Glastonbury

Friday 24 June 2022 00:40 , Louis Chilton

For those not able to be there, here’s how to watch this year’s Glasto coverage on TV

How to watch the BBC’s live Glastonbury coverage

Friday 24 June 2022 01:00 , Louis Chilton

Paul McCartney has announced a surprise warm-up show ahead of his headline set this weekend...

Paul McCartney holding surprise pre Glastonbury show in Frome

Friday 24 June 2022 01:30 , Louis Chilton

Fellow headliner Kendrick Lamar, meanwhile, was seen performing a tribute to Virgil Abloh while wearing crown of thorns during a Louis Vuitton show.

Watch the video here...

Kendrick Lamar performs tribute for Virgil Abloh while wearing crown of thorns

Friday 24 June 2022 02:00 , Louis Chilton

The big acts might not get going til tomorrow, but there’s still stuff going on in Worthy Farm.

For example...

Friday 24 June 2022 02:30 , Louis Chilton

Here’s a look at some of the secret headliners set to appear at the festival...

Glastonbury secret sets 2022: Rumours and how find out who will play

Friday 24 June 2022 03:00 , Maanya Sachdeva

And the first stage dive of the weekend goes to...

Louis Tomlinson spotted at Worthy Farm amid rumours of secret Harry Styles set

Friday 24 June 2022 03:30 , Maanya Sachdeva

One Direction fans were thrilled over the possibility of a mini band reunion at Worthy Farm, after Louis Tomlinson was spotted at Glastonbury amid rumours of a secret Harry Styles set.

Styles and Tomlinson were part of “the internet’s first boyband” One Direction, alongwith Niall Horan, Liam Payne, and Zayn Malik. The group went on extended hiatus in 2015, following Malik’s departure.

Styles is rumoured to perform alongside Glastonbury’s youngest-ever headliner Billie Eilish on the Pyramid Stage Friday night (24 June).

Currently on his “Love On Tour” to promote his 2019 album Fine Line, the “As It Was” singer still has the majority of the weekend free in between tour dates.

Meanwhile, Tomlinson, 30, was spotted at the Somerset venue, in a short fan video posted online. He was dressed in a loose, white T-shirt and shorts.

‘We’re a family’: Dying Glastonbury fan to travel to festival via helicopter

Friday 24 June 2022 04:00 , Maanya Sachdeva

A terminally ill Glastonbury fan has been granted his dying wish – to make it to the festival one last time.

Nigel Stonehouse, 58, from Hartlepool, will travel to Worthy Farm via helicopter after a GoFundMe campaign raised over £18,000 to fund the journey. This will be his 19th time at the Somerset music festival.

When asked why it’s so important to Stonehouse to go to Glastonbury, he replied: “It’s always important to go to Glastonbury – we’re a family.”

Stonehouse, who is suffering from kidney cancer, first attended the festival in 1986.

Full story here:

Terminally ill festival-lover to fly to Glastonbury as public grant ‘last wish’

Glastonbury crowd chant ‘we love you Michael, we do’ to festival founder

Friday 24 June 2022 04:30 , Maanya Sachdeva

The crowd at Glastonbury chanted “We love you Michael we do” around the Williams Green stage as festival founder Michael Eavis played with his band to a packed audience on Thursday.

The 86-year-old performed renditions of hits such as the Elvis hit “Always On My Mind” and Frank Sinatra’s “My Way”.

Eavis thanked the crowd and left the stage to huge applause before leaving in his “trademark red” Land Rover, and further cheers rang out as he passed festival-goers on the road outside the venue.

Bastille fans react to band's 'not-so-secret' set: 'I'm a bit emotional'

Friday 24 June 2022 05:00 , Maanya Sachdeva

Bastille fans were overjoyed to watch the band play a “not-so-secret” set at the William’s Green stage Thursday, accompanied by 10-piece brass band Ol’ Dirty Brasstards.

“Tonight we are Brasstille and the Brasstards...or something,” band frontman Dan Smith joked, as fans reportedly chanted the refrain of their 2013 hit “Pompeii” while waiting for the set to begin.

Their set followed festival founder Michael Eavis’s covers performance, with Smith telling the crowd: “I can’t believe we get to play after Michael Eavis, what the f***.”

Bastille’s set list for their sixth performance at Glastonbury included hits such as “Things We Lost In The Fire”, “Survivin’” from their 2020 EP Goosebumps, “Shut Off The Lights” and, of course, “Pompeii” right at the end.

After watching their performance, one fan tweeted: “Since 2012, I have never gone more than 1.5 years without seeing Bastille, [but] because of Covid, I didn’t see them for almost three years until today at glasto. I’m a bit emotional atm, thank you @bastille.”

“I don’t care about Bastille, only Brasstille,” another joked.

‘Did you make it?’: Wolf Alice fans react to band’s travel update amid fears of cancelled set

Friday 24 June 2022 05:30 , Maanya Sachdeva

Wolf Alice fans are keeping their “fingers crossed” that the band can make it to Glastonbury after a flight cancellation ahead of their scheduled performance left them stranded in the US.

The “Don’t Delete The Kisses” artists are due to perform on the Pyramid Stage at Worthy Farm on Friday afternoon.

“Has anyone got a private jet in LA?” the band tweeted late on Wednesday (22 June), explaining, “Our flight’s been cancelled and we need to get to Glastonbury, not joking.”

On Thursday, the group tweeted that they were flying out to Seattle, from Los Angeles, before getting on a direct flight to London in time, hopefully, for their set.

“Did you make it?” one fan commented under their post on Twitter, with another writing: “Fingers crossed you lot, cannot wait to see you at Glasto.”

