Latest news with #Somerset
North Wales Chronicle
34 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
Kneecap to perform at Glastonbury amid calls for them to be banned
It comes after one of the band's members, Liam Og O hAnnaidh, 27, was charged with allegedly displaying a flag in support of proscribed terrorist organisation Hezbollah, while saying 'up Hamas, up Hezbollah' at a gig in November last year. Last week the rapper, 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 the next hearing at the same court on August 20. Last week Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said it would not be 'appropriate' for them to perform in the slot, which is due to go ahead on the Somerset festival's West Holts Stage at 4pm on Saturday. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch also said the BBC 'should not be showing' the trio's set in a post on social media last week. Badenoch said in an X post, which was accompanied by an article from The Times which said the BBC had not banned the group: '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.' Kneecap are not listed as one of the acts being shown live by the broadcaster. Ahead of the group's set, an Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson told the PA news agency: 'Ticket-holders can once again expect to see uniformed officers on site at Glastonbury Festival 24/7 throughout the festival as part of our extensive policing operation ensuring it is safe for everyone attending, as well as those who live nearby.' Neil Young, best known for songs such as Rockin' In The Free World, Like A Hurricane and Cinnamon Girl, will headline the festival's Pyramid Stage on Saturday night with his band the Chrome Hearts. The BBC confirmed on Thursday that Young's set will not be broadcast live 'at the artist's request'. Another act expected to draw a big crowd is Brat star Charli XCX, who will headline the Other Stage around the same time Young and Grammy Award-winning rapper Doechii will also perform. The 1975 headlined the festival's Pyramid Stage on Friday night, with the performance seeing singer Matty Healy joke he was his generation's 'best songwriter'. After performing Part Of The Band he sat on a stool while smoking and sipping his drink, Healy said: 'What this moment is making me realise is that I probably am the best songwriter of my generation. 'The best what they say, a poet, ladies and gentlemen, is what I am. 'Generational words and I just wanted to remind you, over the next couple of minutes, these lyrics are poetry, I believe.' The band then launched into Chocolate from their 2013 self-titled debut, before Healy remarked 'I was only joking about being a poet' at its conclusion. Made up of four school friends, the group comprised of singer Healy, bassist Ross MacDonald, guitarist Adam Hann and drummer George Daniel were headlining the festival for the first time. Friday also saw a performance from Scottish music star Lewis Capaldi who told the Glastonbury crowds 'I'm back baby' as he played a surprise set, two years after a performance at the festival during which he struggled to manage his Tourette syndrome symptoms. The musician, who announced a break from touring shortly after his performance at the festival in 2023, has just released a new song called Survive. He told fans: 'It's so good to be back. I'm not going to say much up here today, because if I do, I think I will probably start crying.' He ended his performance with Somebody You Loved, the track that Glastonbury crowds helped him to sing when he struggled with the condition which can cause physical and verbal tics in 2023. Earlier on Friday, alternative pop star Lorde surprised fans with a secret set at Worthy Farm, performing her latest album Virgin, which was released on Friday, in full. Scottish indie rockers Franz Ferdinand brought out former Doctor Who actor Peter Capaldi during their Other Stage set while they were playing Take Me Out, one of their best-known songs. Celebrities who have been spotted at the festival include singer Harry Styles, Oscar-winning actor Eddie Redmayne and Stranger Things star Joseph Quinn. Friday saw hot dry weather which hardened the Worthy Farm surface after rain in the early hours of the morning, with festival goers expected to see temperatures in the mid-20s on Saturday. The Met Office's Grahame Madge said: 'We anticipate highs of 26C on Saturday, with high levels of humidity. By Monday temperatures can be anticipated to be over 30C. 'There is always the chance of a light shower, but there is nothing in the forecast that suggests anything heavier for Saturday for Somerset.' Avon and Somerset Police said there had been 38 crimes reported at the festival and 14 arrests made. Performing in the coveted Sunday 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 other guests. Sir Rod's performance will come after he postponed a string of concerts in the US, due to take place this month, while he recovered from flu. The BBC is providing livestreams of the five main stages: Pyramid, Other, West Holts, Woodsies and The Park.
