Latest news with #EmilyEavis
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS Glastonbury bosses closes stage amid crowd crush fears as Kneecap prepare to perform
Glastonbury bosses have closed the stage where controversial Irish language rap group Kneecap are set to perform today amid crowd crush fears. The rap trio were due to take to the West Holts stage at 4pm on Saturday, just over a week after one of their members appeared in court on terror charges. But some 45 minutes before their set was to start organisers were forced to shut off entry to the area surrounding the stage as it was already rammed with festivalgoers. Despite organisers deploying extra precautions to prevent crowd crushing, insiders have told MailOnline Glastonbury bosses are concerned about instances of dangerous overcrowding. To tackle the festival-wide problem of overcrowding at stages, daughter of the co-founder Emily Eavis said they had sold 'a few thousand fewer tickets' and expanded the capacity of the stages. But a source close to the festival has told MailOnline: 'Crowd crushing is still a massive concern at Glastonbury, over the weekend there are several warnings that have been issued to workers to watch out for certain areas. 'The Woodsies stage is the biggest headache because they've misjudged acts like Lola Young and Lorde so it definitely was a bit touch and go on Friday.' The controversial Irish band, Kneecap, told fans to get to their set early on their Instagram because 'The crowd expected today is far greater than West Holts capacity.' On June 18 the rapper was cheered by hundreds of supporters as he arrived with bandmates Westminster Magistrates' Court in Free Mo Chara T-shirts. The group has defended their previous provocative performances as 'satirical' ahead of performing at Glastonbury, as the BBC confirmed it would not be livestreaming their set. Their performance will not be live-streamed but is likely to be made available later on iPlayer, the BBC has said. Senior Westminster politicians have criticised their participation in the popular music festival and called for them to be removed from the line-up, but festival bosses refused to do so. British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said he does not think it is 'appropriate' for Kneecap to perform at Glastonbury, while Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch said she thought the BBC 'should not be showing' Kneecap's performance. Kneecap member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, 27, appeared in court last week after being charged for allegedly displaying a flag in support of proscribed terrorist organisation Hezbollah while saying 'up Hamas, up Hezbollah' at a gig in November last year. The band were also criticised following footage of a November 2023 gig allegedly showing a member saying: 'The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.' He was released on unconditional bail until the next hearing at the same court on August 20. Ó hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, said the videos only resurfaced after Kneecap performed at Coachella in April, where they said 'F*** Israel. Free Palestine '. Mo Chara, along with bandmates Naoise Ó Caireallain (Móglaí Bap), and JJ Ó Dochartaigh (DJ Próvaí), have repeatedly argued controversy surrounding their performances is a distraction from the horrors endured by Palestinians amid Israel's war in Gaza. They said they are happy to lose income and clout in order to be 'on the right side of history', and said they hoped that 'being vocal and being unafraid' would encourage other bands to speak up on Palestine. Kemi Badenoch retweeted a post on X on Saturday criticising the BBC for saying it would likely put Kneecap's set on iPlayer Immediately before the set at Glastonbury on Saturday, artist Bob Vylan in the slot prior displayed a Palestine flag as he walked on stage. A BBC spokesperson said: 'As the broadcast partner, the BBC is bringing audiences extensive music coverage from Glastonbury, with artists booked by the festival organisers. 'While the BBC doesn't ban artists, our plans ensure that our programming meets our editorial guidelines. 