Glastonbury gates hurled open by founder after pandemic hiatus
London, Jun 22 (EFE).- The founder of the iconic Glastonbury music festival officially threw open the doors to the famed British event Wednesday for the first time in three years.
Michael Eavis, 86, and his daughter and festival co-organizer, Emily, welcomed revelers for the event’s 50th-anniversary edition as Great Britain also grappled with reduced travel services due to the largest train strike in 30 years.
The last Glastonbury festival last took place in 2019 before it was put on hold for two editions due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4, festival host Jo Whiley highlighted 80-year-old former Beatle Paul McCartney’s planned appearance on the main stage Saturday, where he will become the longest-serving headliner to play at the festival.
Whiley described Glastonbury as the “ultimate festival.”
The host added that “it’s a celebration of all the arts and it’s all about the human experience.”
Festival-goers lined up outside the venue for several hours before the doors officially opened Wednesday morning at 7:00 GMT.
Summer temperatures are expected to reach 27C (80.6F), although a downpour has not been ruled out.
The music event’s famed Pyramid stage will this year feature performances from Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar and the legendary Diana Ross.
Over 80 artists and groups will take part and other highlights include Foals, Lorde, High Flying Birds (featuring Noel Gallagher), Olivia Rodrigo, Wolf Alice and Years & Years.
Eilish, who will take to the stage Friday, will become the youngest solo artist to perform at Glastonbury.
Organizers have tried to bridge all generations by showcasing a vast range of performers such as emerging artists Arlo Parks, Doja Cat, Easy Life, Fontaines DC and Griff, who will be joined by stalwarts like the Pet Shop Boys, Crowded House, Primal Scream and Supergrass. EFE
prc/ch/jt