Bastille frontman thanks fans after ‘insane’ set with Ol’ Dirty Brasstards

Friday 24 June 2022 06:00 , Maanya Sachdeva

Bastille frontman Dan Smith thanked fans after the “Pompeii” hitmakers’s “insane” performance at the Williams’s Green stage on Thursday.

Sharing a photo with his bandmates, Smith wrote on Twitter: “That was insane. Thanks SO MUCH to everyone who came along.”

Bastille was accompanied by 10-piece brass band Ol’ Dirty Brasstards, prompting Smith’s opener: “Tonight we’re Brasstille and the Brasstards...or something.”

Singer-songwriter and guitarist Charlie Barnes, who is currently touring with Bastille, also tweeted about the show, writing: “Hahahahaha played Glastonbury with a load of my brass friends hahahahahahahaha have a nice weekend everyone.”

How to watch the BBC’s live festival coverage this year

Friday 24 June 2022 06:30 , Maanya Sachdeva

Live sets from Worthy Farm will be broadcast on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds throughout the Glastonbury festival, which runs from Wednesday 22 – Sunday 26 June.

Coverage will be brought to audiences by presenters such as Cerys Matthews, Clara Amfo, Dermot O’Leary, Jo Whiley, Lauren Laverne, Vick Hope and Zoe Ball.

Find out more about how you can catch headliner performances by Billie Eilish, Sir Paul McCartney, Diana Ross, and Kendrick Lamar:

How to watch the BBC’s live Glastonbury coverage

Steve Carell’s new Minions film to be screened at festival today

Friday 24 June 2022 07:00 , Maanya Sachdeva

Steve Carell has revealed there will be a special advance screening for his forthcoming animated film Minions: The Rise of Gru at Worthy Farm this week.

The fifth film in the Despicable Me franchise acts as an origin story for Gru (voiced by Carell) and his Minions, telling the story of how the group came to existence to fight against unstoppable crime forces.

The film is scheduled for release on 1 July and will be screened at the Pilton Palais – the festival’s cinema tent – on Friday.

In his announcement, Carell invited festival-goers to “be one of those very first people in the UK to see it”.

Full story here:

Steve Carell reveals special Minions advance screening at Glastonbury

Are we on the verge of a girl group renaissance?

Friday 24 June 2022 07:20 , Ellie Harrison

This weekend, the original Sugababes will reunite on the stage of Glastonbury for the first time in two decades.

They’re the only UK girl group on the lineup, and are performing just over a month after pop trio Little Mix went on hiatus to pursue solo careers.

At first glance, the future landscape of girl groups in contemporary pop looks decidedly flat. Is there any hope of a renaissance?

Read the full story below and find out how to get tickets for Sugababes’ forthcoming tour here...

Round round, baby: Are we on the verge of a girl group renaissance?

How to find out which acts are playing secret sets

Friday 24 June 2022 07:43 , Ellie Harrison

George Ezra and Green Day are among the rumoured acts who could perform secret sets at Glastonbury.

Bastille, who were heavily rumoured to play, did perform a secret set on Thursday 23 June.

The set list for their sixth performance at Glastonbury included hits such as “Things We Lost in the Fire”, “Survivin’” from their 2020 EP Goosebumps, “Shut Off the Lights” and, of course, “Pompeii”, to finish.

Read more below about who could be up next...

Glastonbury secret sets 2022: Rumours and how find out who will play

Sam Fender to play the Pyramid Stage tonight

Friday 24 June 2022 08:03 , Ellie Harrison

Sam Fender fans get ready, for the Newcastle musician is playing the Pyramid Stage from 8.15pm to 9.15pm tonight, just before Billie Eilish’s headline set.

He’s pretty excited, too...

Read our interview with Fender here, in which he chatted to us about the state of the nation, overcoming a life-threatening illness, and his ‘crippling insecurities’...

Want to watch the festival on TV tonight? Here’s how...

Friday 24 June 2022 08:21 , Ellie Harrison

Those who aren’t venturing to Worthy Farm for Glastonbury this year can keep up with the action from the comfort of their sofa, with coverage spread across BBC One, Two, Three and Four.

Tonight, music fans can watch Wet Leg, Arlo Parks, Idles, Little Simz and, of course, first headliner Billie Eilish.

Find out when their sets are being broadcast in the full story below...

Full TV schedule of BBC’s Glastonbury coverage

Paul McCartney to play surprise, intimate Glastonbury warm-up gig

Friday 24 June 2022 08:40 , Ellie Harrison

Paul McCartney has revealed a surprise gig at a small Somerset music venue, the night before his Glastonbury headline set.

The performance was announced on Thursday (23 June), with “first come first served” tickets selling out in under an hour.

The Cheese and Grain entertainment venue in Frome, Somerset will play host to McCartney from 5pm on Friday (24 June). The venue’s capacity is just 800 people.

Read the full story here...

Paul McCartney holding surprise pre Glastonbury show in Frome

Our pick of the best bits of Glastonbury

Friday 24 June 2022 08:59 , Ellie Harrison

Every Glastonbury weekend, the transformation of Worthy Farm from a West Country dairy farm into the glorious festival site never fails to wow. Bars within bars, areas within areas, and festivals within festivals offer ticket holders a Russian doll of silliness and surrealism. The centre of which you’ll probably never reach – at least not without a comprehensive plan.

From where to get the perfect pint to the woodland oasis awaiting tired, hungover bodies, here’s our pick of highlights for this year’s Glastonbury...

