Glastonline 2008 RSS feed

Wonderful Wednesday!

Jon — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 18:29:03 GMT

It's was a wonderful Wednesday as the Glastonbury Festival began and the crowds gathered, enjoying the sun and the sights.

Candle Powered Love Boats

Jon — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 11:13:03 GMT

Deep into the Festival, where the Green field meets the Healing field, a little piece of 19th century technology is grabbing the attention of festival-goers.

Full Metal Racket

Jon — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 16:38:01 GMT

While most people will be happy just to watch their favourite rock stars this weekend, those inspired enough to indulge in their own flamboyant rock and roll life style can head over to British Custom Guitars, situated just off the Pyramid Stage.

Coin Craft in Shangri-La

Jon — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 16:37:18 GMT

Sub-cultural artists are still assembling Shangri-La. It looks like it's going to be an all-nighter - most of the attractions are starting to look like permanent wendyhouses, with all manner of glittery trimmings adorning their facades.

Takin' a Siesta

Jon — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 17:22:59 GMT

If there's something Festival goers know how to do, it's chilling out. The Mexican Hammock Co. (less exotically based in Bristol) have a stall by The Other Stage that caters for the lazy side of Festival life.

Bee Real Chatty

Emily — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:52:33 GMT

A family has assembled in the Green Fields' Bee Chatty resting place. It appears they met there last night and have possibly not moved since; they welcomed me with the pride of first time home owners and invited me to sit in their 'love chair'.

Shangri-La Gallery

Jon — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:34:41 GMT

Shangri-La is the Festival's brand spanking new site. The place to indulge your senses in colourful and crazy delights. Photographer Stone Naylor took a closer look.

Trash City Trailer

Adam — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 01:33:59 GMT

The space set aside for Trash City hosts a spectacular selection of metal mergers from surreal shapes to bird heads. I don’t think I've seen a Volkswagen Beetle with wings before but what a sight; this thing would give Herbie a run for his money.

Charlie Dimmock

Jon — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 12:19:12 GMT

What do you get if you put a woman with a chainsaw in the Field of Avalon? Shapely tree stumps and a lot of men.

Police on Patrol

Adam — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 20:58:10 GMT

It looks like the boys in blue are happy to go that little bit further this year and get involved in some posing for the punters. They found themselves ambushed wandering through the flags at the Jazz World Stage

Stoned Circle

Jon — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:43:00 GMT

It’s the first night of Glastonbury Festival 2008 and revellers have made their way to the infamous Stone Circle in Kings Meadow to celebrate the sunset and the start of another weekend of music and madness.

Arriving at the Festival

Jon — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:08:33 GMT

Things have been going uncommonly well on my journey to the Festival. My lift and I met no traffic on the way, found our parking gate straight away and immediately bumped into someone we knew who arranged a lift on site so we didn’t even have to carry our bags very far.

The Wishing Tree

Emily — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:54:11 GMT

There’s someone at Glastonbury today whose wish is ‘that we were all pirates’. Another one is yearning for ‘smaller boobs and that everyone would be nice to my cats’. Alongside a wish ‘for peace and happiness for all’ is a message that reads ‘may my enemies have a slow death’.

The Rascals, Leftfield

Jon — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 10:42:20 GMT

There is no better way to begin the Glastonbury experience than by watching The Rascals. For thirty glorified minutes, I forgot about not having any battery on my phone, and that I had lost all my friends, because I was happy in the knowledge that this band would keep me smiling for hours.

Fairy Delight

Jon — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:13:49 GMT

Festivals have a tendency to bring out the best and the worst of Great British traits, most notably in the weather, alcohol consumption and fancy dress. So far this year's Festival is no exception, with people flocking to the vintage stalls and Oxfam wedding dress rails.

The Mystery of the Billowing Black Smoke

Adam — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 01:32:21 GMT

Wandering around camp Glastonbury I noticed a gargantuan black cloud of smoke, more of a river rising above the festival grounds. Staring bewildered as to where on earth it was coming from I heard a flash of rumours surround the area behind the Park Stage.

Glastonbury Mud, but not that kind of mud…

Adam — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 18:20:37 GMT

Glastonbury Mud, but not that kind of mud… Shirley Jones has been coming to Glastonbury since 1979 she’s ‘old school’. The hugely missed late and great Arabella Churchill gave Shirley the go ahead in 2001 to start the Festival version.

Hidden Gems

Jon — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:35:59 GMT

What people who have never been to Glastonbury often don’t realise is just how much is going on around the site before the main stages kick off on Friday morning.

Free Love

Emily — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 17:01:57 GMT

Free Love was the most memorable mantra from the Sixties along with ‘make love not war’, so it was fitting to see the Free Hug spreading The Love today in Shangri-La. Bring it on!

Festival Families

Emily — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 17:00:44 GMT

Parents that braved Glastonbury 2008 after the atrocious, freak weather of the past two Festivals deserve massive respect for their fortitude.

Turner Prize

Jon — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 15:16:17 GMT

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that, sooner or later, all who inhabit the hallowed turf of Worthy Farm will eventually encounter the joys of Nik Turner.

