Glastonbury 2023 – live: Emily Eavis confirms Arctic Monkeys will headline Pyramid Stage tonight
Glastonbury Festival has officially kicked off. As part of the early festivities in the last two days, thousands of music fans were welcomed to Worthy Farm by a large fireworks display and burning of the Phoenix ceremony.
Over the next three days, revellers will see headliners Arctic Monkeys, Guns N’ Roses, and Elton John, along with hundreds of other artists.
Arctic Monkeys’s set was in doubt after frontman Alex Turner was diagnosed with acute laryngitis. However, co-organiser Emily Eavis, who opened the gates solo on Wednesday at 8am, confirmed that “they’re on” on Friday morning. Meanwhile, fellow headliner Elton John is planning on bringing out four surprise guests, according to his husband David Furnish.
The weather for this year’s festival is predicted to be a mixture of sun and rain, after a month’s worth of rain fell in the UK last weekend. You can find a day-by-day guide to the forecast in Somerset here. Today’s weather so far has been sunny skies, after a small downpour on the first day of the festival.
Meanwhile, the BBC is broadcasting the festival across all of its main channels, including BBC Radio, iPlayer and BBC Sounds.
Glastonbury 2023 talking points
Couple get engaged on top of Glastonbury landmark
Elton John drops hints about surprise guests in ‘brand new’ Glastonbury headline set
30,000 steps a day and ‘Glasto Lip’: What it’s like to work at Glastonbury Festival
Full lineup and stage times for Glastonbury 2023
See the latest weather forecast for Worthy Farm
Some time to kill until Arctics?
21:39 , Roisin O'Connor
You’ve got about 40 mins before Arctic Monkeys take to the Pyramid Stage as Friday’s headliners for Glastonbury 2023. I’d strongly advise you - should you be watching from home - to switch over to the Park Stage where Sparks are playing an absolutely electrifying set.
Pink cowboy hats are the order of the day
21:22 , Kate Hutchinson
Cowboy hats a la Britney 2003 and Beyoncé 2023 are a big style moment at Glastonbury this year.
Here are Jess 30, Sinead 31, Rhi 31, and Morwana 28 from Bristol, who coordinated their outfits for the weekend.
“It’s pink day today,” they say. And in homage to the ultimate Y2K couple, Britney and Justin, no doubt: “Tomorrow is double denim.”
Here’s hoping they can manifest Britney herself to join Elton on tkkhe Pyramid on Sunday, too.
Always a fan of Ben Thatcher’s ridiculous drum solo
21:01 , Roisin O'Connor
... the musical equivalent of a “ludicrously capacious bag”.
Foo Fighters perform on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury 2023
20:55 , Roisin O'Connor
How to watch Glastonbury live from home
20:51 , Roisin O'Connor
If you’ve someone managed to find our liveblog but not the BBC’s livestream of Glastonbury, well, here you go:
How to watch Glastonbury live on TV this weekend
Royal Blood take to the Pyramid Stage, with drummer Ben Thatcher sporting an Arctic Monkeys T-shirt
20:20 , Roisin O'Connor
Here they are, the UK’s sulkiest rock band! Kidding, Royal Blood are sounding very good this evening, and no surprise. When they’re not throwing tantrums, I reckon they’re probably one of the best live bands around, and they’re proving that right now. I’m enjoying drummer Ben Thatcher’s Arctic Monkey’s shirt, more so than the cheesy schtick where he pretends to be intimidating. He’s actually very chill in person.
Those chugging riffs frontman Mike Kerr grinds out are going down a storm. I would have loved a few more women on the main stage (headlining, preferably), but I’d never say Royal Blood were a poor choice for this slot. So far they’re absolutely smashing it.
Mike Kerr has an appetite for self-destruction
20:05 , Roisin O'Connor
As he discussed in this great interview by Mark Beaumont, who’s actually probably at the Pyramid Stage this very moment to see Royal Blood’s set (10 minutes to go).
Have a read, why don’t you:
Video: Arctic Monkeys soundchecking ahead of their Pyramid Stage headline slot tonight
19:53 , Roisin O'Connor
The award for stickiest performer goes to...
19:45 , Isobel Lewis
Chvrches’ frontwoman Lauren Mayberry, currently drenched in fake blood in the blazing sun at the Other stage (overheard: at least people asking, ‘Is it Churches or Chuh-vurches’). It’s Churches, dear ones.
Flashback to Royal Blood’s most controversial performance
19:38 , Roisin O'Connor
Royal Blood are taking to the Pyramid Stage in around 45 minutes, ahead of headliners Arctic Monkeys.
Now, I think Royal Blood are fantastic live, so I was surprised (and disappointed) when Mike Kerr threw a little strop onstage last month because the audience at BBC Radio 1’s Biggest Weekend didn’t pass his rock litmus test.
Here’s what went down:
Royal Blood frontman storms off stage after swearing at BBC Radio 1 crowd
Dave Grohl dedicates ‘Everlong’ to Taylor Hawkins
19:11 , Roisin O'Connor
Ooft, it always gets me, still, at any mention of Taylor Hawkins, which just happened as Dave dedicated “Everlong” to him. I’ve said this many times before but he really was the most wonderful guy, and you didn’t need to be the biggest Foo Fighters fan to appreciate that.
