Glastonbury 2023 – live: Trump flags spotted in the crowd as festival gets fully underway
Glastonbury Festival has officially kicked off. As part of the early festivities on Wednesday night (21 June), thousands of music fans were welcomed to Worthy Farm by a large fireworks display and burning of the Phoenix ceremony.
Over the next four days, revellers will see headliners Arctic Monkeys, Guns N’ Roses, and Elton John, along with hundreds of other artists.
Arctic Monkeys’ set is currently 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, sounds confident the performance will go ahead. 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 last night.
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
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”?
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.
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?
Elton John will bring on ‘four collaborators’ at his Glastonbury headline show
Thursday 22 June 2023 09:26 , 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
Glastonbury 2023 banned items list
Thursday 22 June 2023 08:30 , 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.
Watch: Downpour drenches Glastonbury revellers on opening day of festival
Thursday 22 June 2023 08:10 , Peony Hirwani
In pictures: Glastonbury festival day one
Thursday 22 June 2023 07:50 , Peony Hirwani
In pictures: Burning of the Phoenix ceremony at Glastonbury on Wednesday night
Thursday 22 June 2023 07:30 , Peony Hirwani
#glastonbury2023 pic.twitter.com/ZgDw3qYkAa
— Pablo (@Pablo_Lpl4) June 21, 2023
That communal feeling and extraordinary experience at the opening ceremony fireworks and burning of the phoenix... 🔥🎇🎆
- - -
📍#Glastonbury #Glasto
🏷#GlastoMoments
📹Gema Diaz pic.twitter.com/jfljZWd1bh— Glasto Fest Feed (@GlastoFestFeed) May 9, 2022
Fireworks lit up the Glastonbury sky on Wednesday night
Thursday 22 June 2023 07:12 , Peony Hirwani
Fireworks looking epic from The Other Stage. RRG pic.twitter.com/1z2FNhgLiv
— Glastonbury Live (@GlastoLive) June 21, 2023
Cracking fireworks! CS pic.twitter.com/Gy3gYSPzJr
— Glastonbury Live (@GlastoLive) June 21, 2023
Footage of Glastonbury captured from a hot air balloon 3000ft above ground
Thursday 22 June 2023 06:50 , Peony Hirwani
The next time someone asks you "How big is #Glastonbury?", a good way to try and start explaining the magnitude of the place would be to show them this clip of the Festival site captured from a hot air balloon 3000ft high in the sky... 🎈🪂🤯
🐦 #BirdsEyeView
📹 @Fly_AwayBalloon pic.twitter.com/lXVApWibK9— Glasto Fest Feed (@GlastoFestFeed) June 21, 2023
The Pretenders announce secret show at Glastonbury
Thursday 22 June 2023 06:30 , Peony Hirwani
The Pretenders have been announced as one of Glastonbury’s secret set holders.
Each year, the legendary Somerset-based festival keeps a number of its line-up slots blank to add a little extra excitement for ticketholders.
On Tuesday (20 June) evening, The Pretenders revealed they would be performing on Saturday, 19:45 BST, at The Park Stage. The band also teased some special guests though their identities were not disclosed.
Read more:
Glastonbury announces major rock band as secret set act
Wizkid will be the first Afrobeats artist to headline Glastonbury Festival this Friday (23 June).
Thursday 22 June 2023 06:15 , Peony Hirwani
In pictures: Glastonbury Festival day one
Thursday 22 June 2023 06:00 , Peony Hirwani
Here’s what a Glastonbury sunset looks like
Thursday 22 June 2023 05:30 , Peony Hirwani
A Glastonbury sunset ❤️ #Glasto #Glastonbury pic.twitter.com/sQGL8yn55e
— Martin Roberts (@TVMartinRoberts) June 21, 2023
Everything you need to know about Elton John’s first Glastonbury show and last ever UK gig
Thursday 22 June 2023 05:10 , Tom Murray
Everything know about Elton John’s first Glastonbury show and last ever UK gig
6 hacks for handling the heatwave at a festival
Thursday 22 June 2023 04:11 , Tom Murray
6 hacks for handling the heatwave at a festival
The 7 most brutal set clashes at Glastonbury 2023
Thursday 22 June 2023 03:15 , Tom Murray
The 7 most brutal set clashes at Glastonbury 2023
Expert tips on how to survive festival sleep deprivation as Glastonbury kicks off
Thursday 22 June 2023 02:12 , Tom Murray
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.
