**Sir Michael Eavis: Glastonbury Stands Firm on Its Political Values**
As the renowned Glastonbury Festival returned to Worthy Farm this week, its founder Sir Michael Eavis was clear in his message: those who are uncomfortable with the event’s political ethos are free to look elsewhere. The 89-year-old, alongside his daughter and co-organiser Emily Eavis, was present at the festival site on Wednesday morning, enthusiastically leading the traditional countdown and welcoming attendees as a lively brass band performed.
Glastonbury has long distinguished itself not just as a music festival, but as a gathering with a basis in activism and debate. Its history is interwoven with social and political causes, featuring areas like Left Field and the Green Fields’ Speakers Forum, where issues from feminism to anti-fascism are explored in public discussions. Sir Michael underlined the festival’s unwavering commitment to its principles, telling the on-site Glastonbury Free Press: “Of course, it still means something. The people that attend believe in these things. If someone disagrees with the event’s politics, they’re welcome to go somewhere else.”
Despite mobility challenges in recent years, which have seen Sir Michael using a wheelchair to get around the sprawling festival grounds, his enthusiasm remains undiminished. “I still get a lot of joy from it all,” he commented. “I’m enjoying every single day.” He also expressed confidence in Emily Eavis’s stewardship, saying, “Emily is doing a fantastic job. I feel the festival is in safe hands with her.”
The festival’s schedule this year is packed with notable speakers and performances. Former footballer and television presenter Gary Lineker will be in attendance at the Silver Hayes area, taking part in a discussion panel about fostering unity in increasingly divisive times. Lineker emphasised the need for greater kindness and cooperation, noting, “Most of us are decent people, and a little more kindness would make a big difference in today’s world.”
As festivalgoers pitched their tents on Thursday, inclement weather greeted them, with heavy rain falling over Pilton. Nevertheless, forecasters were optimistic about the remainder of the festivities, predicting largely pleasant weather with afternoon sunshine and mild temperatures expected to reach the low to mid-20s Celsius. The Met Office anticipated a chance of showers overnight, but these are set to clear, making way for a brighter Friday and a promising outlook heading into the weekend.
This year’s line-up features an eclectic mix of international superstars and emerging artists. British band The 1975 will headline one of the main nights, joined by veteran rocker Neil Young and his group the Chrome Hearts, as well as US pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo. Sir Rod Stewart is slated to perform in the coveted Sunday teatime ‘legends’ slot, revealing plans to be joined by his former Faces bandmate Ronnie Wood and a selection of surprise guests, following a brief hiatus to recover from illness earlier this month.
However, not all acts have been free from controversy. Irish rap group Kneecap, for instance, has drawn considerable media attention after one member, Liam Og O hAnnaidh (performing as Mo Chara), was recently charged with a terrorism offence for allegedly displaying a flag supporting a banned organisation during a London concert. The group’s scheduled Saturday appearance has even prompted comment from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who labelled their presence at the festival “inappropriate”. Mo Chara was granted unconditional bail and awaits a subsequent court date in August.
Festival organisers have made a conscious effort to avoid overcrowding this year, selling several thousand fewer tickets compared to previous editions. Emily Eavis recently spoke on the Sidetracked podcast about further enhancements to the festival’s layout, particularly a transformation of the Shangri-La area into a greener, tree-filled space—departing from previous themes to prioritise atmosphere and environmental impact.
Attendees can look forward to a diverse array of performances beyond the main headliners. Charli XCX, alternative pop’s rising star, is among those tipped to draw significant crowds as she showcases tracks from her acclaimed new album ‘Brat’. The Other Stage will simultaneously welcome US rapper Doechii, whilst a variety of hotly anticipated acts—some listed as ‘to be announced’—promise further intrigue, including the enigmatic act Patchwork set to perform on Saturday.
For those not present at Worthy Farm, the BBC is streaming performances from the festival’s five main stages: Pyramid, Other, West Holts, Woodsies, and The Park, ensuring fans nationwide can join in the celebration of music, community, and the enduring spirit of Glastonbury.