Dave Grohl brings out his daughter Violet for ‘Show Me How'
18:53 , Roisin O'Connor
Grohl suffered not one but two losses in recent years, his bandmate/friend Taylor Hawkins, and his mother, Virginia Grohl, a teacher and one of the biggest influences on the frontman’s life.
I was really moved by the Foos’ last album, But Here We Are, especially this particular track. You can check out my review here:
Foo Fighters’ new album But Here We Are is a poignant reflection on grief – review
Dave Grohl: ‘We’re not good at secrets’
18:43 , Roisin O'Connor
“You guys f***ing knew it was us this whole time!” Dave Grohl jokes with the audience. “We’re not good at secrets.”
Telling the audience they look “beautiful”, he remarks: “We got one hour so we’ve gotta pack it in.”
My well-placed source tells me after “My Hero” we’re gonna get “Show Me How”, “Best of You” and “Everlong”.
Is that a Beatle we spy....?
18:41 , Roisin O'Connor
A well-placed source tells me Paul McCartney is watching the Foos from the wings on the Pyramid Stage...
And the award for worst-kept secret goes to...
18:37 , Roisin O'Connor
The sheer obviousness that Glastonbury’s mystery Pyramid Stage band The Churnups were, in fact, Foo Fighters, was such that I almost convinced myself it was all a big red herring. Was Rick Astley about to Rick-Roll us all? Were The Churnups another band entirely?
But no, it was the Foos, led by a beaming Dave Grohl as they rushed out onto the main stage at Worthy Farm, Somerset, and blasted through an adrenaline-pumping set of their biggest hits, including “Learn to Fly” and “The Pretender”.
Whatever you might think of the Foos, you can’t deny they put on one hell of a show. And kudos to their new drummer, Josh Freese, who is going hell-for-leather in his UK festival debut with the band. I imagine everyone will be thinking of the late Taylor Hawkins tonight. I reckon he’d approve of this.
Foo Fighters just tweeted...
18:09 , Roisin O'Connor
#glastonbury2023 pic.twitter.com/G5uz5dbdOF
— Foo Fighters (@foofighters) June 23, 2023
Is everyone ready to find out who The Churnups are?
18:07 , Roisin O'Connor
I reckon we’re going to be REALLY surprised... naaaat. We all know who it is. RIGHT?
A No 1 album for Tom Grennan ahead of his Glastonbury Festival debut!
17:44 , Roisin O'Connor
Tom Grennan has gone and bagged his second No 1 album with What Ifs and Maybes, right before he performs his first ever set at Glastonbury Festival tomorrow (Saturday 24 June).
“Number 1! Honestly, this means the world,” Tom told OfficialCharts. “This is an album that looks forward to the future, forward to life. I want this to be your album that you listen to, an album that gives you the determination and power to be who you want to be and do what you want to do. Thank you so much to everybody who’s bought and listened to the album, it means the world to me. I could cry, I’m so happy. Thank you so much, here’s to many more!”
Hopefully you caught my newsletter this morning, which included a brief natter with Tom about what to expect from his set tomorrow. If you missed it, shame on you, sign up to Now Hear This https://www.independent.co.uk/independent-premium#newsletters
‘Kendall in the wind’: Our favourite flags at Glastonbury Festival 2023
17:40 , Roisin O'Connor
I love a good pun, me, and there are few better places to spot them than on the flags waving at Glastonbury Festival.
My fab colleague Annabel has done a roundup of the best ones so far:
‘Kendall in the wind’: Our favourite flags so far at Glastonbury 2023
Sharleen Spiteri supports Emily Eavis over all-male Glastonbury 2023 headliners
17:36 , Roisin O'Connor
Sharleen Spiteri, frontwoman of the Scottish rock band Texas, appeared to address the controversy surrounding the all-male headliners at this year’s Glastonbury. When she revealed Guns N’ Roses and Arctic Monkeys as the headliners joining Elton John on the Pyramid Stage this weekend, Eavis told The Guardian that there was a “pipeline problem” preventing women from making it to headline status.
“We’re trying our best so the pipeline needs to be developed,” she said. “This starts way back with the record companies, radio. I can shout as loud as I like but we need to get everyone on board.”
She said the 2024 festival should see two women headline, including one already confirmed and one “close” to being confirmed.
Performing on the Pyramid Stage, Spiteri said Eavis was a “huge supporter” of women and suggesting anything otherwise was “not cool”.
Maisie Peters got her witch’s broom back!
17:22 , Roisin O'Connor
Maisie Peters has revealed a fan returned a witch’s broom from another performance to her at Glastonbury.
The 23-year-old singer-songwriter made her debut on the Pyramid Stage at Worth Farm, Somerset on Friday.
Her performance coincides with the release of her second album The Good Witch today.
When asked about being handed a broom on stage by the BBC, Peters said: “I did a gig earlier this week in Kingston (at Pryzm) and I asked everyone: ‘If anyone is going to Glastonbury’.
“And when a girl (came) and said: ‘She is’, I gave her a broom.
“And (I said) ‘Try and get this back to me. Just try’. And she did.. What a legend.”
Press Association
Show me a more euphoric set closer than ‘Cut to the Feeling'
17:17 , Isobel Lewis
I challenge you to find a more euphoric set closer than Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Cut to the Feeling”, with the pop star also getting the biggest singalong of the festival so far (unsurprisingly) with her 2012 mega hit “Call Me Maybe”.
