Glastonbury 2024 live: Dua Lipa to headline Pyramid Stage after Sugababes draw huge crowds at West Holts

British pop star Dua Lipa is preparing to be the first headliner of Glastonbury 2024, as she takes to the Pyramid Stage this evening (Friday 28 June).

Fears of a Worthy Farm washout after a cold and wet start to June have been alleviated by the latest Met Office report forecasting mostly dry spells and temperatures hovering around 18C-21C.

Across the weekend, an eclectic lineup will perform on the sprawling festival’s various stages – but organiser Emily Eavis has poured water on any rumours of “big surprises”. Here is the full Glastonbury 2024 lineup and set times.

Before Dua Lipa takes to the stage, fans will get to enjoy performances from K-pop stars Seventeen, Irish rock band Fontaines DC, pop group the Sugababes, and PJ Harvey.

The West Holts stage was closed due to overcrowding as the Sugababes set got underway, with reports of at least one person fainting during their performance.

Earlier this week, Glastonbury organisers confirmed they will not be showing England’s Euro 2024 round-of-16 game during the festival.

If you’re following from home, the BBC has shared its schedule of coverage for the weekend.

Latest Glastonbury news

• What songs will Dua Lipa perform tonight?

• Sugababes review, Glastonbury 2024: Shoving them on West Holts was misguided at best, irresponsible at worst

• Glastonbury 2024 lineup, set times and clashfinder for each stage

• Olivia Dean wows huge crowds at the Pyramid Stage

• Glastonbury organiser Emily Eavis defends 2024 line-up

A view of the Pyramid Stage during PJ Harvey’s set...

18:45 , Roisin O'Connor

REVIEW: Yoko Ono remixes from Kate Hutchinson at Stonebridge Bar

18:41 , Jazz Monroe

As a sun-blasted Park Stage crowd sways to the languid dance anthems of Barry Can’t Swim, London DJ Kate Hutchinson courts nearby Stonebridge Bar with a more obscure (and perfectly Glasto) proposition: one hour of club-crashing Yoko Ono remixes.

Hutchinson’s arms-in-the-air moves and earworm assaults - setting the avant-garde icon’s yells and radical mantras to trance, house and reggaeton - attract a fleet of fist-pumping shade-seekers and ravers, perhaps bewildering a few Ono-heads in the process. She has us crouch on command and jump for a spangly drop, cuing pandemonium for a finale of Give Peace a Chance (techno version, naturally).

“This has been the first ever Club Ono,” Hutchinson declares, nodding to the Tate Modern Presents series of events around its current Ono retrospective. After leading an Ono-inspired collective scream at the Park Stage earlier today, Hutchinson scores another roaring success.

Lead critics blocked from getting into West Holts for Sugababes

18:29 , Roisin O'Connor

A few lead critics including the BBC’s Mark Savage and Pete Paphides tweeting that they couldn’t get into Sugababes earlier due to those huge crowds.

“They’ve closed the entire area around the West Holts stage because of the amount of people who want to see Sugababes,” Pete writes.

“Same happened for their Avalon stage set in 2022. It really needs to be more widely acknowledged that they’re one of the toppermost adored groups of their era.”

Mark says: “Once again, my ambitions to see Sugababes at Glastonbury have been thwarted. It’s one-in and one-out at West Holts right now, and the queue is huge. They should do the legend slot next year.”

Again, you’d think Glasto organisers would have learnt by now...

REPORT: Pyramid Stage ‘basically empty’ compared to other stages

18:26 , Roisin O'Connor

Patrick Smith is at the Pyramid Stage watching PJ Harvey and says it’s like “night and day” in comparison to the huge crowds drawn to Sugababes on West Holts earlier. “So much space, basically empty,” he says. “Everything else totally rammed. Feels very significant in terms of who’s attending now.”

The Vaccines get the party started with some golden oldies

18:21 , Louis Chilton

The Vaccines have always, to their credit, been a band with an immediately identifiable sound. The English indie rockers have put out five full albums since their zeitgeisty young-millennial classic, 2011’s What Did You Expect From the Vaccines?, but that sound has, for better and worse, never really changed.

“Post Break-up Sex”, “Wetsuit”, “If You Wanna”; the Vaccines’ Woodsies performance was a set that really came alive when they played the oldies (such as they are), and the group still sound generally crisp and energetic. When they dipped into more recent fare, you could feel the energy in the crowd start to fray. Overall: pretty good!

Sugababes review, Glastonbury 2024: Shoving them on West Holts was misguided at best, irresponsible at worst

18:16 , Roisin O'Connor

Extreme overcrowding was easily avoidable, but at least on stage, the band are able to have a blast, writes Adam White

Sugababe’s Glastonbury stage was misguided at best, irresponsible at worst review

Frank Turner shakes the rafters at the Avalon Stage

18:00 , Mark Beaumont

You join us in pursuit of Friday’s Glasto grafters. Some acts copter in and out inside the hour to avoid sight or scent of a long drop. Others set out to play to every punter here, no matter which stage they’re trying to sleep at.