Glastonbury weather: A day-by-day guide to Worthy Farm forecast
Thursday 22 June 2023 01:12 , Tom Murray
A day-by-day guide to the weather forecast for Glastonbury Festival
Elton John teases surprise guests and ‘brand new’ show ahead of Glastonbury headline performance
Thursday 22 June 2023 00:13 , Tom Murray
Elton John has dropped hints about his forthcoming headline performance at Glastonbury Festival.
Read more:
Elton John teases surprise guests and ‘brand new’ show for Glastonbury
How to get tickets for Glastonbury 2024
Wednesday 21 June 2023 23:15 , Tom Murray
If you missed out on Glastonbury tickets this year, here’s how you can be in with a chance of securing them in 2024.
How to get tickets for Glastonbury 2024
What happened with the cancelled Jeremy Corbyn film?
Wednesday 21 June 2023 22:24 , Tom Murray
Many people are incensed over the festival’s decision to cancel a screening of a film about former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.
Titled Oh, Jeremy Corbyn: The Big Lie and produced by Platform Films, the film was due to be shown at the arts festival’s Pilton Palais cinema on Sunday (25 June).
The film aims to challenge accusations of antisemitism made against Corbyn throughout his political career, claiming to “explore a dark and murky story of political deceit and outrageous antisemitic smears”.
However, after the Board of Deputies of British Jews (BDBJ) expressed “deep concern” over the film, Glastonbury announced on Monday (19 June) that Oh, Jeremy Corbyn would no longer be screened at the event.
Read more:
Glastonbury cancels screening of Jeremy Corbyn film booked ‘in good faith’
Watch: The moment Emily Eavis opens gates for 2023 Glastonbury Festival
Wednesday 21 June 2023 21:37 , Tom Murray
Home Office responds after immigration enforcement officers spotted at Castle Cary station
Wednesday 21 June 2023 20:02 , Tom Murray
The Home Office has issued a statement after festivalgoers spotted and criticised the presence of immigration enforcement officers at Castle Cary station near the site of Glastonbury Festival.
“A multi-agency operation took place at Castle Cary, jointly led by Immigration Enforcement and British Transport Police, to tackle gangs who use the railway to transport gang members and vulnerable persons, including foreign nationals who may be in the UK illegally, to run criminal operations,” a Home Office spokesperson explained.
The festival previously told The Independent that it was “not responsible” for any policing outside the site of the festival itself.
What Glastonbury looks like from above
Wednesday 21 June 2023 19:47 , Tom Murray
It’s hard to really capture the full scale of Glastonbury. This bird’s eye perspective captured by a hot air balloon does a pretty good job, though.
The next time someone asks you "How big is #Glastonbury?", a good way to try and start explaining the magnitude of the place would be to show them this clip of the Festival site captured from a hot air balloon 3000ft high in the sky... 🎈🪂🤯
🐦 #BirdsEyeView
📹 @Fly_AwayBalloon pic.twitter.com/lXVApWibK9— Glasto Fest Feed (@GlastoFestFeed) June 21, 2023
Full line up and stage times
Wednesday 21 June 2023 19:02 , Tom Murray
Feeling overwhelmed? Fear not: we’ve broken down all the timings, days, stages and artists to help you figure out the best plan of action.
Watch: Domino’s trials jet suit pizza delivery at Glastonbury
Wednesday 21 June 2023 18:13 , Tom Murray
Glastonbury secret sets 2023: All the rumours
Wednesday 21 June 2023 17:30 , Nicole Vassell
Though festival-goers might plan their Glastonbury itinerary to a T as soon as the set times are revealed, each year there is always room for surprises with the traditional secret sets.
Announced with short notice once the festival is underway, secret sets inject an additional element of mystery and excitement into the weekend.
Past secret sets have seen the likes of Lady Gaga, Franz Ferdinand and George Ezra perform.
Megan Graye has the scoop on who is rumoured to make a surprise appearance this year:
Glastonbury secret sets 2023: Rumours and how to find out who will play
Wednesday 21 June 2023 17:00 , Nicole Vassell
Note to those travelling to Glastonbury by train – try not to take up seats with your bags, it does not make you many friends...