Heat health warning issued in parts of the UK as temperatures set to hit 32 degrees
17:05 , Roisin O'Connor
Another heat health warning has been issued for parts of the UK heading into the weekend as temperatures are expected to soar to 32C.
The UK Health and Safety Agency and the Met Office have put the warning in place from 9am on Friday to 9am on Monday, covering most of England.
The warning covers the South East, South West, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, Yorkshire and the Humber, and London.
Full details:
Heat health warning issued for parts of the UK on Glastonbury weekend
Who is Louise Verneuil, Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner’s girlfriend?
16:57 , Roisin O'Connor
Arctic Monkeys are due to perform at Glastonbury tonight (Friday 23 June), with frontman Alex Turner recovered enough from his bout of laryngitis to hit the Pyramid Stage.
Fans rejoiced over clues that the band would go ahead with the show, despite the musicians cancelling a show in Dublin earlier this week due to Turner’s condition.
One of the clues came from Louise Verneuil, who is dating Turner. She posted a cryptic Instagram Story showing herself travelling in a car in a white tank top and layered gold necklaces, and wrote: “Go Glasto.”
Here’s what we know about the French musician:
Who is Louise Verneuil, Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner’s girlfriend?
Spotted: Spencer Matthews being told to join the right queue
16:46 , Roisin O'Connor
Made in Chelsea star Spencer Matthews didn’t look too happy at being asked to join the concessions queue, according to our on-site sources.
He’s previously admitted to trying to skip queues at the airport, so I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s what he was up to here.
Sorry Spence, no greasing palms this time!
Carly Rae Jepsen is giving us the pop euphoria we need on the Other Stage
16:31 , Roisin O'Connor
Carly Rae Jepsen, most stans will agree, is frequently overlooked as one of the best pop acts around. Yet you wouldn’t think that to see the rammed fields at the Other Stage, where she’s sashaying and shimmying her way through some of her biggest and brightest hits. Go on Carly!
Mapped: Inside the Glastonbury 2023 site
16:26 , Roisin O'Connor
Here’s your full guide of the Glastonbury 2023 site
Mapped: Inside the Glastonbury 2023 site
My favourite flag of Glastonbury 2023 so far?
16:06 , Roisin O'Connor
This absolute belter, spotted by our very own Jacob Stolworthy:
And it seems to me you lived your life like a... #Glastonbury23 pic.twitter.com/uibTEJMojw
— Jacob Stolworthy (@Jacob_Stol) June 23, 2023
Spotted: Dave Grohl backstage on the Pyramid Stage!
15:52 , Roisin O'Connor
Adding more fuel to rumours that mystery band The Churnups are, in fact, US rock act the Foo Fighters, is this sighting of frontman Dave Grohl hanging out on the Pyramid Stage today.
You can see the Arctic Monkeys’ giant mirrorball behind him. Surely this is the last bit of proof we need that the Foos are the Churnups?! They’re due to perform just before Royal Blood, at 6.15pm.
Look who is currently back stage setting up.. pic.twitter.com/bKBYW79inI
— Richard (@richwoodywood) June 23, 2023
LA duo Fleetmac Wood is the closest you’ll get to hearing Fleetwood Mac at Glastonbury
15:46 , Kate Hutchinson
Stonebridge Bar, the dancey pearl of the Park, is one in one out for killer LA duo Fleetmac Wood, the finest purveyors of Fleetwood Mac remixes. This might still be the closest chance everyone will get to hearing them at Glasto with their celebrated lineup. And a rave version of “The Chain” to boot.
Read our interview with The Lightning Seeds’ Ian Broudie
15:36 , Roisin O'Connor
Earlier this year, Mark Beaumont (currently on site at Worthy Farm) wrote an incredibly moving interview with Ian Broudie of The Lightning Seeds, who just closed their Glastonbury set with the inevitable “Three Lions”, Broudie’s football anthem with Frank Skinner and David Baddiel.
Have a read here:
The Lightning Seeds’ Ian Broudie: ‘I had to rebuild myself’
Dave Grohl sighting at Worthy Farm – confirmed!
15:22 , Nicole Vassell
Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl has been spotted at Glastonbury, further stoking rumours that the band will make a surprise appearance on stage tonight.
A mysterious band called The ChurnUps are scheduled to perform on the Pyramid Stage tonight and many are convinced that they are the Foo Fighters under an alias.
A Foo Fighters fanpage tweeted a photo of Grohl on-site on Friday afternoon:
Dave Grohl at Glastonbury right now
📷 @richwoodywood pic.twitter.com/AB6TyHXhCa— Foo Fighters UK (@FooFightersUK) June 23, 2023
REVIEW: FLO at the Woodsies stage
15:09 , Isobel Lewis
FLO more than earning the Destiny’s Child comparisons in a set packed with tight harmonies and soaring riffs, girl band co-ordinated outfits and sexy-as-hell dance moves.
Also treated us to a cover of Jamelia’s “Superstar” and some retro chairography, which is always a win in my eyes – bring back chairography!
ICYMI: Gatecrashers have been digging tunnels to enter Glastonbury festival illegally
15:05 , Nicole Vassell
You can’t get into Glastonbury without a ticket – but the demand to be a part of the Worthy Farm fun is so high that some people are trying to get in by sneakier means.