Stornoway crushing their formidable and fantastic folk catalogue into a truncated half hour on the running-late acoustic stage makes for a major Glastonbury moment, ranging from the devastating (Fuel Up) to the delightful (Dig The Mountain, Zorbing).

Then they’re off to the Wishing Well for the first of two more sets today, where they will no doubt further (ahem) storn it. Meanwhile, having shut down all roads to Strummerville yesterday and (we hear) played Greenpeace as Mr T, Frank Turner hits the Avalon stage declaring himself “among my people”.

Solo and acoustic, he nonetheless rocks tracks from new album Undefeated and rousing rebel folk hits with the sort of punk conviction that once shook Yeoman’s Bridge. All those TBAs? Don’t rule this guy out.

West Holts stage closed due to overcrowding issues while Sugababes perform

17:51 , Roisin O'Connor

Glasto, sort it out! The same thing as last time: Sugababes are on too small a stage, so West Holts has apparently been closed off (according to my source on the ground) due to overcrowding. What a mare.

Dua Lipa review, Radical Optimism: Destined to get bodies on the dancefloor

17:15 , Helen Brown

You have to admire Dua Lipa’s steely sense of purpose. Back in 2017, when she was working on her self-titled debut album, she told her A&R Joe Kentish that she planned to work with Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker on her third album. Kentish laughed and told the emerging star to hold her horses. But seven years later, here she is with her third album, Radical Optimism, and here’s Parker, playing and producing on seven of the 11 tracks.

This artistic conviction has been one of the Albanian-British artist’s driving traits from day one. We heard it in the uncompromising regime of her 2017 single “New Rules”, in the brisk edicts of “Don’t Start Now” (2019) and again on “Houdini”, the advance single for this record, on which she throws down the gauntlet to a potential lover with the line: “Prove you’ve got the right to please me.” Urgent, upbeat, demanding and funky, Lipa is a finger-snap personified throughout Radical Optimism.

She takes control from the off. A flurry of Seventies synth-flutes open “End of an Era”; that trademarked rubber-band-bass sends her striding onto a dancefloor to take the initiative. “Hey/ What’s your name?/ Come with me,” she demands. Parker’s dropped in some live percussion – the shimmer of a hi-hat, some bells and a chime – into the mix, contributing a more organic vibe to Lipa’s muscular brand of disco pop.

Dua Lipa’s Radical Optimism is destined to get bodies on the dancefloor - review

What songs will Dua Lipa perform tonight?

17:08 , Roisin O'Connor

Dua Lipa is headlining the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury at 10pm tonight, and is set to perform a number of her biggest hits.

While these aren’t confirmed, we’re likely to hear songs such as “Training Season” and “Houdini”, from her latest album Radical Optimism, as well as earlier singles like “Levitating”, “Dance the Night”, “Don’t Start Now”, “New Rules”, and her Calvin Harris collaboration, “One Kiss”.

REVIEW: Noname on West Holts

16:50 , Adam White

“This might be news to you but I’m a socialist,” US performance poet and rapper Noname giggles at the top of her West Holts set. “I don’t fuck with billionaires.”

This is a funny, lovely time, lyrical urgency floating over sweet, jazzy grooves. There are shades of Q-Tip and Andre 3000 to her flow, but a ruthless, unapologetic political vision that feels distinctly her own — establishment figures like Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar are called out for their participation in the capitalist rat race; there is acknowledgement of the charged, complex specificities of a Black woman performing here to a majority white-liberal audience.

“Why are you [cheering] just because I mentioned my race — I could be a horrible person,” she jokes. Sort of.

The sun finally breaks through the clouds towards the end of her set. She yelps with joy. “England is cold! Gloomy gloomy gloom. I wore my yellow shoes so the sun would come out.” It’s infectious.

Emily Eavis defends Glastonbury line-up as Dua Lipa readies to dazzle crowds

16:40 , Roisin O'Connor

REVIEW: The Mary Wallopers go down a storm on the Park Stage

16:34 , Louis Chilton

Irish trad-folk rebels The Mary Wallopers took to the Park Stage at 3.15 for an expectedly rowdy set — by the end, the audience were letting off flares and crowd surfing. Songs such as “Cold Liver Oil and the Orange Juice” and “Home Boys Home” — the latter from their recent EP of the same name, out last week — showcased their deft instrumentation and sonorous harmonies.

Speaking to The Independent earlier this year, one of the bands’s three frontmen Charles Hendy said: “The first time we were at Glastonbury, I looked up at the Park Stage… of all the stages, that’s the one I wanted to play.”