From Herbie Hancock to the Healing Fields – 18 highlights for Glastonbury 2022

Up-to-date weather forecast for Worthy Farm

Friday 24 June 2022 09:20 , Ellie Harrison

Friday 24 June will see cloudy skies turn into scattered showers. The day will turn brighter around lunchtime but more persistent rain is expected to move eastwards through the afternoon. The Met Office indicates a maximum temperature of 20 degrees, dropping to a low of 8 degrees at night.

Read more about the forecast for tomorrow and Sunday, below...

Latest forecast predicts scattered showers for Glastonbury

What it’s like being a child at Glastonbury

Friday 24 June 2022 09:41 , Ellie Harrison

My colleague Adam White has written a beautiful piece about what it was like to be at Glastonbury as a child.

“Born and raised in nearby Bristol, I first visited in 1994, aged two with potty in hand, and attended for the five years that followed. I have not been back since. But even if Glastonbury has changed hugely in the decades in between, it still exists as a joyous, creative paradise of jugglers, acrobats and enormous fire-breathing spiders for those lucky enough to experience it as a child. Enough to grant it an almost mythical hold over many of the children who have passed through over the years, like a soothing imprinton the soul.”

Read the full story here...

The earthy magic and lawless energy of being a child at Glastonbury

Wolf Alice have made it to the UK after original flight from LA cancelled

Friday 24 June 2022 09:56 , Ellie Harrison

Fans of Wolf Alice have been waiting with bated breath to find out if the band would make it to the UK to perform their Glastonbury show this afternoon.

Earlier this week, they issued a plea for help after a flight cancellation left them stranded in the US, quipping on Twitter: “Has anyone got a private jet in LA?”

Wolf Alice fans can now rejoice, because at approximately 9.45am this morning, the group posted a video on their Instagram story revealing they have arrived at Heathrow Airport.

It’s looking like they’ll make their set after all...

 (Instagram)
(Instagram)

The magic of Worthy Farm

Friday 24 June 2022 10:20 , Ellie Harrison

Live music and festivals returned a year ago, but Glastonbury 2022 is the major signifier that the post-pandemic party is back in full swing.

Read Mark Beaumont’s celebration of its return, below...

The emotional return to Glastonbury Festival

Friday 24 June 2022 10:38 , Ellie Harrison

An update from our Culture editor, Patrick Smith, who’s one of the 200,000 people at this weekend’s festival...

“Few weary bodies today, myself included... having gone to the Rabbit Hole, where Four Tet was playing.

“Off to watch The Libertines shortly; Ben Bryant will be reviewing. Drizzly start to the day. Here’s hoping the site doesn’t turn into a quagmire ahead of Billie Eilish’s headline set...”

Find out the latest weather forecast here and the full lineup for today here.

Foals are back to play Glastonbury tonight after a surprise set in 2019

Friday 24 June 2022 11:01 , Ellie Harrison

I was lucky enough to watch this incredible secret set by Foals at Glastonbury three years ago.

The band have been sharing throwbacks to it ahead of their set at The Other stage later on...

Read our recent interview with the band’s frontman Yannis Philippakis here.

Our pick of the trickiest clashes - and how to work around them...

Friday 24 June 2022 11:25 , Ellie Harrison

Tonight, Billie Eilish, Foals and Little Simz are all on at pretty similar times. I’m not even there and it’s making me feel on edge.

Take a look at our selection of the biggest clashes at Glastonbury this year – and ways that you can get to see at least some of the best sets...

The 7 most brutal Glastonbury 2022 set clashes (and possible workarounds)

Libertines open the Other Stage

Friday 24 June 2022 11:35 , Roisin O'Connor

Hello! I’m taking over the liveblog for the rest of today, let’s crack on!

The Libertines are taking to the Other Stage right now for what will undoubtedly be a typically rowdy set with Pete Doherty, Carl Barat and co. The band recently announced a 20th anniversary celebration for their debut album, Up the Bracket, so I’m sure we’ll be getting plenty of renditions of tracks from that incendiary record.

Friday 24 June 2022 11:39 , Roisin O'Connor

Zelensky shares powerful message to Glastonbury attendees

Friday 24 June 2022 11:47 , Roisin O'Connor

Ukraine’s president Zelensky just shared a powerful message to Glastonbury revellers ahead of the Libertines set on the Other Stage.

The Ukrainian leader, who is leading the fight against Putin’s Russian troops, urged people to put pressure on “all the politicians you know” to “help restore peace in Ukraine”.

“Spread the truth about Russia’s war,” he said. “Help Ukrainians who are forced to flee their homes because of the war.”

Clip shows Zelensky address to Glastonbury festival

Friday 24 June 2022 11:53 , Roisin O'Connor

Here’s a clip from Luke Newton at Glastonbury of that Zelensky address:

President Zelensky makes surprise video appearance at Glastonbury Festival

Friday 24 June 2022 12:09 , Roisin O'Connor

In full: Zelensky’s message to Glastonbury 2022

Friday 24 June 2022 12:24 , Roisin O'Connor

The Other stage at Glastonbury Festival opened this morning with a video message from Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky.

His message was played to festivalgoers on a screen, ahead of The Libertines taking to the stage to perform.

In videos shared on social media, Zelensky can be heard saying: “Glastonbury is the greatest concentration of freedom these days and I ask you to share this feeling with everyone whose freedom is under attack...

“Help Ukrainians who are forced to flee their homes because of the war... Put pressure on all the politicians you know to help restore peace in Ukraine.”