While some people have been digging “Great Escape-style” tunnels, others have been using grappling hooks to enter the festival without paying.
Peony Hirwani has the full story:
Gatecrashers have been digging tunnels to enter Glastonbury Festival illegally
FLO take on the Woodsies stage
14:45 , Nicole Vassell
Oh hey FLO! The three-piece R&B group, made of Jorja Douglas, Stella Quaresma and Renée Downer, are currently on the Woodsies stage, marking their Glastonbury debut.
14:37 , Nicole Vassell
We’re back with Flag Watch 2023 – spotted by Adam White, here’s a flag emblazoned with the McLovin ID card from Superbad.
And just underneath, there’s a second flag with the phrase “Flags Sold Here” – a flag and a savvy piece of marketing all in one.
REVIEW: Alabaster de Plume on the Park Stage
14:26 , Nicole Vassell
Over at the Park Stage, jazz shaman Alabaster de Plume begins with a strong missive that involves thanking the audience and inviting them to leave their ego behind.
“Here you are and I see you and I get the f**k over myself…,” says the saxophonist, whose angular spiritual explorations are a necessary and often intense balm for Friday afternoon. “I love that you’re here and you’re exactly who you are… it’s a tough world to live in and you are living.”
That sort of hippie talk may raise eyebrows but if you choose to go along with him, his radical acceptance rituals of drums, chunky bass, existential intoning, and sometimes romantic, sometimes squalling sax can be more than rewarding, as it is the beating sunshine today.
Carly Rae Jepsen set to make her Glastonbury debut: ‘This is in the elite class’
14:15 , Nicole Vassell
For most music artists, there’s no stage more coveted than one at Glastonbury.
Carly Rae Jepsen will make her debut there on the Other Stage this afternoon, and she has spoken out about her excitement for the gig.
Speaking ahead of her set at 3.45pm, the “Call Me Maybe” hitmaker said the opportunity to perform at Glastonbury is “one of those bucket list, lifetime experiences”.
Maanya Sachdeva has the full story:
Carly Rae Jepsen calls Glastonbury debut ‘bucket list’ moment
REVIEW: Maisie Peters on the Pyramid Stage
14:13 , Adam White
“This song is about my terrible terrible terrible taste in men,” Peters laments at the midpoint of her Pyramid Stage set, which gets by on pure pop-punk bravado. “Who’s the rock star now?” she yells to the crowd at the climax of pretentious artiste kiss-off “Not Another Rockstar”.
The teens in the crowd go wild. Peters is still only 23, and her banter is a bit of a tell (“Who here is already wasted!?”), but there’s a sweetness to her energy — like a high school prom queen who would never dare shove a geek in their locker.”
Peters’ second album, The Good Witch, is out today – you can read The Independent’s four-star review here.
If you’re reading this, drink some water
14:10 , Nicole Vassell
Glastonbury’s official Twitter page has shared a reminder for everyone on the site to keep drinking water, available at more than 800 points around the festival.
“A reminder that all of our water is drinking water, and we have 800+ taps with the same quality water as your taps at home,” a tweet reads, adding: “Please refill your bottles for free throughout the Festival to stay hydrated!”
And if you’re not at Worthy Farm and reading this from elsewhere, consider this your reminder to get some water in you anyway – it’s good for you!
💦 A reminder that all of our water is drinking water, and we have 800+ taps with the same quality water as your taps at home. Please refill your bottles for free throughout the Festival to stay hydrated! pic.twitter.com/CPeIjZQJsO
— Glastonbury Festival (@glastonbury) June 23, 2023
How to get tickets for Glastonbury 2024
14:00 , Nicole Vassell
If you’re already feeling envious of everyone at Worthy Farm right now, here’s your how-to for getting tickets to next year’s festival.
How to get tickets for Glastonbury 2024
Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe’s warm Glastonbury welcome
13:40 , Nicole Vassell
It’s not all about the music at Glastonbury – on Friday, there was a panel discussing women’s rights and Iran at the left field tent.
Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe was one of the panellists, and she was met with applause when she came to the stage.
A tight squeeze
13:20 , Nicole Vassell
The Independent’s Isobel Lewis is at Worthy Farm and says she’s noticed more of a cramped crowd this year, compared to previous times.
She says: “Not sure if it’s just an ‘early in the festival’ thing, but feeling a lot more crowded this year than recent ones – walkways often hard to move through, nobody could get near Example at Glade yesterday, which is right by a major walkway. “
Lewis continued: “Might just be because there were minimal acts on yesterday/this morning but Ben Howard was equally rammed, people were cutting through the campsites to avoid paths.”
Festival freshness
13:05 , Nicole Vassell
When at Glastonbury, you have to be innovative with ways to stay cool and fresh.
Festival-goers often don’t have the luxury of popping for a full shower session when things get sweaty... so sometimes, a handheld one will have to do.
Ben Howard on the Other Stage: ‘Musically tight but rather lifeless'
12:52 , Nicole Vassell
Ben Howard played the late morning slot on the Other Stage today, in what’s considered the start of the festival’s musical performances.
Yet spirits weren’t exactly high, with the excitement of fans in the crowd apparently “waning” as the set went on.
