The BBC will not air a live stream of Neil Young’s headline set at Glastonbury Festival on Saturday, the broadcaster has said.
The decision was made at the veteran artist’s request, a BBC statement said, adding: “Our plans, including those for our TV highlights shows and on-demand coverage, continue to be finalised right up to and during the festival.”
Glastonbury Festival 2025 is officially underway, with thousands of music fans flocking to Worthy Farm in Somerset to watch some of their favourite bands and artists perform.
The gates to Worthy Farm were opened by founder Michael Eavis and his daughter, festival co-organiser Emily Eavis, at 8am on Wednesday, ahead of the first headline performance from The 1975, which will take place on the Pyramid Stage on Friday.
Young will then headline on Saturday, ahead of Rod Stewart’s Legends Slot on Sunday afternoon and Olivia Rodrigo’s own headline performance on Sunday evening.
Hundreds of other performances will take place across the week, including from Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap, British pop stars Charli XCX and RAYE, Grammy-winning rapper Doechii, pop singer Gracie Abrams, rock bands Wolf Alice, The Libertines and Wet Leg.
Follow live updates below.
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Glastonbury 2025 key points
- BBC confirms it will not livestream Neil Young's headline performance
- The Glastonbury 2025 map, including the Pyramid Stage and Healing Fields
- Denise Welch shares message for her son, The 1975 frontman Matty Healy, ahead of Glastonbury headline slot
- Who are Patchwork? Glastonbury fans speculate over mystery band
- BBC shares statement on Kneecap’s Glastonbury set after Keir Starmer objections
‘Send them to Mars’: Glastonbury installation takes aim at Elon Musk
21:32
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Roisin O'Connor
BREAKING: BBC will not broadcast Neil Young's headline set
19:15
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Roisin O'Connor
“On Saturday on BBC iPlayer, our Glastonbury Channel and five streams for the main stages will bring a range of live performances to audiences,” a new BBC statement says.
“At the artist’s request, we won’t be live streaming Neil Young’s set. Our plans, including those for our TV highlights shows and on-demand coverage, continue to be finalised right up to and during the festival.”
How much does Glastonbury pay artists to perform at the festival?
19:01
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Roisin O'Connor
BBC shares statement on Kneecap’s Glastonbury set after Keir Starmer objections
19:01
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Roisin O'Connor
The BBC has issued a statement on whether the broadcaster will air Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap’s scheduled performance at Glastonbury Festival this week.
Kneecap will take to the West Holts stage at Worthy Farm on Saturday 28 June at 4pm, despite objections from figures including prime minister Keir Starmer, who said their performance would not be “appropriate”.
Full story:
Glastonbury 2025 full lineup, set times and clashfinder for each stage
18:01
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Roisin O'Connor
Andrew Garfield has a lively audience at the Pilton Palais
17:24
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Adam White
“This is the best place in the world to be,” Andrew Garfield tells his audience, to screams of “take your shirt off”.
Apparently he’s here with old school friends, and recalls once almost soiling himself at Glastonbury at 4am on a Monday morning in 2002 because he partied that touch too hard.
“It was a short-lived experience for me, I genuinely didn’t believe I’d make it to the beautiful porta potty. Still remains one of the best nights of my life,” Garfield said.
Haim have evolved on muscular summer album I Quit, but could have dared to abandon more
16:01
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Roisin O'Connor
Amid rumours that Haim are the mystery band “Patchwork” performing on the Pyramid Stage on Saturday, here’s our review of their new album, I Quit.
Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis’ message to those who disagree with festival’s politics
15:02
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Roisin O'Connor
Glastonbury Festival founder Sir Michael Eavis stated that those who disagree with the event's political leanings "can go somewhere else."
His remarks came as the iconic festival opened its gates on Wednesday morning, with Sir Michael, 89, and his daughter, organiser Emily Eavis, seen counting down and cheering as a brass band played.