The Guardian
36 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
My Glastonbury food odyssey: 10 of the best dishes – whether you're feeling hungover or healthy
The food choices at Glastonbury can feel overwhelming – a smorgasbord of street food from around the world, which can trigger terrible choice paralysis when you're operating with a hangover, on zero sleep, or both. Fear not. Here are some guaranteed Glastonbury food wins, whether you're looking to stave off the mother of all hangovers or simply on the hunt for something green. South of the Pyramid stage A massaman curry served on brown rice (£14), this is loaded with nutritious ingredients, including greens, kimchi pickles and new potatoes. It's creamy, filling and thoroughly restorative, without leaving you bloated. The buddha bowls are a staple of most Glastonbury food lists for good reason. If you're craving salt, add the fried halloumi. Sprinkle a few chilli flakes for good measure. South of the Acoustic Stage One for the carnivores. Go for the Pitmaster (£17): a hunk of smoked barbecue brisket (cooked on site for more than 16 hours) served with a healthy dollop of pulled pork on a bed of crunchy fries and coleslaw. This is the dish if you decide to splash out and treat yourself. The south side of West Holt If it's your first time at Glastonbury, the Goan fish curry stall is something of a rite of passage (that queue is long for a reason). The go-to curry (there are a couple) consists of flaky white fish cooked in a hot tomato-based curry sauce, served with fluffy white rice (£13). Fans of spicy food will probably find this quite mild; if so, smother it in the zesty green chilli sauce. Fish has never really been in my hangover repertoire, but I've been reliably informed by my colleague, Gwilym Mumford, that the breakfast kedgeree here is a winner. The Reach, opposite the BBC Introducing stage Wings at a festival can feel like a risky strategy, particularly if, like me, you come with a beard. But sometimes they're necessary, and as long as you're happy to ask a friend or stranger to do a post-meal beard check, the much-hyped wings (£10) from the fusion street food company Mexican Seoul are worth queueing and getting dirty for. Dripping in a gochujang-based secret sauce, these are hefty double-fried wings with the crunch to match. It's a hearty portion of five wings, good if you're hungover, drunk, sobering up or simply sticking to your high-protein diet. Opposite the Left Field The Crumble Pots van is a build-your-own-crumble adventure. There are sweet options (apple, rhubarb, banoffee) and savoury (roast dinner, chicken and leek, veg curry). Billy Bragg says he is often distracted by the choices available at Crumble Pots whenever he performs at the Left Field. Crumble might not seem the obvious festival choice – and given the temperatures this year, I can't imagine wanting anything covered in hot custard – but if you keep it simple with an apple filling, cinnamon crumble and soft-scoop ice-cream combo (£7.50), it's surprisingly refreshing. Perfect if, like me, you have a lethal sweet tooth. Opposite the Park stage My colleague Jenny Stevens swears by the nourishing value of the Lebanese Mezze stall. It offers a big choice of hot and cold mezze from which to build your dream plate (or the servers can pick for you if you're feeling overwhelmed). There are different pricing tiers available (I bagged my choice of five for £13) and all your favourites are available, though in hindsight I perhaps leant too heavily into the carbs (including a crisp fatayer, flavourful batata harra and falafel). But if you make better choices than me, this is great when your body is crying out for something nourishing that isn't covered in batter or served with chips. Left of the Other stage The Notso Katsu stall offers delicious vegan fried chick'n dishes. If you need a hearty meal, the katsu curry (£12.50) is the right balance of stodge (rice), gratification (the chick'n), flavour (the Japanese curry sauce) and nutrition (edamame, pickles and seaweed), with a good kick. If fake chicken isn't your thing, you can sub in a pumpkin croquette (and the katsu burger looks banging, too). Between Left Field and West Holts These are hollowed-out bread rolls stuffed with chilli (vegan or steak, with varying spice levels), topped with sour cream and toasted garlic bread (£12). The bread is a sturdy vessel for the steak chilli, which is easily scooped out and shovelled down. This is perfect if you're on the go or need to sober up. The choice of whether to eat this when you have a hangover depends on your spice tolerance. Opposite the Park stage The chilli cheese dosa (£11.50) is a crisp pancake with a spicy masala paneer filling, served with pots of sambar chutney and coconut yoghurt. Great for a quick fiery hit, though it's a tough eat on the go: the pancake doesn't hold together quite as well you think it will, and cocky 'eat and walkers' – of which I am one – may find themselves coming unstuck. The south side of West Holts The surf and turf box (£14) is packed with juicy prawns and chunks of tender chicken. It's a good portion size, all perfectly seasoned, served with cajun-spiced fries and a very saucy coleslaw that keeps everything from getting too dry. I'm in two minds about including this one as I'm definitely going back and I don't want the queue to get any longer.