Jacob Stolworthy says: “For Glasto, the 11.30am slot on the Other Stage is an opportunity to set the tone for what’s to come – if Ben Howard’s performance is anything to go by, this year’s Glasto will be musically tight but rather lifeless. The Hives or Lightning Seeds, who are following on the same stage, would have been a much better choice.”
12:37 , Nicole Vassell
We’re on flag watch over at Ben Howard’s set at The Other Stage – 10 points to whoever’s holding this “Kendall in the Wind” one, in honour of the Succession fan favourite.
How to watch Glastonbury on TV: Channel, start time and everything you need to know
12:20 , Nicole Vassell
Though Glastonbury is the UK’s biggest festival, boasting a capacity of 210,000 attendees this year, there are many more people who were unsuccessful in their bids to get tickets.
But even if you can’t be there in person, BBC have your back with the next best thing with back-to-back live coverage.
Megan Graye has the full scoop on how to watch Glastonbury on TV:
How to watch Glastonbury on TV: Channel, start time and everything you need to know
WATCH: A drone view that shows at how big Glastonbury really is
12:00 , Nicole Vassell
When people tell you just how mammoth the Glastonbury Festival site is... believe them.
The Pyramid Stage, pre-Friday performances
11:50 , Nicole Vassell
Here’s the view of the Pyramid Stage from not so long ago – we have a feeling that when Arctic Monkeys hit the stage at 10.15pm, the crowd will be a little more filled out...
Hozier to play secret set on the Woodsies stage
11:36 , Nicole Vassell
Surprise, surprise – Hozier has announced that he’ll perform a not-previously-announced set on Friday evening.
Earlier this morning, the Irish singer-songwriter, full name Andrew Hozier-Byrne, said that he will be the surprise act at 7.30pm on the Woodsies stage, previously named the John Peel stage.
The “Take Me to Church” vocalist said he is “thrilled” to be performing at the festival again in a “not-so-secret set”.
Queuing in an orderly fashion
11:10 , Nicole Vassell
As festival-goers get the day started, there are lines already for food and toilet facilities.
Check out these pictures from our guy on the ground, Adam White...
Listen: Arctic Monkeys soundcheck ahead of headline performance at Glastonbury
11:00 , Nicole Vassell
Arctic Monkeys fans got a small taste of the show to come later tonight, as the band were heard doing a sound check ahead of their headline Pyramid Stage slot.
Our very own Jacob Stolworthy caught them checking “Snap Out of It” and “There’d Better Be a Mirrorball”
Listen below:
Emily Eavis confirmes Arctic Monkeys will play on Pyramid Stage tonight: ‘They’re on'
10:53 , Nicole Vassell
Emily Eavis, Glastonbury’s co-organiser, has confirmed that the Arctic Monkeys headline set on the Pyramid Stage will go ahead as planned tonight.
Broadcasting from the grounds of the festival at Worthy Farm, Zoe Ball asked during her BBC Radio 2 show if the band were still set to play, and Eavis replied “they’re on”, which was welcomed with applause.
Check out the full story below:
Emily Eavis confirms Arctic Monkeys will play at Pyramid Stage tonight
WATCH: Glastonbury veteran showcases his quirky bike after arriving at festival
10:16 , Nicole Vassell
Glastonbury is definitely the place to find fun novelties – including a bike adorned with sunflowers that shoots bubbles.
Steve Apelt, 60, first attended the festival 40 years ago. As a Glasto veteran, he’s seen the festival undergo many changes in four decades – but still calls it “the most beautiful thing on the planet”.
Arctic Monkeys fans rejoice over clues the band will play at Glastonbury after all
09:45 , Nicole Vassell
The clues that Arctic Monkeys will indeed make their third headline appearance on the Pyramid Stage tonight are mounting up – and fans are thrilled.
Maanya Sachdeva has the full story:
Arctic Monkeys fans rejoice over clues band will play at Glastonbury after all
Glastonbury’s Friday line up in full
09:30 , Peony Hirwani
Glastonbury 2023 is officially open for business, with huge acts including Arctic Monkeys, Lizzo and Queens of the Stone Age hitting the stages at Worthy Farm, Somerset, this weekend.
Below is a list of artists performing on Friday 23 June.
Glastonbury 2023: Full line up and stage times
There’d better be a mirrorball...
09:00 , Nicole Vassell
An Arctic Monkeys appearance is looking promising – here’s a view of a mirrorball, a staple element of the band’s current tour, making its way across the site...
A mirrorball has arrived on the farm @RatioMonkeys #ArcticMonkeys #Glastonbury pic.twitter.com/4XjOQOQg76
— joshua (@Joshy_Olly) June 22, 2023
Expert tips on how to survive festival sleep deprivation as Glastonbury kicks off
08:50 , Peony Hirwani
Hundreds of thousands of music lovers will descend on Glastonbury this week.
A noisy night-time environment and increased alcohol consumption are set to wreak havoc on revellers’ sleep, with the average festivalgoer getting just three and a half hours of sleep a night.
That’s why it’s important to flex your sleep plan if you want to secure much-needed rest amid the madness.
The following are some tips from sleep expert Hannah Shore to get through five days of madness.
Pack sleep essentials
Camping at a festival is inevitably going to be less comfortable than a normal night’s sleep – swapping out a comfy mattress for the hard floor or, at best, an airbed for those willing to lug it across the 1,100 acre site.
