Get ready to infuse your summer with the essence of Somerset. Glastonbury, the UK’s premier open-air festival, is gearing up for another spectacular round in 2025. This edition promises to be extraordinary, not least because the festival will take a break in 2026 to let the land recover. Attendees this year are expected to embrace the experience with even greater enthusiasm.
The BBC will once again cover the event extensively, so those who missed out on tickets — which sold out in just 35 minutes — need not worry. You can enjoy the festivities from the comfort of your own home, sweat-free. From the main acts to surprise performances, controversies to people-watching, this guide has everything you need for the ultimate festival experience from afar.
Top Billing Acts
This year features a mix of new faces and seasoned performers.
The lineup at the top is quite eclectic. Highly anticipated acts like Oasis, Springsteen, Rihanna, and Stevie Wonder did not make the cut. Instead, the Pyramid stage will see first-time headliners take two of its three prime spots. For the 1975, fronted by Matty Healy, Friday will mark the biggest night of their career. No pressure, indeed. On Sunday, America’s pop-punk sensation Olivia Rodrigo takes the stage, having no known connections to any celebrities from daytime TV.
But the classics are still rocking
Neil Young and his band, the Chrome Hearts, take the stage on Saturday. The legendary Rod Stewart, joined by Ronnie Wood from the Faces, will grace the Sunday afternoon “legends slot.” Despite health concerns, Sir Rod assures fans he’s still got it. On the Other stage, the headliners include UK rapper Loyle Carner, avant-pop artist Charli XCX, and electronic music pioneers The Prodigy, marking their poignant return to Glastonbury since Keith Flint’s passing just before the 2019 festival.
Must-See Performances
The biggest scheduling conflict?
Newly crowned as the best rap album Grammy winner, Florida’s vibrant Doechii will headline the West Holts stage on Saturday night, creating a tough choice for fans as her performance coincides with Charli XCX’s. Fortunately, those watching from home can switch between the two.
Artists creating buzz
Baltimore hardcore band Turnstile, Mercury Prize-winning English Teacher, the charming Wet Leg from Isle of Wight, Irish singer-songwriter CMAT, and the dynamic Self Esteem are all set to perform on Friday. The lineup continues on Saturday with Taylor Swift-endorsed Beabadoobee and Little Mix’s Jade Thirlwall making her solo Glastonbury debut. Sunday brings performances by the revitalized Wolf Alice and spoken-word artist Kae Tempest.
Maribou State, the electronic duo, are poised for a standout Friday night on the West Holts stage. American-Ghanaian rapper Amaarae is expected to deliver an exhilarating Saturday night performance, as will the Ezra Collective with their vibrant jazz. Raye, a South London soul artist, will perform on the Pyramid stage before Neil Young.
Get ready for a throwback!
Fans of 90s music will enjoy Alanis Morissette, Busta Rhymes, En Vogue, and Supergrass on Friday. The 2000s indie scene is also well represented with Franz Ferdinand, TV on the Radio, the Libertines, and the Maccabees appearing over the weekend.
Unexpected Performances
Speculation is always rife about surprise A-list performances. This year, the rumor mill suggests a special act will fill a prime Pyramid stage slot at 6.15pm on Saturday. Additionally, there are intriguing “TBA” slots on the Woodsies and Park stages. Artists like Chappell Roan, Lady Gaga, and Sabrina Carpenter have been optimistically mentioned. More likely appearances include Haim, Lorde, Green Day, Kings of Leon, and Pulp. Oasis, currently on a reunion tour, might just stage a secret warm-up show, adding to the festival’s excitement.
Controversial Moments
The media will be on high alert at 4pm on Saturday when Irish republican rappers Kneecap perform on the West Holts stage. After footage surfaced of them allegedly inciting violence against politicians, there were calls for their removal from the lineup. The group, now facing legal challenges, is expected to address these issues during their performance. Later, Neil Young, who inadvertently announced then canceled his headline spot due to concerns over “corporate control” at the BBC, will take the stage. It remains to be seen how the network will handle his set following the controversy.
Viewing Details
As usual, the BBC will provide extensive coverage of Glastonbury, much to the dismay of its critics. With live streams from the five biggest stages, there will be over 90 hours of performances available on the iPlayer’s dedicated Glastonbury channel. On television, expect comprehensive programming across BBC One, Two, and Four with hosts like Clara Amfo, Lauren Laverne, Jack Saunders, Huw Stephens, Jamz Supernova, and Jo Whiley offering insights and showcasing intimate performances from their location overlooking the Park stage. Radio coverage will be equally thorough, with 6Music dedicating six days to Glastonbury coverage, and Radios 1, 1Xtra, 2, and 4 broadcasting live from the site. The BBC will also feature special editions of shows like The One Show, Woman’s Hour, and CBeebies Bedtime Stories directly from the festival.
Festival Bingo
As you watch, keep an eye out for these familiar sights and shout “Glastobingo” once you’ve seen them all! Or not — it’s your call, not ours, Michael Eavis might beg to differ!
Spot a girlfriend in a bikini top riding her boyfriend’s shoulders, both sweating profusely.
Catch Jo Whiley talking about “the mystical vale of Avalon”, “magical ley lines”, and “the unique spirit of Glastonbury” while perched on a hay bale.
Notice flags in front of the Pyramid stage including a Welsh dragon, an EU logo, and various quirky messages.
Watch a time-lapse of the stages being set up and tents popping up.
See groups of men dressed as Donald Trump or the papal conclave and groups of women dressed as Melania Trump or cowgirls.
View an aerial shot of the campsite as a voiceover describes the transformation of this quiet Somerset corner into a bustling tent city.
Smile at a toddler in fairy wings, face paint, and ear protectors, staying up way past their bedtime.
See Huw Stephens in sturdy boots and multiple lanyards, introducing an acoustic set by a relatively unknown artist.
Despite the sunshine, find a camera shot of a semi-naked festival-goer covered in mud.
Most Memorable Festival Moments
Magic Alex (2019)
During rapper Dave’s performance, he asked if anyone was sober enough to sing along. Spotting 15-year-old Alex Mann in the crowd wearing a PSG shirt with Thiago Silva’s name, Dave invited him onstage. Alex delivered a flawless performance, sending the crowd into a frenzy and catapulting him to viral fame.
When the lavvy breaks (1998)
In a mishap described as “an unfortunate operational error,” the dance tent was swamped with sewage when a machine intended to remove excess waste malfunctioned and reversed the flow.
Hey Jude Bellingham (2024)
Despite the festival’s policy not to show Euro 24 games due to scheduling conflicts with live acts, Louis Tomlinson became an unexpected hero. For England’s crucial match against Slovakia, he purchased a TV, generator, and dongle, set them up in the campsite, and attracted a large crowd, many of whom were unaware of the star responsible for the setup.
Bottomless brunch (1987)
Known as the “trouserless year,” numerous attendees wandered the festival in their underwear after thieves stole their trousers. The stolen trousers were later found in a ditch, but the thieves were never caught.
Muddy hell (1997)
This year was infamously dubbed “the year of the mud” due to relentless rain that led to canceled performances, waterlogged arenas, immobilized tour buses, and sinking stages.
Bring Glastonbury Into Your Living Room
Fatima Clarke is a seasoned health reporter who bridges medical science with human stories. She writes with compassion, precision, and a drive to inform.