'We don't always live-stream every act from the main stages and look to make an on-demand version of Kneecap's performance available on our digital platforms, alongside more than 90 other sets.' It is understood the BBC needs to consider the performance before making a final decision. The band said on Instagram: 'The propaganda wing of the regime has just contacted us.... 'They WILL put our set from Glastonbury today on the iPlayer later this evening for your viewing pleasure.' But the group's loyal fanbase was left fuming by the news the performance would not be livestreamed. One said: 'Kneecap not going to be broadcast live from the BBC today, Jesus wept.' A second added: 'If the BBC can't broadcast #Glastonbury2025 live, as the licence fee paying public expect, then it's time to give the broadcasting rights to a provider who will. #Kneecap.' Another fan said: 'So the same BBC that gives a platform for genocide apologists every week, unchallenged by their pathetic 'reporters' will heavily edit KNEECAP'S set today and only show you what they think is relevant.' A fourth said: 'By trying to ban Kneecap all people are doing is highlighting their message. I dont like Kneecap but this Glasto/BBC charade has been pathetic.' In an interview with The Guardian newspaper ahead of Glastonbury, Ó hAnnaidh defended their performances as 'satirical'. 'It's a joke. I'm a character. Shit is thrown on stage all the time. If I'm supposed to know every f****** thing that's thrown on stage I'd be in Mensa,' he said. 'I don't know every proscribed organisation - I've got enough s**t to worry about up there. I'm thinking about my next lyric, my next joke, the next drop of a beat.' Asked about the 'dead Tory' comments, he said it was 'a joke' and 'we're playing characters'. 'It's satirical, it's a f****** joke. And that's not the point,' he said. 'The point is, that (video) wasn't an issue until we said 'Free Palestine' at Coachella. That stuff happened 18 months ago, and nobody batted an eyelid. 'Everybody agreed it was a f****** joke, even people that may have been in the room that didn't agree - it's a laugh, we're all having a bit of craic. 'The point is, and the context is, it all (resurfaced) because of Coachella. That's what we should be questioning, not whether I regret things.' Ó hAnnaidh added: 'If you believe that what a satirical band who play characters on stage do is more outrageous than the murdering of innocent Palestinians, then you need to give your head a f****** wobble.' Conservative Party leader Ms Badenoch previously said she thought the BBC 'should not be showing' Kneecap's performance at the festival. She wrote in a post on X: 'The BBC should not be showing Kneecap propaganda. 'One Kneecap band member is currently on bail, charged under the Terrorism Act. 'As a publicly funded platform, the BBC should not be rewarding extremism.' Meanwhile in an interview with The Sun, Sir Keir was asked if he thought the trio should perform at Glastonbury, to which he replied: 'No, I don't, and I think we need to come down really clearly on this. 'This is about the threats that shouldn't be made, I won't say too much because there's a court case on, but I don't think that's appropriate.' Glastonbury founder Sir Michael Eavis this week defended the decision to keep Kneecap in the line-up. Asked if the festival 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!' Formed in 2017, the group are known for their provocative lyrics in both Irish and English. Their best-known tracks include Get Your Brits Out, Better Way To Live, featuring Grian Chatten from Fontaines DC, and 3Cag.
Wales Online
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Glastonbury cancelled for 2026 after Eavis family shared update