To help create a comfortable sleep space and therefore get a better night’s sleep, festivalgoers should pack a thick pillow to relieve pressure on the shoulders when lying on the ground.
Handy sleep aids like eyemasks and earplugs can also help mitigate the negative effect of a busy and noisy environment and an additional home comfort, like a sleep spray, can help too.
Hydration
The increased alcohol consumption of many partying revellers has a big effect on sleep, with the accompanying late nights meaning less opportunity for shut-eye and the alcohol itself creating fractured sleep once you do call it a night.
Be sure to go to bed with a big bottle of water to stay hydrated and help mitigate some of the negative effects of drinking on sleep.
Plan your journey home
Driving tired is just as bad, if not worse, than driving drunk. Tiredness can effect your concentration, reaction time and the ability to judge risks, which are all things we we need in tip top condition if you’re going to get behind the wheel.
Several consecutive nights of disrupted sleep will naturally effect your energy and concentration levels, so, if you’re planning on driving home then you might want to rethink.
There are a number of different transport options to get you to and from Glastonbury, so why not opt for a train or bus? Not only will this mean to can enjoy your final night without worrying too much about your energy levels, it’s also a boost to the environment!
Recovery day
Even if doing all of the above, revellers will no doubt still be worn out by the time they return home, following the long days – and nights – of adrenaline and reduced sleep.
It’s important to ensure you have an extra day at home to rest and recover after the event. One extra day’s holiday and no plans will help get you back to normal energy levels before taking on your usual routine again.
The Arcadia spider lives!
08:43 , Nicole Vassell
Arcadia is up and nearly ready to go!
Last night, the iconic insect-like structure made its debut on the farm, with testing taking place to make sure it can shoot fire and wow the crowds.
Made from recycled materials and old military equipment, it’s been a staple at Glastonbury since its 2007 debut, and has even travelled to other festivals and events all across the world.
Testing testing… the spider’s coming back to life KG pic.twitter.com/CwzLtS0e9A
— Glastonbury Live (@GlastoLive) June 22, 2023
The earthy magic and lawless energy of being a child at Glastonbury festival
08:30 , Peony Hirwani
Adam White recalls the years he was more interested in seeing The Corrs than Courtney Love, and when the colours, noise and fire-breathing spiders gripped his imagination.
The earthy magic and lawless energy of being a child at Glastonbury
Gatecrashers have been digging tunnels to enter Glastonbury festival illegally
07:50 , Peony Hirwani
Gatecrashers have been finding unique ways to enter the Glastonbury Festival illegally.
While some people have been digging “Great Escape-style” tunnels, others have been using grappling hooks to enter the festival without paying.
Read more:
Gatecrashers have been digging tunnels to enter Glastonbury Festival illegally
How to watch Glastonbury Festival from home
07:40 , Peony Hirwani
It might not be quite the same as being amongst the fields of festival flags, but if you missed out on tickets, there are still plenty of ways to tune into Glastonbury festival from home.
Read more:
How to watch the BBC’s live Glastonbury coverage
How to navigate summer festivals with your teenager
07:30 , Peony Hirwani
If you’re taking your teen to Glastonbury or any festivals this summer, you are probably thinking about all the things that could possibly go wrong. There could be a big fall out, maybe they get lost, or it may just turn out to not really be their thing.
Either way, it’s best to be positive, as they are at that age where they probably want more independence, embracing more responsibility, and figuring out their likes and dislikes.
Here are a few things to consider before the big event.
How to navigate summer festivals with your teenager
Watch: Timelapse captures sun setting over Glastonbury’s Worthy Farm on festival’s first day
07:10 , Peony Hirwani
Timelapse captures sun setting over Glastonbury on festival’s first day
Glastonbury 2023 in pictures: The best shots from Worthy Farm as the UK’s biggest festival begins
06:50 , Peony Hirwani
It’s that time of the year again – Worthy Farm’s gates have swung open and Glastonbury Festival 2023 is officially underway.
Here’s a look at some of the best pictures from the site so far...
Glastonbury 2023 in pictures: The best festival shots from Worthy Farm
Glastonbury weather: A day-by-day guide to Worthy Farm forecast
06:30 , Peony Hirwani
A day-by-day guide to the weather forecast for Glastonbury Festival
Elton John will bring on ‘four collaborators’ at his Glastonbury headline show
06:10 , Peony Hirwani
With just three days to go until Elton John’s headline set at Glastonbury, the musician’s husband, filmmaker David Furnish, has revealed that the star will bring on “four collaborators” during his show on the famed Pyramid Stage.
Read more:
Elton John’s husband lets on how many guests there will be at star’s Glastonbury show
How to watch the BBC’s live coverage of Glastonbury
05:49 , Tom Murray
How to watch the BBC’s live Glastonbury coverage
Glastonbury 2023 banned items list
04:50 , Tom Murray
Just a reminder, the following is a list of items that are banned from the Glastonbury festival.
Knives
Portable laser equipment or pens
Animals (except registered guide dogs)
Sound systems or drums
Generators
Sky lanterns or kites, unauthorised fireworks, or wax flares
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
Anything made of glass (e.g. perfume bottles, mirrors etc...)
People who use fireworks on the site will be evicted and any remaining material will be confiscated from them.
Additionally, the festival asks that revellers avoid bringing items such as disposable vapes as they can be hazardous at waste centres, and gazebos as they take up valuable tent space at campsites.