Read more:

Ukraine’s president Zelensky shares powerful message at Glastonbury

The latest Glastonbury secret set rumours

Friday 24 June 2022 12:41 , Roisin O'Connor

Worthy Farm is buzzing with rumours of who could turn up to play a secret set this weekend. Some are convinced that Bruce Springsteen, who’s currently in the UK, could turn up to join Paul McCartney on the Pyramid Stage tomorrow. There are some serious claims that Harry Styles, who just played a show in Dublin, could zip over to join Billie Eilish tonight, as she becomes the youngest-ever solo artist to headline Glastonbury.

George Ezra seemed like a dead cert until he had to pull out of a Danish festival due to a “nasty bout” of laryngitis – we’ll see if the Gold Rush Kid makes it to his rumoured slot this weekend. Olly Alexander seems like another guarantee as a guest with the Pet Shop Boys on Sunday, given he’s got his own set as Years & Years right before...

Wolf Alice have made it to the UK – will they get to Worthy Farm on time?

Friday 24 June 2022 12:57 , Roisin O'Connor

Wolf Alice have touched down in the UK just hours ahead of their performance at this year’s Glastonbury Festival.

The band are scheduled to perform on the Pyramid Stage at Worthy Farm on Friday afternoon (24 June).

However, their appearance was in jeopardy after their flight from LA to London was cancelled. The Mercury Prize-winning rock band been in the US after supporting Bleachers on Monday night (20 June) and Halsey the following evening.

Fortunately, they managed to catch another flight and it now seems like they’ll make it by the skin of their teeth!

More here:

Wolf Alice arrive in the UK just hours ahead of Glastonbury performance

Libertines review – Glastonbury 2022

Friday 24 June 2022 13:18 , Roisin O'Connor

‘How the tables turn. Once, The Libertines kept the crowds waiting and played as though they could fall apart at any moment. Today – thanks to an 11.30am set that marks the de facto start of Glastonbury – it’s their fans who are rolling in late, bug-eyed and dishevelled.’

Ben Bryant’s brilliant review of the Libertines is live now, check it out:

The Libertines bring back the Noughties for their Glastonbury set – review

Friday 24 June 2022 13:28 , Alex Green, PA Acting Deputy Entertainment Editor

Police at Glastonbury have recorded approximately 85% less crime so far this year compared to the last festival in 2019.

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police told the PA news agency this may be because the event has gone largely cashless and attendees are paying using their phones.

As of 11am on Friday, 11 offences had been recorded since the gates of Glastonbury opened early on Wednesday morning, ending a three-year hiatus for the Somerset festival.

Those offences included four incidents of theft, four drug-related offences, one incident of common assault, one incident of criminal damage and one incident of public disorder.

One of the drug-related offences resulted in an arrest.

Press Association

Mel C says the Spice Girls would love to play Glastonbury

Friday 24 June 2022 13:42 , Ellie Iorizzo, PA Senior Entertainment Reporter

Melanie C said it would be “the dream” for the Spice Girls to play at Glastonbury next year, adding she has a “good feeling” band member Victoria Beckham would join them.

The 48-year-old singer, who played Spice Girl anthems Who Do You Think You Are and Spice Up Your Life during her Glastonbury DJ set at Williams Green stage on Thursday evening, described the experience as “insane”.

She told BBC Breakfast: “I didn’t expect it to be as big as it was and as many people to be going as nuts as they did, it was a wonderful introduction to Glastonbury.

“It’s amazing because the wonderful thing about Glastonbury is there is something for everyone, there is so many musical styles and when you drop a Spice Girls song you think: how is it going to go? But people loved it, it was wonderful.”

The singer, known as Sporty Spice, wore an “Alexa play Spice Girls” t-shirt during her DJ set.

Talking about the Spice Girls playing at Glastonbury, she said: “It’s the dream, the absolute dream, we would love to do it.

“The girls and I, we have chatted about it, it’s the biggest stage in the world, we have the best festival in the world right here.”

She added she has a “good feeling” that Beckham, known as Posh Spice, would join them for the gig.

Mel C also said Billie Eilish, who will become the festival’s youngest solo headliner when she hits the Pyramid stage on Friday evening, will “blow everyone away”.

“The thing is, Billie just has it naturally, I think she wrote her first single when she was 14 and since she was a teenager she has been doing big gigs.

“She’s had a lot of pressure on her shoulders so even though she is very young she is very experienced,” she said.

Press Association

An update from Arlo Parks...

Friday 24 June 2022 14:04 , Roisin O'Connor

Kae Tempest review – Other Stage

Friday 24 June 2022 14:09 , Roisin O'Connor

“More pressure... release! More pressure... more release!"

Kae Tempest is cooking Worthy Farm with a bass line that simmers and bubbles underfoot. On their heavy January single “More Pressure”, everyone in this crowd is serving as a tuning fork for the 36-year-old’s bars.

The poet-turned-rapper looks supremely comfortable. Their work contains sharp contrasts, veering appreciably from the aggressive to the emotive. Tempest goes hard – but they are also deliriously happy to be here.

“This is such an important part of my summer,” they gush. “I’m so grateful to be here. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

Like a gassed-up preacher in a black tunic, they stalk the stage, throwing hands. Tempest really is an artist whose work comes to life when it’s performed live. They are known for their state-of-the-nation addresses, but that’s not all that’s on their mind today.

“Ketamine for breakfast! Bad girls were drinking with! Half-naked in the bakery eating pastries!” they purr on “Ketamine for Breakfast”. It’s supposed to be a moment of poignant reflection on a chaotic past, but there’s no denying that Tempest could be describing half the crowd’s ideal morning at Glastonbury. ★★★★☆

Photographers barred from pits for Billie Eilish, Diana Ross, Paul McCartney and Kendrick Lamar

Friday 24 June 2022 14:33 , Roisin O'Connor

Oh dear, it looks like photographers are being kept out of the pit at the front of the stage for the biggest names this year...

