Glastonbury 2023; what time will gates open, what is the weather going to be like and what is the lineup?

It’s mere days until one of the biggest music and arts festivals in Europe opens its gates once again for music fans and festival revellers alike, as Worthy Farm in Somerset readies itself for the 2023 edition of Glastonbury Festival. The event, taking place from June 21 to June 26 2023, is expected to see over 200,000 people in attendance, making it the largest greenfield music and performing arts festival in the world.

The inaugural festival took place on September 19, 1970, at Worthy Farm near Pilton, Somerset, England, organised by Michael Eavis and his wife Jean Eavis and initially inspired by the ethos of the hippie and free festival movements of the 1960s and aimed to provide a space for music, arts, and cultural expression. That year was heavily influenced by the psychedelia movement taking place in the United Kingdom, with a young Marc Bolan performing with his band Tyrannosaurus Rex - later to be known as T. Rex.

In the year that followed, the hippie spirit still remained but the artists become more diverse - many will recall David Bowie taking to the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury 2000 for a triumphant appearance, while fans were initially divided over Jay-Z headlining the event back in 2008; none more adamant he shouldn’t headline than Noel Gallagher. However, an incredible performance and shade thrown at Gallagher in the form of a cover of “Wonderwall” enamoured Jay-Z to those in attendance.

Emily Eavis has since taken the reigns of booking acts for the hallowed festival, and despite some criticism over how far the festival has moved on from it’s hippie, spiritual beginnings to another commercial venture (and what bands she books), the event is still one of the most popular music festivals in the world - 2023’s event sold out in just over six minutes.

So before you grab your Hunter “tall original” wellingtons a la Kate Moss in 1998, Peopleworld is here to give you some vital information in the lead up to the festival of the summer; Glastonbury 2023 and throughout the week - including music writer Benjamin Jackson's pick of headlining Pyramid Stage sets of yesteryear.

What time will gates open at Worthy Farm for Glastonbury Festival 2023?

According to Glastonbury Festival’s official website, “From 8am on Wednesday pedestrian gates operate 24 hours a day until the end of the Festival. If you have any problems with your ticket, or getting on site, there are enquiry cabins at each pedestrian gate (with the exception of Pedestrian Gate B), and an enquiry cabin is also sited in the caravan/campervan field”

As for if you can leave and enter the festival grounds after settling in, organisers have stated that a pass out voucher is required to re-enter the festival, which will be available at the event. “Security staff may ask to see your ticket during the event too – so keep it secure!” 

They have also reminded festival patrons that “in past years, some ticket buyers had their tickets stolen some distance from the Festival when they stopped at service stations. Your ticket is precious – do not flash it around!”

Who is headlining Glastonbury 2023?

Glastonbury Festival 2023 will be headlined by Arctic Monkeys, Guns ‘n’ Roses and Sir Elton John, who promises a completely different set list to that he’s been playing on his “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” tour and even some surprise guests.

Alex Turner and company will be headlining Friday night, Guns ‘n’ Roses on Saturday night and Sir Elton John in the traditional Sunday “heritage slot”. Though not officially recognised as a headliner, Lizzo is considered a co-headliner alongside Guns ‘n’ Roses on the Saturday.

Who are “The Churnups”?

That is a great question and one of the biggest mysteries surrounding Glastonbury Festival 2023. Many have speculated that it boils down to two bands who have had a history headlining the Pyramid Stage previously at Glastonbury Festival; Pulp, who took over The Stone Roses slot in 1994, and Foo Fighters who headlined in 2017.

Many are putting their money on it being Dave Grohl and cohorts, given that not only did he use the phrase “churning up” during an open letter to his fans recently, but that they will also be in Cannes next week performing at the Cannes Lion Festival. 

My money? I’ve been led to believe after previous festivals to think it’s Limp Bizkit, who were the secret band du jour that were bellowed out on campsites around the UK at a certain point in time.

What is the weather going to be like across Glastonbury Festival 2023?

The Met Office forecast for Glastonbury 2023 week reads: “Through the week, showers, some heavy and thundery, are likely to continue, though brighter or sunnier interludes are also expected, along with a brisk breeze at times. Temperatures remaining warm or very warm and rather humid for many.”

The weather being the weather of course, Peopleworld would be remiss not to suggest keeping an eye on the Met Office closer to the dates - especially that seven day forecast before packing said Hunter wellington boots.

I didn’t get a ticket - how can I watch the performances at Glastonbury Festival 2023?

According to the BBC, Glastonbury Festival 2023 can be watched on BBC iPlayer, which is the primary platform for viewing the festival. Continuous live streams from the five main stages—Pyramid, Other, West Holts, Park, and Woodsies—will be available on BBC iPlayer. Sets from the Pyramid Stage will be shown live in Ultra High Definition on specific days, along with presenter-led coverage and highlights from the performances.

BBC iPlayer is also introducing a new live stream called Pyramid Stage - Signed, featuring every performance on the Pyramid Stage in British Sign Language. Additionally, the festival's famous Glastonbury Webcam will have its own stream called Glasto-Cam Live, offering live coverage from sunrise to sunset each day, providing viewers with a glimpse of the festival grounds. Glastonbury's Greatest Hits is another new addition, featuring a selection of major performances from previous years, streaming on BBC iPlayer for 24 hours a day, with on-demand access for 30 days.

After the festival weekend, The Glastonbury BBC iPlayer Channel will continue for an additional week, showcasing standout performances for those who want to relive the festival or catch up on missed shows. A wide selection of sets, key tracks, and themed performance compilations will be available on demand on BBC iPlayer throughout the weekend and for 30 days after broadcast, including selected Pyramid Stage performances in Ultra High Definition.