Glastonbury Festival shares photos from day two
03:53 , Tom Murray
Did anyone else know there was a skate park at Glastonbury? I didn’t!
Glastonbury festival fashion isn’t just about ripping off Kate Moss… it might not even exist anymore
02:51 , Tom Murray
Glastonbury festival fashion might not even exist anymore
Watch: What happened on day one at Worthy Farm?
01:56 , Tom Murray
Did someone say recap?
All the best fashion at Glastonbury this year
Friday 23 June 2023 00:54 , Tom Murray
The Independent’s lifestyle team has been busy pouring through the thousands of photos to come out of Glastonbury for the best outfits.
Here are our favourite looks at the festival so far:
Glastonbury 2023: All the best fashion at the biggest UK festival of the year
Free milk, £1 camping and political protests: Glastonbury through the years, in pictures
Thursday 22 June 2023 23:34 , Tom Murray
Take a look at some defining images of Glastonbury from over the years.
Watch: Downpour drenches Glastonbury revellers on opening day of festival
Thursday 22 June 2023 22:27 , Tom Murray
Bimini Bon-Boulash holds up placard saying ‘bin the Tory’s anti-trans ban’
Thursday 22 June 2023 21:19 , Tom Murray
I’m hearing from another colleague on the ground that the drag star Bimini Bon-Boulash has delivered an anti-Conservative message
“It’s pride month and right now there is an attack on the LGBTQ community. The trans community are being scapegoated… We need to stand up for our trans family,” the RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star apparently said.
She then held up a placard saying “bin the Tory’s anti-trans ban” in trans flag colours and similar have been handed out to the front row, leading to “huuuuuuge” cheers in the Greenpeace Field.
Trump flags spotted at Glastonbury
Thursday 22 June 2023 20:08 , Tom Murray
Our man on the ground, Adam White, has spotted some unlikely flags flying in the Glastonbury crowd.
Two Donald Trump flags were seen waving in the wind. One was promoting his 2024 presidential campaign alongside his slogan, “Make America Great Again”, and the other had a photo of the former president.
Could this be the definition of “wrong crowd”?
Michael Eavis on the mic!
Thursday 22 June 2023 18:32 , Tom Murray
Michael Eavis can do it all! The legendary Glastonbury Festival founder treated the Park Stage to a rendition of “My Way” by Frank Sinatra.
Michael Eavis has just kicked things off on the Park Stage with a rendition of 'My Way' - hats off to ya Mikey ❤️#Glastonbury #Glastonbury23pic.twitter.com/7ER7L5HX2c
— Far Out Magazine (@FarOutMag) June 22, 2023
Is Glastonbury creating a ‘hostile environment’?
Thursday 22 June 2023 18:15 , Tom Murray
Samuel Fishwick shares his take on the immigration enforcement officers being spotted at Castle Cary station near Glastonbury.
“It is striking – if not surprising – that their presence provoked uproar. There are few populations as privileged as the wellie-wearing, cider-swilling, tent-dancing middle-classes of Somerset’s temporary residents, but if their relationship with you is broken, what of the rest of Britain? It should send a message: your work is not welcome: take off your uniforms, stand down and join the party, or go away and rethink.”
Read more:
Opinion: Is Glastonbury creating a ‘hostile environment’?
Alex Turner update
Thursday 22 June 2023 17:50 , Tom Murray
I’m hearing that Alex Turner is well and will be able to perform the Arctic Monkeys’ headline set on Friday (23 June).
Fans were worried after the band cancelled their 20 June Dublin show due to frontman Alex Turner coming down with an acute case of laryngitis.
However, the ever-reliable Arctic Monkeys superfan Jacob Stolworthy assures me everything will be well. Phew!
Glastonbury 2023 in pictures: The best shots from Worthy Farm as the UK’s biggest festival begins
Thursday 22 June 2023 17:43 , Tom Murray
My lovely colleague has put together this beautiful reel of photos from Glastonbury 2023. So many amazing pics and we’re only one day in!
Glastonbury 2023 in pictures: The best festival shots from Worthy Farm
A couple just got engaged at the top of the Ribbon Tower!
Thursday 22 June 2023 15:03 , Roisin O'Connor
A couple just got engaged at the top of the Ribbon Tower to huge cheers below ♥️ pic.twitter.com/l1ekennutu
— Nick Reilly (@NickJWReilly) June 22, 2023
Glastonbury festival fashion isn’t just about ripping off Kate Moss… it might not even exist anymore
Thursday 22 June 2023 14:50 , Peony Hirwani
The standard-bearers for Glastonbury aesthetics remain the queens of Noughties boho glam, writes Olivia Petter – but has the decline of fast fashion killed it off? And is that a good thing?
Glastonbury festival fashion might not even exist anymore
Free milk, £1 camping and political protests: Glastonbury through the years, in pictures
Thursday 22 June 2023 14:30 , Peony Hirwani
As music fans return to Worthy Farm, it’s worth a look back on how much the world’s biggest festival has changed over the years.
Free milk, £1 camping and political protests: Glastonbury through the years
Glastonbury’s poet in residence Katie Ailes performs her poem ‘Building’
Thursday 22 June 2023 14:10 , Peony Hirwani
Thursday 22 June 2023 13:50 , Peony Hirwani
Wondering what happened at the Glastonbury opening ceremony on Wednesday night?