Secret Set rumour just in...

Friday 24 June 2022 14:36 , Roisin O'Connor

Just in via a message in a bottle of Irn Bru... fans of a certain Scottish singer might want to get themselves down the Rabbit Hole at 7pm tomorrow (Saturday)...

Domino's delivers pizzas to Glastonbury punters stuck in huge traffic queues

Friday 24 June 2022 14:47 , Roisin O'Connor

Chemical Brothers cancel Arcadia set due to Covid

Friday 24 June 2022 14:51 , Roisin O'Connor

The Chemical Brothers have been forced to cancel their DJ set at Arcadia this evening as Tom is yet to recover from Covid.

Statement below:

The FOMO is setting in...

Friday 24 June 2022 15:05 , Roisin O'Connor

While it was my choice to be the one working from home while my colleagues frolick around Worthy Farm, I have the tiniest hint of FOMO ahead of Crowded House’s set on the Pyramid Set. I just know they’re going to be phenomenal. Have grabbed a Magnum from the freezer as some kind of consolation.

Blossoms tear it up on the Other Stage

Friday 24 June 2022 15:09 , Roisin O'Connor

Great set from Blossoms going down on the Other Stage! I went off them a bit after their first album but they’re still a great live band.

Mel C is a surprise guest for Blossoms!

Friday 24 June 2022 15:15 , Roisin O'Connor

OMG, IT’S MEL C! Joining Blossoms for a surprise performance of “Spice Up Your Life” on the Other Stage. Utterly delightful.

A reminder that you can catch loads of great Glastonbury coverage on the BBC

Friday 24 June 2022 15:18 , Roisin O'Connor

Those who aren’t venturing to Worthy Farm for Glastonbury this year can keep up with the action from the comfort of their sofa.

This year’s festival – taking place from Friday 24 June to Sunday 26 June – will see Billie Eilish, Paul McCartney and Kendrick Lamar perform as headliners. Diana Ross will perform in the Legends slot.

Viewers in the UK can watch the Glastonbury live stream for free on the BBC.

Here’s the full schedule:

Full TV schedule of BBC’s Glastonbury coverage

Crowded House sing the hits on the Pyramid Stage

Friday 24 June 2022 15:34 , Roisin O'Connor

I am absolutely loving Crowded House right now, singing all the golden oldies: “Pineapple Head”, “Into Temptation”, “Fall At Your Feet”... even a cover of “Sunny Afternoon” by The Kinks! Glorious.

Friday 24 June 2022 15:54 , Roisin O'Connor

Hundreds of acts are performing at Worthy Farm between Friday 24 and Sunday 26 June – but with so many options, there are also some significant set time clashes, making it impossible to see everyone.

Check out the full lineup here to see when your favourites are playing:

Full TV schedule of BBC’s Glastonbury coverage

Glastonbury reviews: Kae Tempest and Plastic Mermaids

Friday 24 June 2022 16:13 , Roisin O'Connor

Kae Tempest proves their work comes to life when it’s performed live, while Plastic Mermaids excel in their Glastonbury debut...

Check out reviews of each here:

Glastonbury reviews: Kae Tempest and Plastic Mermaids

From our fashion team...

Friday 24 June 2022 16:45 , Roisin O'Connor

Glastonbury is back. After a two-year hiatus, the iconic festival has returned to Worthy Farm to celebrate its delayed 50th year.

This year will see headliners such as Billie Eilish, Paul McCartney and Kendrick Lamar — but our eyes will be firmly set on the festival’s fashion.

Historically, Glastonbury has seen celebrities like Emma Watson, Margot Robbie, and even Adele descend on its tent-laden grounds.

But only a few have seen their festival style coveted far and wide. Here’s our pick of the best.

10 most iconic Glastonbury outfits of all time

Grammy-winner Arooj Aftab on ‘great energy’ at Glastonbury festival

Friday 24 June 2022 16:57 , Kerri-Ann Roper, PA Entertainment Editor

Arooj Aftab has said there is a “great energy” at Glastonbury that she is “excited” to be a part of.

The Grammy winner, 37, performed as part of Friday’s line-up on the West Holts Stage which also includes performances from TLC and Little Simz, with Celeste and Angelique Kidjo also taking to the stage over the weekend.

Earlier this year, Aftab won the Grammy for Best Global Music Performance at the 2022 ceremony, becoming the first artist to win in the category which is new, and she also became the first Pakistani woman to be nominated for and win a Grammy, the official website said.

Aftab told the PA news agency about an “iconic” festival run so far, saying: “Glastonbury being also part of the mix is just really great.

“I don’t really know how this happened, or how I’m supposed to feel. But this year I did Coachella and Primavera and now Glastonbury and I feel like my life is set”.

The Grammy win, where Aftab was also nominated for Best New Artist, felt “really amazing”.

“I think winning a Grammy just feels amazing, there’s nothing like it,” she said.

“It’s the thing that you kind of imagine since being a kid or from the first day that you realise that you’re a professional musician, and you look up to that moment and it feels like a dream, or it feels like an ambition or something.

“And then for the fact that it actually happened is really crazy and I’m really blessed”.

Asked if the Grammy win had opened doors, the Udhero Na singer said: “I think people really take notice of you when you win a Grammy, whether or not you were, whether the music was speaking for itself or not.

“I think there’s definitely something that winning the highest accolade in the music industry, especially in like a very prestigious and competitive category, does.

“And so I’m definitely feeling the effects of that just in general, from newer opportunities.”