The Guardian
41 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
The 1975 at Glastonbury review – amid the irony, ego and pints of Guinness, this is a world-class band
The 1975's first Glastonbury headlining slot arrives preceded by some intriguing rumours about what's going to happen. Some fairly eye-popping figures are being bandied about regarding the cost of their set's staging – which allegedly vastly outweighs the fee the band are being paid – while one dubious online source insists Healy has shaved his head for the occasion. He hasn't (he appears onstage tonsorially intact), but clearly large sums of money have been spent somewhere along the way. What ensues isn't quite as complex as their last tour, which featured lead singer Matty Healy eating raw steak, doing push ups, climbing through a television and Prince Andrew's face appearing on a bank of television screens accompanied by the strains of Mahler's 5th Symphony. Nevertheless, there are huge video screens everywhere: not just behind the band, but above them and at either side of the stage, and indeed below the actual video screens that Glastonbury traditionally provides. The treadmill that ran across the front of the stage during their 2018 tour – there for Healy to glide around on, something he does with admirable insouciance – makes a reappearance, while, for reasons that aren't entirely clear, the rear half of a car makes an appearance stage right at one point. Healy sings from within it. The screens alternately bathe the stage in white or pink light, show Adam Curtis-esque montages of news footage, flash up lyrics as Healy sings them – a good idea in the case of Part of the Band, a song packed with authentically funny lines. But this being the 1975, never a band to miss the opportunity to make a meta point about being in a band, they also flash up critiques of Healy's lyrics – 'MINDLESS HOLLERING' – and more generally, of the 1975 themselves: 'They're essentially making robotic Huey Lewis tunes' is a particularly cutting judgement on the band's signature synth-heavy, pastel-hued 80s pop-rock-influenced sound. Later, the screens render their lyrics as meaningless gibberish by displaying what it sounds like he's singing – 'oh mah hez smell like chocolate'. And this is done immediately after Healy informs the audience that he's 'the greatest songwriter of my generation … a poet'. 'I was only joking,' he adds later, although his talent as a frontman is less open to question: there's something gripping about the way he switches from straightforward 'Glastonbury-are-you-with-us?' enthusiasm to role-playing as a raddled, tormented pop star, pint in one hand, cigarette in the other. He makes earnest pronouncements about the lasting friendships at the centre of the band and is seemingly astonished at the size of the crowd: 'Oh Jesus,' he mutters as the lights reveal its full extent, 'yeah, it's normal, it's fine'. But then, there'll be arched-eyebrow examinations of his own genius, from posing to dancing with wild enthusiasm. It's a show that's frequently strange and self-deprecating – an intriguingly different approach to the business of headlining the world's biggest music festival – although it runs the risk of the actual music they make getting lost somewhere amid the visual bombardment and commentary. Happily, their set also functions as a reminder that behind all the irony, the 1975 are impressively skilled at the prosaic business of writing songs. If You're Too Shy (Let Me Know) or She's American have pop-facing melodies strong enough to shine through. The one point where the staging seems to overwhelm the show itself is during a lengthy interlude when the band vanish from the stage entirely and the message 'Matty is changing his trousers' flashes on to the screen. It's a very risky move indeed at a festival where there's always something else you could be watching: a minor exodus duly takes place in the audience. But when they return they start rolling out the big hits: It's Not Living (If It's Not With You), Sex, Love It If We Made It's dense parade of millennial angst, the gleaming pop of The Sound. It ends with About You's appropriately epic balladry, and the members of the 1975 embracing each other, apparently genuinely emotional: a straightforward conclusion to a bold, experimental, occasionally confounding, but ultimately hugely impressive performance.