Watching their ebullient set, you probably could have guessed this anyway.

The Mary Wallopers: ‘Enough bands have pretended not to be Irish – like U2’

Olivia Dean dedicates song ‘Carmen’ to her grandmother in emotional Pyramid Stage performance

16:30 , Roisin O'Connor

Singer Olivia Dean dedicated her song Carmen to her grandmother and other members of the Windrush generation as she neared the end of her set on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury.

The neo soul singer, 25, who was named the winner of the BBC Introducing artist of the year award last year and whose album Messy earned her a Mercury Prize nomination, followed rock band Squeeze, who opened Friday’s Pyramid Stage performances.

Wearing a T-shirt with her grandmother’s face on it, Dean said: “She came to this country when she was 18, never been on a plane... she had my mum quite young, my mum had me and I’m a product of her bravery.

“So this song is for my granny, to the Windrush generation, for any immigrant, anyone’s who’s brave enough to move.”

Dean wiped away tears and commented on “what a beautiful day” it was before she played her last song of the set, Dive.

Paul Heaton entertains crowds at the Pyramid Stage

16:19 , Roisin O'Connor

The lovely Paul Heaton has taken to the Pyramid Stage (performing solo for the first time).

Former singer of The Housemartins, Heaton has quite the back catalogue if you take in his solo output as well as his other band, The Beautiful South, formed in 1988 with former Housemartins drummer Dave Hemingway.

IN PICTURES: Olivia Dean performs on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury

15:08 , Roisin O'Connor

Seventeen make history as first K-pop act to play Glastonbury Festival

14:57 , Roisin O'Connor

Here we go, the 13-member band Seventeen making history as the first ever K-pop act to play Glastonbury Festival. It seems wild, given K-pop’s enduring popularity for at least the past five years, but there you go.

Seventeen are certainly not letting the opportunity go to waste. This looks set to be a masterclass in entertainment, featuring jaw-dropping precision in the choreography and plenty of bops to dance along to. Although the audience looks a bit thin?

Olivia Dean reflects on magical Glastonbury set on Pyramid Stage

14:32 , Roisin O'Connor

“I’ve wanted to play that stage for my whole life, it’s been the dream... so when that moment is realised, it’s almost supernatural,” Olivia Dean tells the BBC from Glastonbury.

Dean said it was amazing to see “so many women” on the Glastonbury lineup this year: “It helps you imagine it, when you see people like you.”

“I loved seeing Adele,” she said. “I remember seeing Stormzy and feeling like, I’m watching history.”

Who are Seventeen, the first K-pop act to perform at Glastonbury festival?

14:24 , Roisin O'Connor

Bit of info for you here in case you’re not familiar with the next act on the Pyramid Stage, K-pop stars Seventeen.

Who are Seventeen, the first K-pop act to perform at Glastonbury festival?

Elton John shares unseen footage from Glastonbury 2023

14:21 , Roisin O'Connor

Olivia Dean wows huge crowds at the Pyramid Stage

14:12 , Roisin O'Connor

On the Pyramid Stage, Olivia Dean delivers a performance brimming with charisma and confidence. Her debut album, Messy, shortlisted for a Mercury, is all about self-discovery in the wake of a break up.

Hers is a big sound, powered by soulful, sonorous voice that can skip merrily through the octaves. Live, it’s a joy to witness, with cymbals, drums, saxophones, trumpets and super-slick choreography all adding ballast to a supremely polished performance, which also sees her well up as she pays tribute to her grandmother, who was part of the Windrush generation and moved to the UK when she was 18.

Speaking to The Independent last year, Dean said she will headline the Pyramid Stage one day. This set will have done those ambitions no harm at all.

Glastonbury 2024 lineup, set times and clashfinder for each stage

14:01 , Roisin O'Connor

Glastonbury 2024 lineup, set times and clashfinder for each stage

COMMENT: SZA is the festival headliner who will save our summers

13:41 , Roisin O'Connor

The Grammy and Brit winner has earned widespread acclaim for her two studio albums ‘CTRL’ and ‘SOS’ – yet, based on the confusion sparked when she was announced as a Glastonbury headliner this year, many still don’t know her name. Here’s why you should absolutely dive into her work, writes Kate Solomon

Don’t know Glastonbury headliner SZA? Here’s why you should

When is Dua Lipa performing on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury and how to watch

13:21 , Roisin O'Connor

This is the first time that Glastonbury Festival will have two female headliners, as Dua Lipa will be joined by SZA.

“I feel so lucky to be a part of that shift,” she told the BBC. “it’s important to have more female headliners. We’ve just got to keep applying the pressure and making that change happen.”

She said trying to invite the audience onstage for an encore of “Blow Your Mind (Mwah)”, like she did during her last Glastonbury performance, might be tricky this time around: “It might be tight. But I’ve got to figure out a way to make 150,000 people feel like they’re in a small little nightclub.