She released a deluxe edition of her album Vulture Prince earlier this year.

Associated Press

Wolf Alice: Future Glastonbury headliners

Friday 24 June 2022 17:10 , Roisin O'Connor

Wolf Alice are absolutely tearing up the Pyramid Stage, cementing their status as one of the most visceral, innovative rock bands right now. Frontwoman Ellie Rowsell is alternatively channelling Patti Smith, Karen O, Kate Bush and Lana Del Rey. They’ve brought a string section with them, so they’re backed by swooning violins and mournful cello. Rowsell’s voice sounds spectacular; she, drummer Joel Amey, bassist Theo Ellis and guitarist Joff Oddie share a superb chemistry. I can absolutely see them headlining in just a few more years.

Latest photos from Glastonbury

Friday 24 June 2022 17:12 , Roisin O'Connor

Here are some nice pictures of people enjoying Glastonbury 2022

Festivalgoers watch the sunset (PA) (PA Wire)
Festivalgoers watch the sunset (PA) (PA Wire)
 (PA)
(PA)
 (PA)
(PA)
 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
 (EPA)
(EPA)
 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Some explicit language...

Friday 24 June 2022 17:18 , Roisin O'Connor

There was a warning from the BBC ahead of Wolf Alice’s set warning of explicit language – I think they meant in the songs, probably not the guy who bellowed “F*** ME, THEO” just now... Good set of lungs, that man.

Wet Leg review – Glastonbury 2022

Friday 24 June 2022 17:27 , Mark Beaumont

Little beyond religious pilgrimages and zombie apocalypses draw a crowd like Wet Leg at The Park. Up the hill they come in their thousands, cramming the field right up to the Crow’s Nest and jostling for space at the top of the ribbon tower. It’s clearly indie pop’s turn back at the helm of the zeitgeist and isn’t hard to see why.

If their singles signify a modernist revival of febrile 2000s alt-pop – “Chaise Longue” and “Wet Dream” in particular sound like the product of an AI writing “indie sleaze” songs after being fed nothing but Peaches’ records – the rest of their set is rich in deeper alternative references.

“Supermarket” throws back to the melodic grunge of Veruca Salt. “Being in Love” and “I Don’t Want to Go Out” are attuned to Wolf Alice’s more gorgeous, glacial contemporary textures. And the spiteful “Ur Mum” could be a chant-along from Glastonbury’s peak Britpop years, ricocheting along like Damon Albarn and Justine Frischmann were still mid-breakup.

Full review:

Wet Leg prove indie-pop is back at the helm in their Glastonbury debut – review

Friday highlights at Glastonbury

Friday 24 June 2022 17:37 , Roisin O'Connor

My lovely colleague Tom has put together some of the highlights of Glastonbury so far, from Zelensky’s powerful video address to a bunch of the best sets, including Wet Leg and Plastic Mermaids.

Check it out here:

The biggest highlights from Friday at Glastonbury 2022

Dry Cleaning review

Friday 24 June 2022 18:11 , Ben Bryant

Yes, there is Wet Leg, obviously, but there is also Dry Cleaning – the other British band with a cool deadpan sprechstimme – who start playing at the Park just as the British phenomenon are finishing up their set at the Other Stage.

The south-London four-piece’s delivery is less poppy. Florence Shaw’s breezy delivery rubs nicely against the abrasive guitar work of Tom Dowse. The two sometimes sound as though they’re competing with each other.

The band are about to release a new album, and new single Don’t Press Me experiments with a glimmer of melody in its childlike chorus. But for the most part, Shaw affects a limited range, and there are moments their music today feels a little dirge-y. Their most upbeat tracks, “Strong Feelings”, “Magic of Meghan” and “Scratchcard Lanyard”, are still brilliant.

And Shaw may affect standoffishness, but she still has some of the cutest crowd chat. “Just to explain what I was doing then,” she says towards the end of her set, wiping her face after bonking the mic. “Sometimes lipstick gets on the microphone. and then sometimes I hit the microphone. and then I end up with little bits of lipstick on my face.” ★★★★☆

Libertines review, Other Stage

Friday 24 June 2022 18:15 , Mark Beaumont

How the tables turn. Once, The Libertines kept the crowds waiting and played as though they could fall apart at any moment. Today – thanks to an 11.30am set that marks the de facto start of Glastonbury – it’s their fans who are rolling in late, bug-eyed and dishevelled.

All the attention is on frontman Pete Doherty. He was at one point the most important rock star in Britain, both ridiculously famous and incredibly influential, spawning an entire scene of lesser imitators. He was relentlessly pursued across London by paparazzi. These days, he lives a quieter life in France with his wife, Katia De Vidas. With his flat cap, he actually bears a passing resemblance to Pascal, the prickly French husband of Noughties “I’m too beautiful” Daily Mail columnist Samantha Brick.

There is a touch of Phoenix Nights to this so-called indie sleaze revival – the nostalgic movement kickstarted during lockdown by an Instagram account dedicated to reviving the memories of the 2000s indie scene. Last month at Primavera Sound in Barcelona, we glimpsed it in The Strokes’ Julian Casablancas – a little older but no less sharp onstage. Today, Barat and Doherty are on fine form as they turn in every hit from their back catalogue.

They open with “Up the Bracket”. As they face off and sing together into the mic, for a brief moment there is the captivating sense that nothing has changed after all. There’s an early singalong in “What Katie Did”. “You’re a sweet, sweet girl,” sings the crowd, “but it’s a cruel world.” Barat belts it out in a Scorpion jacket that channels Ryan Gosling in Drive. Doherty, meanwhile, has donned a tunic and rosary, and bops around onstage like Friar Tuck. In a playful mood, he reads out what he describes as “a special message from Michael Eavis... ‘get off my land’”.