Leader Live
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Kneecap to perform at Glastonbury amid calls for them to be banned
It comes after one of the band's members, Liam Og O hAnnaidh, 27, was charged with allegedly displaying a flag in support of proscribed terrorist organisation Hezbollah, while saying 'up Hamas, up Hezbollah' at a gig in November last year. Last week the rapper, 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 the next hearing at the same court on August 20. Last week Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said it would not be 'appropriate' for them to perform in the slot, which is due to go ahead on the Somerset festival's West Holts Stage at 4pm on Saturday. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch also said the BBC 'should not be showing' the trio's set in a post on social media last week. Badenoch said in an X post, which was accompanied by an article from The Times which said the BBC had not banned the group: '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.' Kneecap are not listed as one of the acts being shown live by the broadcaster. Ahead of the group's set, an Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson told the PA news agency: 'Ticket-holders can once again expect to see uniformed officers on site at Glastonbury Festival 24/7 throughout the festival as part of our extensive policing operation ensuring it is safe for everyone attending, as well as those who live nearby.' Neil Young, best known for songs such as Rockin' In The Free World, Like A Hurricane and Cinnamon Girl, will headline the festival's Pyramid Stage on Saturday night with his band the Chrome Hearts. The BBC confirmed on Thursday that Young's set will not be broadcast live 'at the artist's request'. Another act expected to draw a big crowd is Brat star Charli XCX, who will headline the Other Stage around the same time Young and Grammy Award-winning rapper Doechii will also perform. The 1975 headlined the festival's Pyramid Stage on Friday night, with the performance seeing singer Matty Healy joke he was his generation's 'best songwriter'. After performing Part Of The Band he sat on a stool while smoking and sipping his drink, Healy said: 'What this moment is making me realise is that I probably am the best songwriter of my generation. 'The best what they say, a poet, ladies and gentlemen, is what I am. 'Generational words and I just wanted to remind you, over the next couple of minutes, these lyrics are poetry, I believe.' The band then launched into Chocolate from their 2013 self-titled debut, before Healy remarked 'I was only joking about being a poet' at its conclusion. Made up of four school friends, the group comprised of singer Healy, bassist Ross MacDonald, guitarist Adam Hann and drummer George Daniel were headlining the festival for the first time. Friday also saw a performance from Scottish music star Lewis Capaldi who told the Glastonbury crowds 'I'm back baby' as he played a surprise set, two years after a performance at the festival during which he struggled to manage his Tourette syndrome symptoms. The musician, who announced a break from touring shortly after his performance at the festival in 2023, has just released a new song called Survive. He told fans: 'It's so good to be back. I'm not going to say much up here today, because if I do, I think I will probably start crying.' He ended his performance with Somebody You Loved, the track that Glastonbury crowds helped him to sing when he struggled with the condition which can cause physical and verbal tics in 2023. Earlier on Friday, alternative pop star Lorde surprised fans with a secret set at Worthy Farm, performing her latest album Virgin, which was released on Friday, in full. Scottish indie rockers Franz Ferdinand brought out former Doctor Who actor Peter Capaldi during their Other Stage set while they were playing Take Me Out, one of their best-known songs. Celebrities who have been spotted at the festival include singer Harry Styles, Oscar-winning actor Eddie Redmayne and Stranger Things star Joseph Quinn. Friday saw hot dry weather which hardened the Worthy Farm surface after rain in the early hours of the morning, with festival goers expected to see temperatures in the mid-20s on Saturday. The Met Office's Grahame Madge said: 'We anticipate highs of 26C on Saturday, with high levels of humidity. By Monday temperatures can be anticipated to be over 30C. 'There is always the chance of a light shower, but there is nothing in the forecast that suggests anything heavier for Saturday for Somerset.' Avon and Somerset Police said there had been 38 crimes reported at the festival and 14 arrests made. Performing in the coveted Sunday 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 other guests. Sir Rod's performance will come after he postponed a string of concerts in the US, due to take place this month, while he recovered from flu. The BBC is providing livestreams of the five main stages: Pyramid, Other, West Holts, Woodsies and The Park.