“That’s the goal, and if there’s one place to do it, it’s gotta be Glasto.”

Glastonbury 2024: When is Dua Lipa performing at Glastonbury and how to watch

Glastonbury organiser Emily Eavis defends 2024 line-up

13:00 , Jacob Stolworthy

Glastonbury organiser Emily Eavis has defended the festival’s line-up amid criticism of there being a lack of rock bands as pop star Dua Lipa prepares to headline Friday’s music.

This year’s event sees headline performances from Dua Lipa, Coldplay and American R&B singer SZA, while country star Shania Twain will play the coveted Legends slot.

“I think the line-up reflects what’s happening in the music world at the moment – there aren’t a lot of new rock acts to choose from if I’m honest,” Eavis said.

“Hopefully that will emerge again, my heyday was 1995 with Pulp and Oasis and Radiohead… and that was great but music changes all the time and right now this is where we’re at.”

Shania Twain, Dua Lipa and SZA at Glastonbury 2024 one-ups the stale male rock of last year

12:41 , Roisin O'Connor

I know there’s been a load of grumbling about the Glastonbury lineup this year, and a lot of it is warranted (in my view), but I also think it’s still a big improvement on Guns’N’Roses or, dare I say, Arctic Monkeys (I love them but last year’s set was not the one).

Here’s something I made earlier on that very subject

Let’s go girls: Glastonbury’s 2024 headliners one-up last year’s stale rock

How to watch Glastonbury at home

12:20 , Jacob Stolworthy

The BBC’s coverage will be available across iPlayer, BBC Sounds, TV, radio and online, including its non-stop Classic Glastonbury channel streaming 24 hours a day from now until Sunday 30 June.

The channel will feature back-to-back footage of some of the most memorable Glastonbury performances of all time, including last year’s farewell set from Elton John.

The BBC will also have a dedicated Glastonbury Channel running on iPlayer from midday on Friday (28 June) through to Sunday evening, hosting a curated and continuous stream of live moments, interviews and behind-the-scenes clips.

Glastonbury 2024: How to watch the BBC’s live coverage

Joe Wicks leads hundreds of revellers in workout session at Glastonbury festival

12:01 , Roisin O'Connor

Glastonbury ‘overcast’ this morning with some ‘ominous-looking clouds'

11:46 , Roisin O'Connor

Our on-site team have been fed and watered and are starting to make their way around the site. Head of culture/lifestyle Patrick Smith has offered his own weather report: “Really overcast morning, with some ominous-looking clouds hanging over Worthy Farm.”

“A few groggy heads too,” he adds, after sets by Daniel Avery, Joy Orbison and Shygirl got the party going last night, “even though they were seriously overcrowded”.

Patrick adds: “There’s a fantastic lineup today -- I’m particularly looking foeward to Olivia Dean on the Pyramid Stage, Billie Marten on the Avalon Stage and of course Dua Lipa’s headline set.”

Also today: Marina Abramovic is on the Pyramid Stage doing a silence, while the brilliant Kate Hutchinson is bringing Tate Modern Lates to Worthy Farm later today. Tate Modern Lates presents Yoko Ono’s Voice Piece for Soprano, performed by Bishi on the Park Stage at 12.25pm. Experience collective emotional release as Ono’s instructional artwork invites you to scream. Inspired by Tate’s exhibition Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind.

Then, at 3pm at Stonebridge, Kate will be doing a Club Ono set: an hour of Yoko Ono remixes. She’s a busy bee, so you’ll also be able to catch her at Glastonbury’s brand new queer space, Scissors, on Friday night! Along with many other brilliant acts.

What’s being shown on the BBC today?

11:45 , Jacob Stolworthy

This is the scheduled Glastonbury 2024 televised line-up for Friday (28 June):Olivia Dean, Headie One, Kenya Grace, Sugababes, Paul Heaton, Dua Lipa, Jungle, as well as an introduction show starting at 12pm and several hightlights reels throughout the day.

Don’t expect any ‘big surprises' this year

11:04 , Jacob Stolworthy

Glastonbury has become increasingly known for its rumoured surprises – and this year is no different.

Claims about possible surprise sets and guests circulate social media, not to mention the festival’s site, with many theorising about which unannounced acts could be showing up.

But, according to Emily Eavis, there’ll be “no big surprises” this year.

Speaking on The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show on Friday (28 June), Eavis said: “There’s no big surprises as well I just want to say that, in case you’re expecting something else coming later that’s been rumoured, it’s probably not true, because we’ve got all these amazing things, who needs more?”

Coldplay fans queue outside Frome venue in hopes of surprise set

10:40 , Jacob Stolworthy

Videos posted to social media show a queue forming outside The Cheese and Grain, where Coldplay are rehearsing for their Glastonbury headline act. While reports on Somersetlive claim that Coldplay are simply rehearsing, fans are convinced the band is preparing to host a surprise set.

