Glastonbury Festival has returned, welcoming tens of thousands of attendees camping overnight to access Worthy Farm ahead of the official opening by Michael and Emily Eavis on Wednesday, June 25.
This year’s iconic Pyramid Stage will feature performances from The 1975, Neil Young, Chrome Hearts, and Olivia Rodrigo, with Rod Stewart stepping in for the Sunday legend’s slot. However, the main stage won’t officially open until Friday. In the meantime, smaller tents and venues will host more intimate gigs, creating a gradual build-up to the weekend’s festivities while adhering to Somerset Council’s strict guidelines.
Speaking to Nick Grimshaw on BBC Radio 6 Music during the festival opening, co-organiser Emily Eavis shared details about Wednesday’s opening ceremony. “We’re using a choir and some drummers, including the refugee choir, who will be scattered throughout the crowd,” she explained.
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Emily added, “We have incredible artists performing trapeze acts and other spectacular art forms. I don’t want to spoil the surprise, but it truly represents what the festival stands for. It’s not just about the big names and headlines — it’s about celebrating the arts in every form. Seeing a circus act in the Pyramid arena reminds you how magical the experience really is.”
Over the next five days, more than 200,000 visitors are expected to descend on Worthy Farm — approximately 200 times the population of Pilton, the small village that hosts the event.
“There were about 23,000 people here on Tuesday night — volunteers, workers — and the cheering was echoing through the valley. It really felt like the most joy-filled city in the UK for the next five days,” Emily said.
Noise complaints have long been a challenge for the festival and its neighbours; however, last year’s concerns dropped significantly with only 11 complaints recorded, compared to 41 the previous year, according to Somerset Council. Dave Coles, former head of regulatory services at Somerset Council, confirmed in a November meeting that the festival had not breached any licensing terms.
“The festival is closely monitored by our teams who respond to any complaints through 4am. Glastonbury also has consultants on site continuously, ensuring effective noise control,” he stated.
Despite these improvements, Emily and the organising team remain cautious, especially during rehearsals. She admitted on the BBC interview, “I was testing the drum sound from the back of the arena during rehearsal last night. Since it was Wednesday, no sound or noise is officially allowed — the council is very strict on this. Therefore, we’ve created a show designed to be enjoyed with minimum sound.”
Their dedication to maintaining strict noise guidelines demonstrates Glastonbury’s respect for both its community and its legacy, ensuring the festival can continue thriving in harmony with its surroundings.