Entertainment

Glastonbury: Gates open to festival – but rain could be on the way

Glastonbury: Gates open to festival - but rain could be on the way

The gates to this year’s Glastonbury Festival have opened – with revellers scrambling to find the best camping spots.

A brass band played as organiser Emily Eavis led the countdown for the start of the world-famous music event.

However, arriving alongside the army of campers at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset, could be scattered showers, forecasters warn.

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Emily Eavis opens the gates on the first day of the world-famous event. Pic: PA

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Pic: PA

Festival-goers have been told to expect “mostly warm, dry and settled” weather for the next five days.

But scattered showers could begin from day one and last until the end of the weekend, according to the Met Office.

As in previous years, there will be no amplified entertainment on Wednesday, with the main music stages not kicking off until Friday.

This year’s headliners include pop star Dua Lipa, British rock band Coldplay, and American singer-songwriter SZA, while Canadian country star Shania Twain will play the coveted legends slot.

Other attractions at the 900-acre festival include speeches, film screenings and Q&As, circus performances and comedy sets.

People queue for entry on the first day of the Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in Somerset. Picture date: Wednesday June 26, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story SHOWBIZ Glastonbury. Photo credit should read: Yui Mok/PA Wire
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Festival-goers queue for entry on the first day. Pic: PA

People queue for entry on the first day of the Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in Somerset. Picture date: Wednesday June 26, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story SHOWBIZ Glastonbury. Photo credit should read: Yui Mok/PA Wire
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Pic: PA

Rock band Squeeze open the Pyramid Stage on Friday at midday, followed by rising star Olivia Dean, K-pop group Seventeen and singer Paul Heaton.

Later, PJ Harvey and LCD Soundsystem will warm up for Dua Lipa ahead of her main stage debut.

The 28-year-old star is expected to treat revellers to a selection of her hit songs, including Houdini and Training Season from her third studio album, Radical Optimism, released earlier this year.

On Saturday, the main stage will welcome Nigerian stars Femi Kuti and Ayra Starr, followed by US ’80s chart-topper Cyndi Lauper and rock band Keane.

Mercury Prize winner Michael Kiwanuka and British rapper Little Simz will play in the evening before Coldplay top the bill.

It will be the band’s first appearance since 2016 – making them the first act to headline Glastonbury five times.

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Campers are well-prepared for the five-day festival. Pic: PA

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Pic: PA

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Pic: PA

The main stage on the final day will open with a performance by Interlinked Ballet, with Seasick Steve and Paloma Faith set to play in the afternoon.

They will be followed by Twain, who is expected to play her hits including Man! I Feel Like A Woman!, You’re Still The One and That Don’t Impress Me Much.

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The sun is out, but showers are forecast. Pic: PA

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Pic: PA

The country star follows in the footsteps of artists such as Dolly Parton, Kylie Minogue and Diana Ross in the prestigious slot.

US singer and actress Janelle Monae and Nigerian singer Burna Boy will take over for the evening session before SZA closes out the Pyramid Stage with her hits including Saturn and Kill Bill.

The US singer, real name Solana Imani Rowe, who was named international artist of the year at the Brit Awards in March, will be making her festival debut this year.

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A number of spots across the schedule have been left as “TBA”, including a space at 6pm on Saturday on the Woodsies stage.

In previous years, acts such as the Foo Fighters, The Killers and Radiohead have surprised festival-goers in these secret slots.

The festival will also pay tribute to DJ Annie Nightingale, the first female presenter on BBC Radio 1, who died in January at the age of 83.