Glastonbury cancelled for 2026 after Eavis family shared update Glastonbury Festival has been 'cancelled' for 2026 after the Eavis family confirmed the iconic music event will not be happening next year People gather in front of the main Pyramid Stage during day five of Glastonbury Festival 2024 (Image: Getty Images ) Glastonbury Festival will take a break in 2026 after organisers confirmed next summer will mark one of its scheduled "fallow" years. The festival at Worthy Farm, Somerset, will pause to give the land a chance to recuperate following the influx of festival-goers. Speaking last year, organiser Emily Eavis, 44, daughter of founder Michael Eavis, 88, said: "(It will) give the land a rest. The festival before a fallow year is always a fun one to plan, because you almost have to fit two years into one." She added: "We're already in talks with some acts for it. It's exciting!" Glastonbury traditionally takes a break every five years, the last being in 2018, before making a comeback the following year. Acts performing this year include the British pop band The 1975, the veteran singer-songwriter Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts, and the US pop star Olivia Rodrigo, all headlining the Pyramid stage. Other notable performers include the Brat star Charli xcx, the rising rapper Doechii and the controversial Irish rap trio Kneecap – despite many calls from politicians, including the prime minister, Keir Starmer, for them to be removed from the bill. Article continues below Glastonbury Festival has sold "a few thousand less tickets" this year in a bid to avoid overcrowding, organiser Emily Eavis has said. The music festival usually has capacity for 210,000 people. Eavis, 45, outlined the changes that have been made to this year's festival and said music area Shangri-La is "going full trees and green space" which is "completely the opposite to anything they've done in the past". She also revealed that the festival has managed to buy some land that sits "just on the outside of the site", which will be used for crew members. She added: "We've also sold a few thousand less tickets, so it will be interesting just to see how that affects the dynamics on site." Eavis said times have changed, adding: "There were years where you just couldn't sell out, you just couldn't give them (the tickets) away." Glastonbury is running from June 25 to June 29 this year. The line-up features a number of acts listed as TBA, as well as a mysterious act called Patchwork, who will take to the Pyramid Stage on Saturday. Careful not to draw speculation as to who the act could be, Eavis said: "I've been working on Patchwork for a long time." Article continues below She also said that planning for their appearance had taken about a year for "logistical" reasons.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The 'rascal' and the radical: How Michael and Emily Eavis have shaped Glastonbury
👉 Listen to Sky News Daily on your podcast app 👈 Around 200,000 music fans have descended on Worthy Farm in Somerset for this year's Glastonbury Festival. Days before this year's event began, its owner Michael Eavis announced he was transferring most of his financial stake in Glastonbury to his daughter Emily Eavis. So, who is the new owner of Glastonbury? Host Niall Paterson is joined by Sky's arts and entertainment editor Claire Gregory as they look back at the unlikely transformation of Michael Eavis, from dairy farmer to festival mastermind, and ask how Emily Eavis may shape Glastonbury's future. Niall also speaks to artist Joe Rush, who has known Mr Eavis since 1985. Producer: Natalie KtenaEditors: Philly Beaumont and Rosie Gillott
Sky News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Sky News
The 'rascal' and the radical: How Michael and Emily Eavis have shaped Glastonbury
👉 Listen to Sky News Daily on your podcast app 👈 Around 200,000 music fans have descended on Worthy Farm in Somerset for this year's Glastonbury Festival. Days before this year's event began, its owner Michael Eavis announced he was transferring most of his financial stake in Glastonbury to his daughter Emily Eavis. So, who is the new owner of Glastonbury? Host Niall Paterson is joined by Sky's arts and entertainment editor Claire Gregory as they look back at the unlikely transformation of Michael Eavis, from dairy farmer to festival mastermind, and ask how Emily Eavis may shape Glastonbury's future. Niall also speaks to artist Joe Rush, who has known Mr Eavis since 1985.