The festival has long been characterised by its strong political undercurrent, with dedicated stages such as Left Field and Green Fields’ Speakers Forum regularly hosting politicians, pundits, and celebrities to discuss a wide array of topics, from feminism to fascism.
Glastonbury 2025 full lineup, set times and clashfinder for each stage
14:31
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Roisin O'Connor
PICTURES: Jack Cullen arrives at Glastonbury after 650-mile cycle
14:01
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Roisin O'Connor
British singer-songwriter Jack Cullen arrives on a bike at the Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in Somerset, after cycling over 650 miles from Edinburgh to Somerset, performing in pub gardens, saunas, kitchens and run clubs across the country en route. He will perform on the Wishing Well Stage on Sunday at the festival.
When is Glastonbury’s next fallow year and when will 2027 tickets go on sale?
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Roisin O'Connor
Glastonbury Festival is taking place this week, where thousands of music fans will flock to Worthy Farm in Somerset to see acts including Neil Young, Olivia Rodrigo and The 1975.
It has been confirmed that 2026 will mark the festival’s traditional fallow year, which is held once every five years in order to allow the farmland site to recover.
Glastonbury is held on a working dairy farm, the 900 acres of which is home to the farm’s herds of cows while the festival is not taking place.
Fallow years were most recently held in 2012 and 2018; Glastonbury also had to take two years off during the Covid pandemic in 2020 and 2021.
Speaking to the Glastonbury Free Press last year, organiser Emily Eavis said: “We’re taking a fallow year in 2026 to give the land a rest, and the festival before a fallow year is always a fun one to plan because you almost have to fit two years in one.”
Full story:
Michael Eavis speaks out on Glastonbury's politics
13:06
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Roisin O'Connor
Glastonbury Festival founder Sir Michael Eavis has said people who do not agree with the politics of the event “can go somewhere else”.
Sir Michael, 89, and his daughter, organiser Emily Eavis, opened the gates to the festival on Wednesday morning and could be seen counting down and cheering as a brass band played.
The festival has always had a political element to it with stages such as Left Field and Green Fields' Speakers Forum welcoming politicians, pundits and celebrities to speak on topics that range from feminism to fascism.
Asked if the event still stands for something, Sir Michael told Glastonbury Free Press, the festival's resident newspaper: “Oh heaven's above, yes, of course it does.
”And I think the people that come here are into all those things. People that don't agree with the politics of the event can go somewhere else!“
Sir Michael, who has used a wheelchair to get around the festival in recent years, said he still gets ”really excited“ for the five-day celebration of performing arts and music, though he can ”no longer run around like I used to“.
He told the paper: ”I still take a lot of pleasure from all of it. I'm enjoying every day.
“And Emily is doing so well. I'm just feeling really safe with the show being in her hands.”
Glastonbury 2025 full lineup, set times and clashfinder for each stage
13:01
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Roisin O'Connor
Wondering what time your favourite acts are playing? Here’s the full Glastonbury schedule, including set times for each stage:
How much does Glastonbury pay artists to perform at the festival?
12:52
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Roisin O'Connor
As the festival returns to Worthy Farm, so too does the curiosity around how much organisers pay for performances on its biggest stages.
'Important message' incoming from Kneecap
12:34
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Roisin O'Connor
The 22 greatest Glastonbury performances ever, ranked
12:30
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Roisin O'Connor
BBC shares statement on Kneecap’s Glastonbury set after Keir Starmer objections
12:12
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Roisin O'Connor
Divisive hip-hop trio will take to the West Holts stage after being dubbed ‘inappropriate’ by the prime minister
PICTURES: Day two at Glastonbury
12:01
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Roisin O'Connor
Revellers are continuing to pour through the gates at Worthy Farm, many of whom have thrown on some waterproofs as it seems we’re getting a spot of rain today.
The BBC's statement on Kneecap
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Roisin O'Connor
When asked whether the BBC was planning on broadcasting Kneecap’s performance live, a spokesperson told me:
“As the broadcast partner, the BBC will be bringing audiences extensive music coverage from Glastonbury, with artists booked by the festival organisers. Whilst the BBC doesn’t ban artists, our plans will ensure that our programming will meet our editorial guidelines. Decisions about our output will be made in the lead up to the festival.”