The train is standing-room-only and these pricks are using seats for their stuff. Bellends. #glastonbury pic.twitter.com/WLev5itj43
— Marc Burrows (@20thcenturymarc) June 21, 2023
Glastonbury Festival ‘not responsible’ for immigration officers at Castle Cary station
Wednesday 21 June 2023 16:41 , Nicole Vassell
Glastonbury Festival has responded to today’s reports of immigration enforcement officers “monitoring for adverse reactions” at Castle Cary station, near the site.
A statement to The Independent said: “We are not responsible for – or in any way involved with – policing / enforcement away from the Festival site.”
Big Joanie star speaks out against immigration officers near site
Wednesday 21 June 2023 16:15 , Nicole Vassell
A member of the Black feminist punk band Big Joanie has spoken out against the presence of immigration enforcement officers near the Glastonbury Festival site.
The band will perform on the Leftfield stage on Saturday afternoon. On Wednesday, Chardine Taylor-Stone, a writer, activist and the band’s drummer, tweeted in response to reports of officers looking for “adverse reactions” among the crowd.
“I’m super proud to be playing @glastonbury a 2nd time on the Leftfield stage but hearing that Immigration cops are questioning festival goers is alarming,” she wrote.
“Ppl [people] of colour led bands and attendees will be a target. How does it chime with Glasto’s ethos and move to encourage diversity?”
The Independent understands that the officers have not questioned anyone, but confirmed they were looking for “adverse reactions”, which would give them justification to approach people.
The Home Office and Glastonbury’s press team have been contacted for comment.
I’m super proud to be playing @glastonbury a 2nd time on the Leftfield stage but hearing that Immigration cops are questioning festival goers is alarming. Ppl of colour led bands and attendees will be a target. How does it chime with Glastos ethos and move to encourage diversity? https://t.co/fgQTI64M0w
— Chardine Taylor Stone (@ChardineTaylor) June 21, 2023
Massive Attack highlight extra train services to Glastonbury
Wednesday 21 June 2023 15:46 , Nicole Vassell
Massive Attack have praised Glastonbury and Great Western Railway for providing additional routes to the campsite.
The trip-hop collective, formed in Bristol in the 1980s, shared a picture of a train departures board with a route to Castle Cary on Wednesday afternoon.
Castle Cary station is a 25 to 30-minute drive from the main campsite.
“Great to see @GWRHelp & @glastonbury providing an additional 39 trains - serving 26k festival go-ers into the site, marking a 58% carbon emissions reductions for each journey,” reads a tweet from the band’s official account.
“They also provide free shuttle services to the festival. #ClimateEmergency.”
Great to see @GWRHelp & @glastonbury providing an additional 39 trains - serving 26k festival go-ers into the site, marking a 58% carbon emissions reductions for each journey. They also provide free shuttle services to the festival. #ClimateEmergency pic.twitter.com/FL2ie6wXHv
— Massive Attack (@MassiveAttackUK) June 21, 2023
Check out an aerial view of the Glastonbury festival site!
Wednesday 21 June 2023 15:00 , Roisin O'Connor
This never fails to make our jaws drop:
The next time someone asks you "How big is #Glastonbury?", a good way to try and start explaining the magnitude of the place would be to show them this clip of the Festival site captured from a hot air balloon 3000ft high in the sky... 🎈🪂🤯
🐦 #BirdsEyeView
📹 @Fly_AwayBalloon pic.twitter.com/lXVApWibK9— Glasto Fest Feed (@GlastoFestFeed) June 21, 2023
Immigration enforcement officers spotted at Castle Cary station near Glastonbury Festival site
Wednesday 21 June 2023 14:48 , Roisin O’Connor
Immigration enforcement officers were spotted outside Castle Cary station on the first day of Glastonbury Festival (Wednesday 21 June), where festival-goers are arriving before heading to the main site.
The Independent understands that one of the officers told a member of the public that they were monitoring crowds for “adverse reactions”, which would form a basis for questioning people.
Griff Ferris, festival-goer, told my colleague, Home Affairs Correspondent Lizzie Dearden: “It was bizarre seeing the two of them there. I asked them what they were doing and they said they were here monitoring for adverse reactions to them.”
Mr Ferris said the officers confirmed that the “adverse reactions” would have given them justification to speak with people.
