Once the calendar ticks over in to the month of June, the countdown begins properly for the UK’s annual premier music festival at Glastonbury.

This year’s entertainment will run from Wednesday 25 June to Sunday 29 June when over 200,000 people will descend on the peaceful 1500 acres of Worthy Farm in Somerset and transform it into one of the largest outdoor festivals in the world.

Festival organisers have announced British band The 1975, rock legend Neil Young and US pop star Olivia Rodrigo will be the headlining acts this summer.

Also eagerly anticipated is the performance of Rod Stewart who will be taking up the  “legend slot” on the Sunday afternoon, some 23 years after his last appearance at the site.

Tickets went on sale at the end of last year and sold out in less than 40 minutes.

Value for money?

With more than 80 stages, the five-day event aims to bring the best of contemporary music and artistic expression, although it is an expensive experience, with tickets costing an eye-watering £373.

Hopes are high for an even better few days than the 2024 edition, which saw the likes of Dua Lipa and Coldplay deliver fabulous sets.

Huge performances expected

This year, The 1975 hope to bring one of their strongest performances as a headline act, with frontman Matty Healy declaring “It’s such a big gig, and it’s the only show that we’re playing this year, as we thought doing it in isolation would be a really powerful thing.”

Olivia Rodrigo will become the second-youngest headliner of all time, only behind Billie Eilish, who was 20 when she topped the bill in 2022.

Just as Eilish did, the 22-year-old will play the Pyramid Stage with just two albums to her name, however, she has already established a reputation as an extremely accomplished live performer.

Could be last opportunity

Following in the footsteps of the likes of: Dolly Parton, Shania Twain and Kylie Minogue, one of the best-selling artists of all time will take to the stage for the coveted Sunday teatime slot, which always draws one of the biggest crowds of the festival.

Sir Rod Stewart might be 79-years-old now, but he still knows how to put on a set and his appearance will see him become the first person to have headlined the event and been given legends billing.

He has recently announced his intention to stop playing “large-scale world tours” at the end of this year, so for many it could be a last chance to see him perform live.

Line-ups looking incredible

Other well known acts to catch include: Charli XCX, The Libertines, and The Prodigy; whilst there are debuts from Alanis Morisette, Gracie Abrams and Doechii.

There is still time for some tinkering, but with just a matter of weeks to go the three days each have incredible line-ups.

Friday 27 June includes: The 1975; Loyle Carner; Biffy Clyro; Alanis Morissette; Busta Rhymes; Gracie Abrams; Wet Leg; En Vogue; Fatboy Slim; Floating Points; Franz Ferdinand; Lola Young; Self Esteem; Supergrass; and Wunderhorse.

Saturday 28 June includes: Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts; Charli XCX; Raye; Doechii; Ezra Collective; Beabadoobee; Beth Gibbons; Bob Vylan; Brandi Carlile; Gary Numan; Kaiser Chiefs; Kneecap; Nova Twins; Scissor Sisters; and The Script.

Sunday 29 June includes: Olivia Rodrigo; Rod Stewart; The Prodigy; Noah Kahan; Nile Rodgers & Chic; The Libertines; Celeste; Cymande; Girl In Red; Goat; Kae Tempest; Shaboozey; Snow Patrol; The Maccabees; and The Selecter.

Late huge surprise possible amongst the TBA’s?

This year, despite organisers declaring the full line-up and stage times, there are several slots listed just as TBA indicating some surprise acts likely to feature.

Rumours circulating are hinting at the likes of Haim and Pulp making an appearance, and some are even suggesting superstar performers such as Lady Gaga and Radiohead might show up, but they do seem a little optimistic.

“Unknown” band could be a giant act

Nevertheless, there is talk amongst those in the know that a massive band may emerge unannounced, due to the fact that an unknown band called “Patchwork” are billed on to appear on the main stage on Saturday afternoon.

A similar “unknown” band advertised as “ChurnUps” had people scratching their heads at the 2023 Festival and they turned out to be… the Foo Fighters.