The Frome venue has become known amongst festivalgoers as a place where former headliners have hosted small and intimate gigs. In 2017, the Foo Fighters performed a surprise set there before they headlined Glastonbury.

Michael Eavis performs at Glastonbury

10:01 , Jacob Stolworthy

Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis, 88, performed at the festival on Thursday (27 June).

Eavis, whose daughter Emily now co-runs the festival, performed songs, including “My Way” and “Suspicious Minds”, on the Park Stage.

Emily Eavis explains why a Glastonbury festival ticket ballot wouldn’t work

09:30 , Jacob Stolworthy

Emily Eavis has shut down the idea of a “Glastonbury ballot”, calling the dilemma over the demand for tickets “one of the worst sides to the job”.

The Glastonbury co-organiser, who is the daughter of festival founder Michael Eavis, opens the gates to Worthy Farm today and officially kicks off the 2024 festival, which is being headlined by Coldplay, Dua Lipa and SZA.

Speaking to the BBC in front of the Pyramid Stage at Worthy Farm, Eavis was asked about whether organisers would ever consider doing a ticket ballot, considered one of the fairest ways to allow people to apply for tickets to in-demand events.

“I think if we did a ballot, we’d end up with some people who weren’t necessarily as bothered about coming,” Eavis explained to presenter and DJ Annie Mac.

“It’s really hard to say this year because I know a lot of people didn’t get tickets and they wanted them. But you know, a lot of the time, the people who really really want them get them do through volunteering or through competitions.”

Emily Eavis explains why a Glastonbury festival ticket ballot wouldn’t work

When is Dua Lipa performing on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury and how to watch

09:00 , Jacob Stolworthy

Dua Lipa will make her debut as a Glastonbury headliner on Friday 28 June, when she will take to the Pyramid Stage to perform a set of some of her biggest hits.

The British-Albanian pop star was announced as one of the festival’s star bookings in March, alongside pop-rock band Coldplay and US R&B artist SZA. Country-pop queen Shania Twain will take on the Legends Slot on Sunday.

Dua Lipa, 28, has a string of top 10 singles under her belt including “New Rules”, “One Kiss” and “Don’t Start Now”.

Her third album, Radical Optimism,was released in May and received mixed reviews from critics. The Independent’s Helen Brown awarded it five stars, praising the “Eurodisco” influences and Latin twangs of songs such as “Maria” and “French Exit”.

Here’s everything you need to know about Dua Lipa’s headline performance.

Glastonbury 2024: When is Dua Lipa performing at Glastonbury and how to watch

TV broadcast kicks off in a matter of hours

08:30 , Jacob Stolworthy

After days of arriving, tent pitching and aimlessly ambling around to get a feel for the site, revellers will be preparing for the official launch of the televised live music performances.

Things will get started on West Holts at 11am, with a set from Sofia Koutesis.

It’ll be down to Annie Mac to set the tone on the Other Stage, with a DJ set starting at 11.30am. Past acts to kick off this stage with a Friday morning slot include Christine and the Queens, James and The Vaccines.

Thirty minutes later, Squeeze will be opening up the Pyramid Stage with Voice Of Baceprot playing on Woodsies. Meanwhile, Lynks will be opening the Park Stage.

Coldplay have always been cool, and it’s ludicrous to claim otherwise

08:01 , Mark Beaumont

It was the kohl-eyed cultural assassin Super Hans who struck the killer blow. “People like Coldplay and voted for the Nazis,” Peep Show’s resident joker infamously told Jez in one 2005 episode of the sitcom. “You can’t trust people.” Granted, he was arguing that Jez’s new pub should be themed as a working laundrette and not serve lager, but this wild illogic acted as judge, jury and saucer-eyed executioner on the perceived credibility of Chris Martin and his three band members who, despite popular misconception, also have names.

In the two decades since, from pub to panel show, Coldplay have become shorthand for dull, mimsy musical Evian: industry bigwig Alan McGee dubbed them “bedwetters”; John Oliver likened their listening experience to “sex with the lights on” (which is better, right?). More than any other band of their era, however, Coldplay make the debate surrounding their so-called “coolness” seem about as pointless and ludicrous as a Tory 2024 manifesto.

To this day, proving that the human mind is a baffling cosmos where logic goes to die, “people” have lauded the jubilant poptimist breakthrough of Dua Lipa headlining Glastonbury and, in the very same tweet, had a crack at her fellow, equally pop headliners...

Coldplay have always been cool, and it’s ludicrous to claim otherwise

FLASHBACK: Arctic Monkeys play Glastonbury 2023

07:31 , Roisin O'Connor

When are Coldplay performing on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury and how to watch

07:01 , Roisin O'Connor

Coldplay are no strangers to the Pyramid Stage. After debuting at Glastonbury in the New Bands Tent in 1999, they went on to headline the festival in 2002 and 2005.