Glastonbury organiser says Irish band Kneecap ‘welcome’
11:31
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Roisin O'Connor
There’s plenty of buzz surrounding the upcoming performance by Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap at Glastonbury this week.
Bandmate Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, 27, of Belfast, was charged with a terrorism offence under the name Liam O’Hanna after allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at a London show last year.
The band – who have publicly spoken out against Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza – recently called the terrorism charge a “distraction”.
Some, including Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, have since called for the band to be pulled from the festival. Prime minister Keir Starmer said this week that their performance would not be “appropriate”.
Glastonbury co-organiser Emily Eavis has now offered her stance on the ongoing debate about the band’s scheduled performance this week.
My colleague Maira Butt reports:
BBC response to Neil Young's headline show broadcast
11:04
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Roisin O'Connor
The BBC have got back to me on Neil Young’s headline show, somewhat vague...
“We aim to bring audiences as many performances as possible from the Pyramid Stage, and our schedules and plans continue to be finalised, right up to and during the festival.”
Urgent warning issued for anyone buying last-minute Glastonbury Festival and Oasis tour tickets
11:01
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Roisin O'Connor
Music fans are being urged to exercise extreme caution when purchasing last-minute tickets online, as new figures reveal a staggering £1.6 million was lost to concert ticket fraud last year.
Full story:
‘Someone stole my wellies!’: Glastonbury’s five muddiest years
10:31
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Roisin O'Connor
Mud, lightning, thunder, rain and more mud! The years that bad weather took over Britain’s biggest festival
From Kneecap to Jeremy Corbyn: A brief history of politics at Glastonbury Festival
10:01
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Roisin O'Connor
Glastonbury Festival is no stranger to a political debate, having hosted its fair share of MPs and other public figures over the decades.
This year, however, could be particularly eventful due to the scheduled performance of Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap, whose show will go ahead in spite of objections from figures including UK prime minister Keir Starmer.
Kneecap member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, 27, of Belfast, has been charged under the name Liam O’Hanna after allegedly displaying a flag in support of proscribed terrorist organisation Hezbollah at a London show last year.
The band – who have publicly spoken out against Israel’s military campaign in Gaza – recently called the terrorism charge a “distraction”. In a previous statement, Kneecap said: “Let us be unequivocal: we do not, and have never, supported Hamas or Hezbollah.”
Here’s a brief history of politics at Glastonbury:
Giant boombox toilet designed by Rod Stewart unveiled at Glastonbury
09:34
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Roisin O'Connor
A giant boombox-shaped toilet, co-designed by Sir Rod Stewart, has been unveiled at Glastonbury Festival.
WaterAid's Boombox Bog houses a toilet that sits behind the tape deck of a giant blue boombox decorated with leopard print, a pattern often worn by Sir Rod.
The veteran rockstar, 80, will perform in front of thousands of music fans on Sunday when he plays the coveted tea-time legends slot on the Pyramid Stage, which sits nearby to the toilet.
The Maggie May singer said: “I've spent my life singing to packed arenas and festival crowds, but nothing hits a high note quite like clean water and a decent loo.
“They might not be sexy, but they're life-changing.
“That's why I've teamed up with WaterAid to bring our funky Boombox Bog to Glastonbury Festival and shine a light on the importance of these everyday essentials that millions still live without.
“Together, we're creating change that's gonna last forever.”
Festival-goers will be able to hear some of Sir Rod's hits from the Boombox Bog including Da Ya Think I'm Sexy? and Sailing while also listening to specially recorded water-themed messages from the singer.
The Glastonbury 2025 map, including the Pyramid Stage and Healing Fields
09:32
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Roisin O'Connor
Why you might not be able to watch Neil Young's headline set from home
09:08
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Roisin O'Connor
It’s looking doubtful that Neil Young’s headline set on Saturday night is going to be broadcast by the BBC.