BreakingNews.ie
a day ago
- Entertainment
- BreakingNews.ie
Michael Eavis: People who disagree with Glastonbury's politics can go elsewhere
Glastonbury Festival founder Sir Michael Eavis has said people who do not agree with the politics of the event 'can go somewhere else'. Eavis, 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. Advertisement 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. Organiser Emily Eavis and her father, co-founder Sir Michael Eavis, open the gates on the first day of the Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm (Yui Mok/PA) Asked if the event still stands for something, Eavis 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!' Eavis, 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'. Advertisement Revellers arrive at the Glastonbury Festival during a rain shower, at Worthy Farm (Yui Mok/PA) 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.' Former Match Of The Day presenter Gary Lineker, who left the BBC One show last month, will be speaking at Silver Hayes's The Information on Saturday for a panel titled 'Standing Up For 'Getting Along' In A World That's Being Pushed Apart'. He told the paper: 'It's basically along the lines of: everything is done to try and divide us, and I think if people can pull together – because I think most of us are decent human beings – then just a bit more kindness in the world would go a long way at the moment.' Advertisement People with flowerpots as heads during the festival on Thursday (Ben Birchall/PA) This year's line-up features a number of acts listed as TBA, as well as a mysterious act called Patchwork, who will take to the Pyramid Stage on Saturday. Among the music stars rumoured to be performing a secret set is New Zealand singer Lorde whose fourth-studio album, Virgin, is set for release on Friday. The pop star, 28, posted a picture of Woodsies stage to her Instagram story on Thursday, fuelling speculation that she could be the act listed as 'TBA' slated to perform on the stage at 11.30am Friday morning. Earlier in the month she told BBC Radio 2 that she is 'pretty keen' to see if she can 'pull some strings' and make an appearance at this year's festival. Advertisement Revellers experienced lashings of rain when they arrived to Pilton on Thursday morning, but Friday should see sunshine, according to the Met Office. Revellers shelter under a tree at the festival (Yui Mok/PA) Spokesman Stephen Dixon told the PA news agency: 'Friday should start relatively sunny, with temperatures reaching into the mid-20s. However, there will be a touch more cloud later in the day and into the evening.' Festivalgoers have been pouring into the festival since it opened on Wednesday, and those who took the 12.35pm train from London Paddington to Somerset on Thursday were treated to an acoustic set from singer Sam Ryder who got out a guitar to sing What's Up? by 4 Non Blondes. Ryder, 36, who placed second during the 2022 Eurovision Song Content when he represented the UK, is playing the Avalon Stage on Sunday at 7.50pm. Advertisement Sam Ryder performs an impromptu gig onboard a train service travelling from Paddington Station to Glastonbury (David Parry Media Assignments/PA) This year's event will see headline performances from British rock/pop band The 1975, veteran singer Neil Young and his band the Chrome Hearts, and US pop star Olivia Rodrigo. One of the more controversial acts performing is Irish rap trio Kneecap, who have been in the headlines recently after one of their members was charged with a terror offence. Before the festival, UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer said it would not be 'appropriate' for them to perform their slot, taking place on the West Holts Stage at 4pm on Saturday. Rapper Liam Og O hAnnaidh was charged for allegedly displaying a flag in support of proscribed terrorist organisation Hezbollah at a gig in London in November last year. Kneecap's Liam Og O Hannaidh leaves Westminster Magistrates' Court in London, through a crowd of supporters after he appeared charged with a terrorism offence (Jordan Pettitt/PA) Last week, the 27-year-old, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, was cheered by hundreds of supporters as he arrived with bandmates Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh at Westminster Magistrates' Court in 'Free Mo Chara' T-shirts. He was released on unconditional bail until his next hearing at the same court on August 20. On Thursday evening, the rap trio posted a film they executive produced to social media, titled Stop The Genocide, which includes testimonies from a Palestinian activist and plastic surgeon on the war in Gaza. Performing in the coveted Sunday teatime legends slot this year is Sir Rod Stewart, who previously said he will be joined by his former Faces band member Ronnie Wood, as well as some other guests. His performance is to come after the Maggie May singer postponed a string of concerts in the US, due to take place this month, while he recovered from flu. Acrobats and circus performers take part in the opening ceremony in the Pyramid Arena during the Glastonbury Festival (Yui Mok/PA) Among the acts expected to draw large crowds this year is alternative pop star Charli XCX, who will perform songs from her genre-defining sixth studio album Brat. She is performing on Saturday night on the Other Stage, 15 minutes before the West Holts stage is graced by US rapper Doechii, another artist who has exploded in popularity in the last year. Other performers include Irish singer CMAT, Prada singer Raye, US musician Brandi Carlile, Nile Rodgers and Chic, hip-hop star Loyle Carner, US pop star Gracie Abrams, indie outfit Wet Leg, Mercury Prize-winning jazz quintet Ezra Collective, US rapper Denzel Curry, and rising star Lola Young. This year, the BBC will provide livestreams of the five main stages – Pyramid, Other, West Holts, Woodsies and The Park.