Chris Martin declared in a BBC interview back in 2007 that “Glastonbury is bored of us. I don’t think we can even take a harmonica down there for a good 15 years”. However, the band returned to the Pyramid Stage in 2011 and 2016. They are now about to headline for a record-breaking fifth time on Saturday 29 June.

Since forming in London in 1997, the band have racked up seven Grammys, nine Brit Awards and 15 MTV awards. They have more Brit Awards than any other band.

Everything you need to know about Coldplay’s performance at Glastonbury

‘Someone stole my wellies!’: Glastonbury’s five muddiest festivals

06:01 , Roisin O'Connor

Glastonbury might be known as one of the world’s greenest festivals, thanks to its setting in the picturesque Somerset countryside, but every so often the weather turns foul and those verdant fields are churned up into brown sludge.

As many fans will attest, over the years there have been a number of memorable occasions where guests spent more time trying to pry their wellies out of the mud than they did watching bands perform.

Some take this as a cue to give up and go home, while others decide to lean into it, resulting in some of the more iconic pictures of Glastonbury Festival.

Here are five of the muddiest Glastonbury festivals in memory.

‘Someone stole my wellies!’: Glastonbury’s five muddiest ever festivals

Flashback: Watch highlights from Glastonbury 2023

05:01 , Roisin O'Connor

When is Dua Lipa performing on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury and how to watch

04:01 , Roisin O'Connor

Dua Lipa will make her debut as a Glastonbury headliner on Friday 28 June, when she will take to the Pyramid Stage to perform a set of some of her biggest hits.

The British-Albanian pop star was announced as one of the festival’s star bookings in March, alongside pop-rock band Coldplay and US R&B artist SZA. Country-pop queen Shania Twain will take on the Legends Slot on Sunday.

Dua Lipa, 28, has a string of top 10 singles under her belt including “New Rules”, “One Kiss” and “Don’t Start Now”.

Her third album, Radical Optimism,was released in May and received mixed reviews from critics. The Independent’s Helen Brown awarded it five stars, praising the “Eurodisco” influences and Latin twangs of songs such as “Maria” and “French Exit”.

Here’s everything you need to know about Dua Lipa’s headline performance.

When is Dua Lipa performing at Glastonbury and how to watch

Joe Wicks leads hundreds of revellers in workout session at Glastonbury festival

03:01 , Roisin O'Connor

SZA is the festival headliner who will save our summers

02:01 , Roisin O'Connor

The Grammy and Brit winner has earned widespread acclaim for her two studio albums ‘CTRL’ and ‘SOS’ – yet, based on the confusion sparked when she was announced as a Glastonbury headliner this year, many still don’t know her name. Here’s why you should absolutely dive into her work, writes Kate Solomon

Don’t know Glastonbury headliner SZA? Here’s why you should

Elton John shares unseen footage from Glastonbury 2023

Friday 28 June 2024 00:01 , Roisin O'Connor

The 22 greatest Glastonbury performances ever, from Paul McCartney to David Bowie

Thursday 27 June 2024 23:31 , Mark Beaumont

A40-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.

Ahead of the return of the world’s greatest festival, headlined this year by Dua Lipa, Coldplay and SZA, here’s a look back at the best ever Glastonbury performances.

The 22 greatest Glastonbury performances ever

Emily Eavis reveals dream Glastonbury headliner and when the next fallow year will be

Thursday 27 June 2024 23:01 , Roisin O'Connor

Glastonbury co-organiser Emily Eavis has responded to questions about when the next fallow year will take place, while also revealing which artist she would love to headline the storied music festival.

The fallow year happens generally once every five years to allow the Somerset fields at Worthy Farm to recover, after around 200,000 music fans descend on the site each year.

With this year’s festival on the horizon, Eavis is already looking ahead to 2025 and beyond.

Emily Eavis reveals dream Glastonbury headliner and when the next fallow year will be

When is Dua Lipa performing on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury and how to watch

Thursday 27 June 2024 22:31 , Roisin O'Connor

When is Dua Lipa performing at Glastonbury and how to watch

Elton John shares unseen footage from Glastonbury 2023

Thursday 27 June 2024 22:01 , Roisin O'Connor

A brief history of Glastonbury’s Sunday Legends slot

Thursday 27 June 2024 21:31 , Roisin O'Connor

From Dolly Parton to Kylie Minogue and Shirley Bassey, the Sunday Legends slot at Glastonbury sets the stage for some of the biggest and best moments at the iconic festival.