Rhyl Journal
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Kneecap to perform at Glastonbury amid calls for them to be banned
It comes after one of the band's members, Liam Og O hAnnaidh, 27, was charged with allegedly displaying a flag in support of proscribed terrorist organisation Hezbollah, while saying 'up Hamas, up Hezbollah' at a gig in November last year. Last week the rapper, 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 the next hearing at the same court on August 20. Last week Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said it would not be 'appropriate' for them to perform in the slot, which is due to go ahead on the Somerset festival's West Holts Stage at 4pm on Saturday. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch also said the BBC 'should not be showing' the trio's set in a post on social media last week. Badenoch said in an X post, which was accompanied by an article from The Times which said the BBC had not banned the group: '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.' Kneecap are not listed as one of the acts being shown live by the broadcaster. Ahead of the group's set, an Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson told the PA news agency: 'Ticket-holders can once again expect to see uniformed officers on site at Glastonbury Festival 24/7 throughout the festival as part of our extensive policing operation ensuring it is safe for everyone attending, as well as those who live nearby.' Neil Young, best known for songs such as Rockin' In The Free World, Like A Hurricane and Cinnamon Girl, will headline the festival's Pyramid Stage on Saturday night with his band the Chrome Hearts. The BBC confirmed on Thursday that Young's set will not be broadcast live 'at the artist's request'. Another act expected to draw a big crowd is Brat star Charli XCX, who will headline the Other Stage around the same time Young and Grammy Award-winning rapper Doechii will also perform. The 1975 headlined the festival's Pyramid Stage on Friday night, with the performance seeing singer Matty Healy joke he was his generation's 'best songwriter'. After performing Part Of The Band he sat on a stool while smoking and sipping his drink, Healy said: 'What this moment is making me realise is that I probably am the best songwriter of my generation. 'The best what they say, a poet, ladies and gentlemen, is what I am. 'Generational words and I just wanted to remind you, over the next couple of minutes, these lyrics are poetry, I believe.' The band then launched into Chocolate from their 2013 self-titled debut, before Healy remarked 'I was only joking about being a poet' at its conclusion. Made up of four school friends, the group comprised of singer Healy, bassist Ross MacDonald, guitarist Adam Hann and drummer George Daniel were headlining the festival for the first time. Friday also saw a performance from Scottish music star Lewis Capaldi who told the Glastonbury crowds 'I'm back baby' as he played a surprise set, two years after a performance at the festival during which he struggled to manage his Tourette syndrome symptoms. The musician, who announced a break from touring shortly after his performance at the festival in 2023, has just released a new song called Survive. He told fans: 'It's so good to be back. I'm not going to say much up here today, because if I do, I think I will probably start crying.' He ended his performance with Somebody You Loved, the track that Glastonbury crowds helped him to sing when he struggled with the condition which can cause physical and verbal tics in 2023. Earlier on Friday, alternative pop star Lorde surprised fans with a secret set at Worthy Farm, performing her latest album Virgin, which was released on Friday, in full. Scottish indie rockers Franz Ferdinand brought out former Doctor Who actor Peter Capaldi during their Other Stage set while they were playing Take Me Out, one of their best-known songs. Celebrities who have been spotted at the festival include singer Harry Styles, Oscar-winning actor Eddie Redmayne and Stranger Things star Joseph Quinn. Friday saw hot dry weather which hardened the Worthy Farm surface after rain in the early hours of the morning, with festival goers expected to see temperatures in the mid-20s on Saturday. The Met Office's Grahame Madge said: 'We anticipate highs of 26C on Saturday, with high levels of humidity. By Monday temperatures can be anticipated to be over 30C. 'There is always the chance of a light shower, but there is nothing in the forecast that suggests anything heavier for Saturday for Somerset.' Avon and Somerset Police said there had been 38 crimes reported at the festival and 14 arrests made. Performing in the coveted Sunday 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 other guests. Sir Rod's performance will come after he postponed a string of concerts in the US, due to take place this month, while he recovered from flu. The BBC is providing livestreams of the five main stages: Pyramid, Other, West Holts, Woodsies and The Park.
