**Glastonbury Festival 2025 Welcomes Tens of Thousands as Gates Officially Open**
Worthy Farm in Somerset was a hive of excitement this morning as the gates swung open for the start of the 2025 Glastonbury Festival, one of the globe’s most renowned celebrations of music and performing arts. Viewers on site and across the world were treated to the sight of festival organiser Emily Eavis and her father, Glastonbury’s co-founder Sir Michael Eavis, leading the countdown and welcoming this year’s revellers with jubilant cheers and the uplifting sounds of a brass band.
Anticipation has been building for weeks, with over 200,000 ticket-holders expected to arrive throughout the day. Early campers were not deterred by mixed weather reports, as meteorologists predicted spells of sunshine and humid conditions set to last into the week. “It will be warm and rather humid, with highs reaching around 22°C,” Steve Ramsdale from the Met Office shared, offering hope for mostly dry weather despite the threat of occasional rain clouds.
This year’s line-up covers a wide range of genres and star power, promising something for every music fan. Headlining acts include the much-loved British pop-rock ensemble The 1975, legendary singer-songwriter Neil Young accompanied by his band Chrome Hearts, and chart-topping US pop star Olivia Rodrigo. Each artist is expected to deliver headline-grabbing sets over the course of the weekend.
Glastonbury’s iconic “Sunday legends” slot, which has become a tradition for established acts, features Sir Rod Stewart for 2025. The ‘Maggie May’ singer has revealed he will be joined by former Faces bandmate Ronnie Wood and other surprise guests, despite having to postpone some US performances earlier this month due to illness. With wry humour, Stewart questioned the tepid-sounding “tea-time slot” designation in interviews, and pledged to pack as many of his classic hits into his hour and a half stage time as possible.
However, not all acts have generated fanfare for their musical contributions alone. Irish rap trio Kneecap are to perform on the West Holts Stage in the wake of controversy, after one of their members, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh—known as Mo Chara—was recently charged in connection with a terrorism-linked offence. The group’s appearance has drawn comment from national figures, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer deeming their set “not appropriate” and critics questioning the BBC’s decision to stream the performance. Yet, Kneecap have maintained a robust following, drawing large crowds during court appearances and festival sets alike.
Beyond the music, organiser Emily Eavis has highlighted new festival changes in recent interviews. This year, the Shangri-La area will take on a greener feel, packed with trees and green spaces—marking a notable departure from the area’s typical urban aesthetic. To improve safety and comfort, the festival has also slightly reduced ticket sales, reportedly issuing several thousand fewer passes than previous years, in hopes of preventing overcrowding.
Saturday night will also shine a spotlight on alternative pop star Charli XCX, who will deliver tracks from her acclaimed sixth album, *Brat*, while the US rapper Doechii headlines nearby. Other highly anticipated performances include indie favourites Wet Leg, jazz innovators Ezra Collective, emerging sensation Lola Young, and pop singer Raye among a host of international talents. Some acts are still shrouded in mystery, with “TBA” listings on the schedule and the enigmatic Patchwork set to perform on the Pyramid Stage.
Embracing modern technology, the BBC has expanded its streaming coverage, promising live broadcasts from the festival’s five main stages: Pyramid, Other, West Holts, Woodsies and The Park. Fans across the UK and further afield can tune in, making Glastonbury’s spirit more accessible than ever.
The festival’s opening night will be capped by a special theatre and circus showcase at the Pyramid Arena, featuring acrobatic feats and a dazzling fireworks display certain to kick off proceedings in style.
With spirits high and a packed schedule ahead, Glastonbury’s gates are officially open, marking the beginning of another unforgettable chapter for the world-famous festival.