A brief history of Glastonbury’s Sunday Legends slot

PICTURE: Green Man at Glastonbury

Thursday 27 June 2024 21:01 , Roisin O'Connor

Emily Eavis explains why a Glastonbury festival ticket ballot wouldn’t work

Thursday 27 June 2024 20:31 , Roisin O'Connor

Emily Eavis has shut down the idea of a “Glastonbury ballot”, calling the dilemma over the demand for tickets “one of the worst sides to the job”.

The Glastonbury co-organiser, who is the daughter of festival founder Michael Eavis, opens the gates to Worthy Farm today and officially kicks off the 2024 festival, which is being headlined by Coldplay, Dua Lipa and SZA.

Speaking to the BBC in front of the Pyramid Stage at Worthy Farm, Eavis was asked about whether organisers would ever consider doing a ticket ballot, considered one of the fairest ways to allow people to apply for tickets to in-demand events.

“I think if we did a ballot, we’d end up with some people who weren’t necessarily as bothered about coming,” Eavis explained to presenter and DJ Annie Mac.

“It’s really hard to say this year because I know a lot of people didn’t get tickets and they wanted them. But you know, a lot of the time, the people who really really want them get them do through volunteering or through competitions.”

Emily Eavis explains why a Glastonbury festival ticket ballot wouldn’t work

VIDEO: Glastonbury reveller sets up living room in middle of festival

Thursday 27 June 2024 20:01 , Roisin O'Connor

COMMENT: SZA is the festival headliner who will save our summers

Thursday 27 June 2024 19:01 , Roisin O'Connor

The Grammy and Brit winner has earned widespread acclaim for her two studio albums ‘CTRL’ and ‘SOS’ – yet, based on the confusion sparked when she was announced as a Glastonbury headliner this year, many still don’t know her name. Here’s why you should absolutely dive into her work, writes Kate Solomon

Don’t know Glastonbury headliner SZA? Here’s why you should

Why Glastonbury won’t be showing England’s next Euro 2024 game

Thursday 27 June 2024 14:40 , Roisin O'Connor

Glastonbury’s organisers have said they won’t be showing England’s Euro 2024 round-of-16 game during the festival, as it could clash with a headliner’s performance.

Gareth Southgate’s team are guaranteed a place in the last 16, despite their poor performance to date, after Albania failed to beat Spain on Monday (24 June).

This means their next game will be on 30 June, the final night of the festival when SZA is due to headline.

In a statement released before Scotland were knocked out, the festival organisers said: “In previous years, we have endeavoured to show notable matches on big screens where possible, particularly on days before the main stages have opened.

“However, with England and Scotland’s last 16 matches potentially clashing with headline sets at this year’s festival, the decision has been made that - as in 2014 and 2016 - should England or Scotland qualify from their groups, their last 16 matches will not be shown at the festival.”

Organisers added: “We would like to wish both Gareth Southgate and Steve Clarke’s sides all the best in Germany. And we hope we’ll all be able to watch them play quarter-final matches in the days after this year’s festival.”

Unfortunately, this could mean a surge in festival-goers leaving Worthy Farm before SZA is due to take to the Pyramid Stage as the final headliner of the weekend.

She will perform at 9.30pm on the Sunday, after Burna Boy at 7.30pm and Janelle Monae at 5.45pm.

IN PICTURES: Joe Wicks leads a workout at Glastonbury

Thursday 27 June 2024 14:31 , Roisin O'Connor

Fitness coach Joe Wicks performed a workout on stage during day two of Glastonbury Festival 2024 at Worthy Farm, Pilton, on 27 June

Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis recalls being knighted by ‘very nice' Princess Anne in new interview

Thursday 27 June 2024 14:00 , Roisin O'Connor

Sir Michael Eavis has given an interview to Glastonbury’s local paper, The Glastonbury Free Press, where he recalled being knighted by Princess Anne and also gave his views on immigration, the weather, and the ongoing Euro 2024 games.

“It was very well run,” he said of the ceremony at Windsor Castle in April, which he attended with his wife Liz and his grandsons George and Noah.

“Princess Anne actually did the business and she was very nice. She had a big sword though. Long and heavy. And she definitely did her duties as though she meant it!”

Addressing the new additions for Glastonbury 2024, Eavis was particularly excited about the Terminal 1 venue in Williams Green: “It’s dealing with the issue of immigration,” he said.

“They’re taking the approach that we can solve it. We can be friendly to those unfortunate people in the boats. It’s demonstrating - the whole festival is demonstrating - that you can get on with your neighbour. And they’re putting all of that into a show. Isn’t that amazing?”

As for his personal recommendations, Eavis suggested going for a stroll around Worthy Farm “in the middle of the night”.

“That’s the best way to catch all the exciting things that are really going on,” he said. “You need to stay up until five in the morning. Then you’ll see all sorts of incredible stuff!”

Some inventive food truck names at Glastonbury - send us your spots!