Full review:

The Libertines bring back the Noughties for their Glastonbury set – review

Friday 24 June 2022 18:31 , Roisin O'Connor

The BBC has an extensive schedule of coverage across the Glastonbury weekend. Check out the full thing here:

Full TV schedule of BBC’s Glastonbury coverage

Wolf Alice at Glastonbury – review

Friday 24 June 2022 18:37 , Patrick Smith

Of all the bands spearheading the indie revival, none shapeshift quite like Wolf Alice. Theirs is a palimpsest of styles: some shoegaze here, some garage rock there. Folk, grunge and electronica also fall into the mix.

Emerging at a time when guitar music was becoming increasingly moribund, they’ve done pretty well to get where they have. Three top-five records (the last of which went to No 1). A Mercury prize. A Brit award. A Grammy nomination. Key to their alchemy is frontwoman Ellie Rowsell, whose flair for storytelling is matched by a voice that can flit from shimmering falsetto to brawling rage.

Full review:

Wolf Alice call on their reserves after almost missing Glastonbury – review

Friday 24 June 2022 19:30 , Roisin O'Connor

For anyone who’s not been following the travesty unfolding in the US:

Supreme Court overturns Roe v Wade, striking down abortion rights across US

Friday 24 June 2022 19:02 , Roisin O'Connor

Wondering how the weather’s looking for this evening and tomorrow? Here’s the latest forecast:

Latest forecast predicts scattered showers for Glastonbury

Arlo Parks review – Park Stage

Friday 24 June 2022 19:05 , Megan Graye

If anyone managed to turn pandemic lemons into pandemic lemonade, it was Arlo Parks. The London-born artist shot to fame at double speed thanks to her soothing, lo-fi indie-pop, which provided comfort to a nation in lockdown.

Whether she was articulating the weight of a friend’s depression in “Black Dog” or providing hopeful solace in “Hurt”, Parks was not just the musical star of 2020, but its saviour. Here at Glastonbury among the showers, the Mercury Prize-winning artist beams from the Park Stage with such confidence that you’re almost convinced it was named after her.

As the soggy crowd bobs to the vulnerable “Blueish”, the catharsis of listening at home isn’t just matched, but superseded. “Music has been that healing space for me” the 21-year-old tells us, as the delicate pangs of “Black Dog” begin. Parks, who released her debut album Collapsed in Sunbeams last year, glides effortlessly through the set. The crowd – who’ve waited for a moment like this since 2019 – revel in her diaphonous vocals. A moment of pure sunshine. ★★★★☆

Glastonbury through the years – in pictures

Friday 24 June 2022 19:16 , Roisin O'Connor

Glastonbury turned 50 in 2020, having begun as the Pilton Pop, Folk and Blues Festival in September 1970 with 1,500 people in attendance. Admission cost £1, which included free camping and free milk.

Here are some fantastic photos of Glastonbury through the years:

Glastonbury Festival through the years – in pictures

IDLES frontman Joe Talbot calls out Roe vs Wade overturning

Friday 24 June 2022 19:28 , Roisin O'Connor

Per The Guardian, Idles frontman Joe Talbot introduced the band’s song “Mother” with the following:

“They just reversed the laws back to the Middle Ages in America, where they’re just deciding whether it should be illegal to have an abortion or not.

“Long love the open minded. Long live my mother and long live every single one of you.”

Glastonbury sees ‘huge drop’ in crime numbers

Friday 24 June 2022 19:31 , Alex Green, PA Acting Deputy Entertainment Editor

Glastonbury has seen a “huge drop in crime numbers” this year but the festival has historically been a “very safe place”, police have said.

As of Friday morning, Avon and Somerset Police had recorded approximately 85% less crime so far this year compared with the last festival in 2019.

Eleven offences had been recorded since the gates opened early on Wednesday morning, ending a three-year hiatus for the Somerset festival.

Superintendent Oliver Cosgrove, silver commander for Glastonbury, told the PA news agency: “The police operation here is to support Glastonbury Festival to provide a safe environment for people to come.

“It is a very safe festival generally and although we have seen a huge drop in crime numbers this year, that is not from a huge place previously.

“Generally, the festival is a very safe place to come and Glastonbury Festival has employed a lot of stewards and has got a really sound security plan with a lot of high visibility stewards - and we support that plan to try and reduce crime as much as we can.”

Superintendent Cosgrove suggested a fall in the number of attendees bringing cash to the festival had played a role in the drop in crime numbers.

He added: “Certainly at the festival a long time ago, people would store huge amounts of money in their tents because they didn’t want to carry it around with them for fear of losing it, so then thieves would find the opportunity while people were watching the big acts on the main stage to go around the tents and just cut them open and steal the money.

“These days it is a more cashless society a vast majority of venues here can take cards.

Press Association

From Herbie Hancock to the Healing Fields: 18 highlights for Glastonbury Festival 2022

Friday 24 June 2022 19:53 , Roisin O'Connor

The wait is over. After a three-year hiatus, the legendary music festival is back and bigger than ever.

Every Glastonbury weekend, the transformation of Worthy Farm from a West Country dairy farm into the glorious festival site never fails to wow. Bars within bars, areas within areas, and festivals within festivals offer ticket holders a Russian doll of silliness and surrealism. The centre of which you’ll probably never reach – at least not without a comprehensive plan.