“I didn’t see them check anyone, but you have to walk past them,” he added. “It’s just really grim.
“There’s thousands of people coming through the station today and there’s a huge queue, and as you’re queueing to get your ticket checked they’re there.”
The Independent has contacted the Home Office and Glastonbury’s press team for comment.
Wednesday 21 June 2023 14:30 , Roisin O'Connor
Glastonbury Festival 2023 is officially underway, after co-organiser Emily Eavis opened the gates to Worthy Farm.
Music fans are busy setting up camp as they prepare to watch this year’s headliners, Arctic Monkeys, Guns N’ Roses and Elton John, at the annual event in Somerset. Other acts on the line-up include Lizzo, Lana Del Rey, Lewis Capaldi, Texas and Kelis.
The gates to the festival opened at 8am on Wednesday 21 June, and revellers are undoubtedly refreshing their weather apps to see what they can expect across the five days.
A day-by-day guide to the weather forecast for Glastonbury Festival
How to get tickets for Glastonbury 2024
Wednesday 21 June 2023 14:00 , Roisin O'Connor
If you missed out on Glastonbury tickets this year, here’s how you can be in with a chance of securing them in 2024
How to get tickets for Glastonbury 2024
Elton John teases surprise guests and ‘brand new’ show ahead of Glastonbury headline performance
Wednesday 21 June 2023 13:45 , Peony Hirwani
Elton John has dropped hints about his forthcoming headline performance at Glastonbury Festival.
Read more:
Elton John teases surprise guests and ‘brand new’ show for Glastonbury
Glastonbury weather: A day-by-day guide to Worthy Farm forecast
Wednesday 21 June 2023 13:30 , Peony Hirwani
Glastonbury weather forecast – all the updates you need
Expert tips on how to survive festival sleep deprivation as Glastonbury kicks off
Wednesday 21 June 2023 13:15 , 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.
National Express goes electric for Glastonbury
Wednesday 21 June 2023 13:00 , Peony Hirwani
National Express has announced it will operate electric double-decker electric buses for this year’s Glastonbury Festival for the first time.
The operator has revealed festival attendees will be taken on the zero-emissions shuttle buses from Bristol to Worthy Farm for the UK’s largest music festival from 20-26 June.
Dharel Patel, the head of environment and sustainability at National Express UK said in a statement: “We’re pleased to be able to run these zero-emission buses for the very first time to Glastonbury, a festival which has always had sustainability at its very core.
“It’s encouraging to see that more and more people are ditching their cars and switching to environmentally-friendly public transport, which is why we continuously invest in upgrading our vehicles to the cleanest, most efficient fleet to help people make important sustainable choices when planning their travel.”
The 7 most brutal set clashes at Glastonbury 2023
Wednesday 21 June 2023 12:45 , Peony Hirwani
The 7 most brutal set clashes at Glastonbury 2023
Glastonbury 2023 lineup: Who is headlining this year’s music festival?
Wednesday 21 June 2023 12:00 , Peony Hirwani
Glastonbury 2023 lineup: Who is headlining this year’s music festival?
Footage of Glastonbury captured from a hot air balloon 3000ft above ground
Wednesday 21 June 2023 11:30 , Peony Hirwani
The next time someone asks you "How big is #Glastonbury?", a good way to try and start explaining the magnitude of the place would be to show them this clip of the Festival site captured from a hot air balloon 3000ft high in the sky... 🎈🪂🤯
🐦 #BirdsEyeView
📹 @Fly_AwayBalloon pic.twitter.com/lXVApWibK9— Glasto Fest Feed (@GlastoFestFeed) June 21, 2023
Wednesday 21 June 2023 11:15 , Peony Hirwani
Fans have spotted a Harry Styles graffiti at the Glastonbury Festival grounds prompting fans to wonder whether “As It Was” singer will make a surprise appearance on Friday.
Everything you need to know about Elton John’s first Glastonbury show and last ever UK gig
Wednesday 21 June 2023 11:00 , Peony Hirwani
Everything know about Elton John’s first Glastonbury show and last ever UK gig
Wednesday 21 June 2023 10:50 , Peony Hirwani
Here’s The Independent’s Ellie Harrison at the London office before heading off to Somerset to attend Glastonbury Festival 2023
In pictures: Glastonbury Festival day one
Wednesday 21 June 2023 10:40 , Peony Hirwani