Thursday 27 June 2024 13:46 , Roisin O'Connor

Loving these ones sent over by James Hall, starring mac’n’cheese truck “Mac Not Crack”, loaded hummus bowls “Hummusapiens”, and grilled wrap stall “Wrappers Delight”. Badabadaba...

Glastonbury Festival 2024 lineup, set times and clashfinder for each stage

Thursday 27 June 2024 13:10 , Roisin O'Connor

Glastonbury 2024 lineup, set times and clashfinder for each stage

Elton John shares unseen footage from Glastonbury 2023

Thursday 27 June 2024 12:50 , Roisin O'Connor

Elton John shares unseen footage from 2023 Glastonbury headline set

Thursday 27 June 2024 12:30 , Roisin O'Connor

Sir Elton John has shared a new behind-the-scenes YouTube video called “The Road To Glastonbury 2023”, to mark a year since he headlined the festival.

The never-before-seen clips show the star rehearsing with his band and thanking the crew backstage next to a cake shaped like the Pyramid Stage.

He also meets the 88-year-old founder of the festival, Sir Michael Eavis.

John told Eavis, “I think it is serendipity that I’m here because (it’s) the last show I’ll ever do probably in Britain, and it couldn’t be better, and you’ve been amazing. All my guys said this is so great.”

Eavis replied: “We’ve waited for years for this.”

Full story:

Elton John shares unseen footage from 2023 Glastonbury headline set

PICTURES: Ravers 2 Runners jog around Glastonbury festival site

Thursday 27 June 2024 12:01 , Roisin O'Connor

Our critic James Hall took some photos of around 450 joggers, who call themselves Ravers 2 Runners, as they made their way around the Glastonbury festival site.

“Each to their own, they’re having an absolute ball,” he says. “Personally, I’m keeping it old-school... I’m off to have a wood-fired sauna in an ancient caravan in the old travellers’ field.”

Fireworks and drone display light up the sky over Worthy Farm

Thursday 27 June 2024 11:31 , Roisin O'Connor

Check out these photos of a spectacular drone and fireworks display at Glatonbury last night

Warning over GWR train delays out of London after incident shuts tracks

Thursday 27 June 2024 11:15 , Roisin O'Connor

Passengers heading out of London for Glastonbury Festival are facing delays after the trains were halted this morning.

Great Western Railway (GWR) said earlier that all lines were blocked at West Ealing, in the west of the capital, due to “the emergency services dealing with an incident near the railway”.

That was affecting services to and from London Paddington, which is on the route serving Castle Cary in Somerset, the nearest station to Glastonbury Festival.

A spokesperson for the train operator confirmed to The Independent that lines have now reopened.

”Trains are now moving into and out of Paddington, including those serving Glastonbury festival, but there will be some residual delays due to misplaced trains and crew,” they added.

My brilliant colleague Ben Parker reports:

Warning over Glastonbury train delays out of London after incident shuts tracks

The Independent’s Glastonbury team report dark clouds and a spot of rain this morning

Thursday 27 June 2024 10:41 , Roisin O'Connor

Our intrepid team of reporters and critics are on site at Glastonbury Festival, with writer Adam White sending over a picture of some ominous-looking clouds looming over Worthy Farm.

“The rain has started!” he tells me, but is reassured as I point out the Met Office says it should* brighten up this afternoon.

Glastonbury Festival 2024 lineup, set times and clashfinder for each stage

Thursday 27 June 2024 10:21 , Roisin O'Connor

Glastonbury organisers have unveiled the full set times across each of its stages for this year’s festival, revealing that rapper Little Simz will perform before Coldplay on the Pyramid Stage on Saturday, while LCD Soundsystem will play ahead of Dua Lipa’s Friday slot.

The 2024 edition of the storied festival is taking place from Wednesday 26 to Sunday 30 June, and is being headlined by Dua Lipa, Coldplay and SZA, with Shania Twain in the Legends Slot.

Hundreds of other artists will perform across the week, with the set times allowing fans to work out whether they’ll have time to dash from one stage to another in order to see their favourites.

There are also a few spots reserved for surprise acts, including the “TBA” marked at 6pm on Saturday at the Woodsies stage. Previous surprise artists at Glastonbury have included The Killers, Radiohead and the Foo Fighters.

Here are the set times for the main stages across Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Glastonbury 2024 lineup, set times and clashfinder for each stage

PICTURES: Proposal at Glastonbury

Thursday 27 June 2024 09:01 , Roisin O'Connor

James Wilson successfully proposed to Maria Lawrence as they attended day one of Glastonbury Festival 2024 at Worthy Farm, Pilton on 26 June 2024.

Glastonbury posters encourage fans to vote in general election

Thursday 27 June 2024 08:39 , Roisin O'Connor

A number of posters have been spotted around Glastonbury urging fans to vote in the general election on 4 July.