Watch here:
Glastonbury 2023 banned items list
Thursday 22 June 2023 13:30 , Peony Hirwani
The following is a list of items that are banned from the Glastonbury festival.
Knives
Portable laser equipment or pens
Animals (except registered guide dogs)
Sound systems or drums
Generators
Sky lanterns or kites, unauthorised fireworks, or wax flares
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
Anything made of glass (e.g. perfume bottles, mirrors etc...)
People who use fireworks on the site will be evicted and any remaining material will be confiscated from them.
Additionally, the festival asks that revellers avoid bringing items such as disposable vapes as they can be hazardous at waste centres, and gazebos as they take up valuable tent space at campsites.
Glastonbury Festival in pictures
Thursday 22 June 2023 13:10 , Peony Hirwani
Emily Eavis has ‘backup plans’ in case Arctic Monkeys are forced to drop out of Glastonbury
Thursday 22 June 2023 12:50 , Peony Hirwani
Glastonbury co-organiser Emily Eavis says she has “backup plans” in case Sheffield rock band Arctic Monkeys are forced to drop out of this year’s lineup.
Read more:
Emily Eavis has ‘backup plans’ in case Arctic Monkeys drop out of Glastonbury
How to watch the BBC’s live coverage of Glastonbury
Thursday 22 June 2023 12:30 , Peony Hirwani
How to watch the BBC’s live Glastonbury coverage
Michael Eavis reveals the performances he’s personally looking forward to watching at Glastonbury 2023
Thursday 22 June 2023 12:10 , Peony Hirwani
Michael Eavis says he’s looking forward to watching Elton John and Cat Stevens perform live at Glastonbury.
Speaking to Glastonbury Free Press’s Chris Salmon, the festival co-creator said he’s definitely looking forward to watching John perform live.
“Well, Elton John is obviously going to be incredible,” he said. “I’m so pleased he’s finally playing. And I can’t wait for Cat Stevens. I absolutely love his music.”
Eavis also shared that he went to visit Stevens “in London 20 years ago because his agent said if I did, then he’d play.
“So I went up on the train, and then caught a bus to his house. He knew I was coming, so he’d put out all the tablecloths and he gave me a piece of cake. We had a really nice afternoon. And after that, I thought it would happen, you see. But it didn’t! Well, not until now. I’m so glad we got there eventually!”
Watch: Stunning timelapse footage of sun setting over festival's first day
Thursday 22 June 2023 11:50 , Peony Hirwani
Everything you need to know about Guns N’ Roses at Glastonbury 2023
Thursday 22 June 2023 11:30 , Peony Hirwani
Guns N’ Roses are among the headliners at this year’s Glastonbury Festival.
Below is everything you need to know about their performance.
Everything you need to know about Guns N’ Roses at Glastonbury 2023
Glastonbury festival fashion isn’t just about ripping off Kate Moss… it might not even exist anymore
Thursday 22 June 2023 11:10 , Peony Hirwani
The standard-bearers for Glastonbury aesthetics remain the queens of Noughties boho glam, writes Olivia Petter – but has the decline of fast fashion killed it off? And is that a good thing?
Glastonbury festival fashion might not even exist anymore
Emily Eavis has a plan if Arctic Monkeys are forced to drop out
Thursday 22 June 2023 11:04 , Roisin O'Connor
Fans of Sheffield’s finest Arctic Monkeys are still fretting over whether frontman Alex Turner will recover from a nasty bout of acute laryngitis in time for their headline set on the Pyramid Stage this Friday.
Fortunately (did we ever doubt her?), co-organiser Emily Eavis has plans (plural) in place should this happen. We’re guessing there are at least one or two bands ready to step up should Arctics pull out. But she also says she’s feeling confident they’ll be just fine.
And an interesting titbit from my colleague Jacob who’s on site right now: A poster at Worthy Farm says “Arctic Monkeys will go by in a Blur...”
Are we about to see Turner singing on stage with Damon Albarn?
Full story:
Emily Eavis has ‘backup plans’ in case Arctic Monkeys drop out of Glastonbury
Watch: Domino’s delivers pizza to Glastonbury festival-goers by jet suit
Thursday 22 June 2023 10:50 , Peony Hirwani
Watch: Domino’s delivers pizza to Glastonbury festival-goers by jet suit
Hardwicke Circus’s Glastonbury performance cancelled due to ‘problem with tickets’
Thursday 22 June 2023 10:30 , Peony Hirwani
Carlisle band Hardwicke Circus has announced it won’t be able to do its three sets at Glastonbury this year because of a problem with tickets.
Below is the full statement.
No more Glasto! Sorry to everyone who was coming to watch us. We’ll be back! pic.twitter.com/S6jhkznLQB
— Hardwicke Circus (@HardwickeCircus) June 21, 2023
Glastonbury fireworks in pictures
Thursday 22 June 2023 10:14 , Peony Hirwani
Glastonbury 2023 lineup: Who is headlining this year's music festival?
Thursday 22 June 2023 09:54 , Peony Hirwani
Thursday 22 June 2023 09:30 , Peony Hirwani
Sources tell us that Chris Martin has been spotted on Glastonbury grounds! Could Coldplay be one of Elton John’s collaborators on Sunday 25 June?
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website