While the corporation’s schedule states that it will be showing “some of the anticipated sets from the likes of The 1975, Rod Stewart, Olivia Rodrigo, RAYE, Charli XCX and many more”, Young’s name has been omitted from both its live and catch-up schedules.
Speaking to its entertainment correspondent Colin Patterson, organiser Emily Eavis apparently said she did not believe the BBC would show Young’s show in its coverage.
“I asked Emily Eavis, ‘What was going on?’, and she said she does not believe that Neil Young’s set will be broadcast by the BBC,” Patterson said.
“There’s been all kinds of backstage wrangling and negotiations, but as things currently stand, Neil Young’s headline set on Saturday night will not be broadcast by the BBC.”
The Independent has contacted the BBC for comment.
Young caused a furore last year after announcing that he had been set to perform at Glastonbury, but had pulled out due to creative differences.
“We were told that BBC was now a partner in Glastonbury and wanted us to do a lot of things in a way we were not interested in,” his statement said.
“It seems Glastonbury is now under corporate control and is not the way I remember it being… We will not be playing Glastonbury on this tour because it is a corporate turn-off, and not for me like it used to be.”
Days later, he made an about turn and declared the whole thing to be a misunderstanding: “Due to an error in the information received, I had decided to not play the Glastonbury festival, which I always have loved,” he said.
“Happily, the festival is now back on our itinerary and we look forward to playing! Hope to see you there!”
Well, you’ll see Neil if you’re actually at the festival. Perhaps not if you’re watching from home.
Denise Welch shares message for her son, The 1975 frontman Matty Healy, ahead of Glastonbury headline slot
09:02
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Roisin O'Connor
Chunky trainers, vintage sportswear, and brat shorts: What to wear at Glastonbury 2025
08:46
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Roisin O'Connor
Glastonbury organiser says Irish band Kneecap ‘welcome’ despite Keir Starmer objections
08:32
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Roisin O'Connor
Glastonbury co-organiser Emily Eavis has offered her stance on the ongoing debate about Irish trio Kneecap’s scheduled performance at Glastonbury Festival this week.
VIDEO: The moment the gates to Glastonbury 2025 open
08:16
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Roisin O'Connor
The 22 greatest Glastonbury performances ever, ranked
08:01
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Roisin O'Connor
A 40-minute blast of pure, undiluted zeitgeist. A gigantic crowd stretching away over hill and vale. A generation’s prejudices and expectations overturned like a flick of dust off the shoulder. A setlist chiselled into quicksilver by Zeus and carried to the stage by a choir of winged roadies. Or maybe just the Dalai Lama, blowing out the candles on a birthday cake.
These are just a few of the reasons why a gig playing out on the hallowed grounds of Worthy Farm might go down in Glastonbury folklore – one of those iconic moments that don’t just make the weekend, but mark out the evolution of pop culture. Glastonbury is where musical history is made and cultural colossi are crowned on a near-annual basis.
As the world’s greatest music festival returns, headlined this year by The 1975, Olivia Rodrigo and Neil Young, here’s a look back at the best ever Glastonbury performances.
The uncomfortable truth about Glastonbury
07:31
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Roisin O'Connor
Some bands can take the hit of losing money to perform, but everyone else, from bookers to production staff to acts being asked to work bar shifts, is being short-changed, writes Oliver Keens, and it threatens to taint the reputation of a national institution.
Who are Patchwork? Glastonbury fans speculate over mystery band
Wednesday 25 June 2025 21:01
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Roisin O'Connor
Glastonbury Festival is taking place this week and, as usual, a number of new artists have been added to the main stages.
In a prime slot on Saturday at 6.15pm on the Pyramid Stage, following a set by John Fogerty and arriving before RAYE and headliner Neil Young, is an act called Patchwork.
Here’s what we know...
Can you headline our ultimate Glastonbury quiz? Put your Worthy Farm knowledge to the test
Wednesday 25 June 2025 19:52
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Roisin O'Connor