Planning is probably the least sexy part of festival-going, but you’ve paid the money and waited the years, so it’s time to milk Glastonbury for every absurd activity and secret spot it has to offer. From where to get the perfect pint to the woodland oasis awaiting tired, hungover bodies, here’s our pick of highlights for this year’s Glastonbury.

From Herbie Hancock to the Healing Fields – 18 highlights for Glastonbury 2022

How to watch Billie Eilish headline Friday at Glastonbury on the Pyramid Stage

Friday 24 June 2022 20:01 , Roisin O'Connor

We’re inching ever closer to Billie Eilish’s history-making headline set on the Pyramid Stage. For anyone watching from home, here’s how to tune in:

What time, date and stage is Billie Eilish performing at Glastonbury?

Phoebe Bridgers says ‘f*** the Supreme Court’ in response to Roe v Wade overturning

Friday 24 June 2022 20:03 , Roisin O'Connor

“It’s super surreal, but I’m having the s****iest time,” says Phoebe Bridgers during her set on the John Peel Stage. “Any Americans here?”

A few wave.

“Yeah... who wants to say ‘F*** the Supreme Court?’ One, two... F*** THE SUPREME COURT,” Bridgers shouts, to bellows of agreement from her audience.

“All these irrelevant old motherf***ers trying to tell us what to do with our fucking bodies. F*** it.”

Friday 24 June 2022 20:15 , Roisin O'Connor

Blossoms have said they had to clean their own hotel rooms ahead of their Friday (24 June) performance at Glastonbury Festival.

The Stockport indie group revealed they they arrived at their hotel late last night (23 June), to be told that only some of the rooms they’d booked were ready.

Speaking to Zoe Ball on the BBC 2 Breakfast Show this morning, live from Worthy Farm, frontman Tom Ogden said it had been “one of the worst journeys” they had ever had.

Blossoms forced to clean their own hotel rooms ahead of Glastonbury performance

Phoebe Bridgers says ‘this one’s for Paul’ as she introduces next song, ‘Sidelines'

Friday 24 June 2022 20:23 , Roisin O'Connor

Bridgers just sent the crowd into meltdown at West Holts as she and her drummer Marshall introduced her song “Sidelines”, as they discussed how it’s about not trusting someone who pays you compliments.

“This one’s for Paul,” Bridgers said after this, prompting a LOT of screaming.

She’s also brought out Arlo Parks for a duet and wished everyone a happy Pride

Friday 24 June 2022 20:27 , Roisin O'Connor

... Presumably a reference to her boyfriend, Irish actor Paul Mescal.

Friday 24 June 2022 20:31 , Roisin O'Connor

“A 40-minute blast of pure, undiluted zeitgeist. A gigantic crowd stretching away over hill and vale. A generation’s prejudices and expectations overturned like a flick of dust off the shoulder. A setlist chiselled into quicksilver by Zeus and carried to the stage by a choir of winged roadies. Or maybe just the Dalai Lama, blowing out the candles on a birthday cake.

“These are just a few of the reasons why a gig playing out on the hallowed grounds of Worthy Farm might go down in Glastonbury folklore – one of those iconic moments that don’t just make the weekend, but mark out the evolution of pop culture. Glastonbury is where musical history is made and cultural colossi are crowned on a near-annual basis.”

Check out Mark Beaumont’s ranking of the greatest Glastonbury performances:

The 22 greatest Glastonbury performances ever

‘Keeps you grounded’ – Blossoms clean their own hotel rooms ahead of Glastonbury

Friday 24 June 2022 20:46 , Roisin O'Connor

Blossoms supposedly had to clean their own hotel rooms ahead of their Friday (24 June) performance at Glastonbury Festival.

The Stockport indie group revealed they they arrived at their hotel late last night (23 June), to be told that only some of the rooms they’d booked were ready.

Speaking to Zoe Ball on the BBC 2 Breakfast Show this morning, live from Worthy Farm, frontman Tom Ogden said it had been “one of the worst journeys” they had ever had.

Blossoms forced to clean their own hotel rooms ahead of Glastonbury performance

Absolute scenes at Sam Fender on the Pyramid Stage...

Friday 24 June 2022 20:49 , Roisin O'Connor

 (BBC)
(BBC)

Best flag at Glastonbury?

Friday 24 June 2022 21:03 , Roisin O'Connor

Hard agree

Phoebe Bridgers review – John Peel

Friday 24 June 2022 21:11 , Patrick Smith

At the John Peel Stage, Phoebe Bridgers puts on one of the performances of the day. In what is her first Glastonbury, her songs adroitly switch between sardonic and sad, that honeyed voice filling the tent like a heat-haze. From the second she breaks into the breathtaking “Motion Sickness”, about Ryan Adams, she has the audience completely rapt.

“Who wants to say f*** the Supreme Court?” she says, in response to the news in the US today. “F*** America. Irrelevant old motherf***ers.”

The overbidding sentiment is one of joy, though: there are lovely renditions of “Scott Street”, in which she goes down to the crowd and hands the mic to someone in the front row. Later, Arlo Parks joins her onstage for a two-song denouement: “Graceland Too” and “I Know the End”. To have emerged from it dry-eyed was just about inconceivable. ★★★★★

St Vincent performs a stupendous set on the Other Stage

Friday 24 June 2022 21:15 , Roisin O'Connor

St Vincent (BBC)
St Vincent (BBC)

The latest Glastonbury reviews are in...

Friday 24 June 2022 21:24 , Roisin O'Connor

Phoebe Bridgers puts on one of the performances of the day for her Glastonbury debut, joined by Arlo Parks who’d earlier delivered her own sublime set

Glastonbury reviews: Phoebe Bridgers and Arlo Parks

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website