Glastonbury Poems, Thursday

Jon — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 19:04:10 GMT

Glastonbury Festival Official Website's Poet in Residence, AF Harrold, got into his first day at the Festival in style, producing a ream of poems.

Chainsaw Carving

Emily — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 11:44:28 GMT

In the Theatre Field they are playing dangerous: the Chainsaw Carving Arena. Daily speed carving demonstrations at 7pm, followed by the grand auction of the pieces, suitably unconventional and unexpected!

Chai Wallah: Aroma-DJs supreme

Emily — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 17:03:21 GMT

Chai Wallah is a down-to-earth, sensory haven of independent musical creativity, complimented visually with Buddhas, twinkling lights and 45 happy staff, where they release suitable smells to suit the musical mood.

Glasvegas, Queen's Head

Jon — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 12:58:19 GMT

James Allan is just too cool for his own good. You’ll notice of course, that like most people too cool for their own good, he’s inspiring a disturbingly large number of youngsters to dress like him already, however inappropriate it might be in the dense sweaty heat of the Queens Head.

The Seal Cub Clubbing Club, Leftfield

Jon — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 10:51:04 GMT

The five-piece aren’t quite sure whether they want to be Radiohead or the Rapture so it’s a good thing their lead singer has the vocal range and lung capacity to do both.

Back Once Again

Jon — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:28:30 GMT

Here we are again – it’s so nice to be back among the fields of Worthy Farm. The approach was relatively painless until within a mile of the site, but then that’s only right: you’d almost end up feeling guilty.

Portaloo Illusions

Jon — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:21:01 GMT

Portaloos are starting to disturb me. They have reflections. Maybe the Guarana energy drink I just consumed was less innocent that its sellers claimed.

A chat with KT Tunstall

Emily — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 14:27:17 GMT

Despite a dreary Thursday evening and the prospect of following the legendary Michael Eavis launching the Festival, KT Tunstall took time to support the three Glastonbury Festival charities with a brief performance of three songs.

Shower in the Sinks - a how-to guide

Jon — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:33:32 GMT

While Glastonbury Festival only officially begins today, people have been camping here since Wednesday. Stiff backs and messy hair abound.

Fevered Glasvegas

Jon — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 14:16:27 GMT

If the still-sweltering early evening heat wasn’t enough, it’s a jam-packed Queens Head for the most talked-about new band in Britain, with steaming perspiration hanging in the air above the rapidly filling crowd.

Friday Morning Mud

Emily — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:58:30 GMT

It seems a bit clichéd to be writing about mud, but it has been the focus of my morning. Having staggered out of my tent at seven o’ clock to visit the mud-smeared portaloos, my wellies were far too caked in lumps of the field to justify allowing them back in my tent.

A Bit of Bryn

Adam — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 14:26:21 GMT

Birmingham-born Bryn Christopher has gone from a relatively unknown support act for Amy Winehouse at the end of 2007 to having his very own slot at this year's Glastonbury. Tonight he will play the BBC Introducing Stage.

Dance Village Daze

Jon — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:56:12 GMT

Lost in the wilderness that is the dance village I stumbled upon a tent named Silent World. Not so silent, it turned out, as a chorus of not-so-sober Festival-goers sang the Jackson Five’s “I Want you Back” to DJ/VJ supremo DJ Yoda.

On the Levellers

Jon — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 14:30:12 GMT

Mark Cunningham founding member and bass player with The Levellers spoke with the Glastonbury webteam’s Ray Yates, following their Thursday night Left Field appearance.

Love Your Loo

Adam — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 15:07:12 GMT

Coming back from a tour of South-East Asia just prior to arriving at Glastonbury, I realised how much I love my loo when I arrived on site. This is the message being pushed by WaterAid this year.

Kate Nash, Pyramid Stage

Jon — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:42:54 GMT

It might not be chucking it down in traditional Friday morning style, but it’s dark, slippery and boggy underfoot nonetheless. Just right then for tales of bad boyfriends, bitchy mates and nightmare relationships for breakfast, courtesy of Britain’s most desirable ginger bint.

The Subways, Pyramid Stage

Emily — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 18:57:20 GMT

The angsty and anxious Subways stand nervously backstage, pacing and banging their bodies to the movement of their prospective instruments. Yet like a pressure cooker ready to blow, its full on raw energy as soon as they skip out on stage to rapturous applause.

Backstage with The Subways

Emily — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:32:24 GMT

John Bye catches a few words with Billy and Charlotte of The Subways as they come of the Pyramid Stage on Friday.

Glastonbury Poems, Friday

Jon — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 13:08:36 GMT

Poet in residence AF Harrold has been braving the rain in his dapper suit and wandering the site in search of inspiration; from mud, inevitable mud to 4x4 vehicles being used as they were supposed to be and the sense of power that megaphones bring.

Mingling Popstars

Jon — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:17:19 GMT

Pop stars are just people. I’ll say that again. Popstars are just people. The crucial factor is whether they are naturally down to earth, decent people and likely to stay that way or whether they allow the intoxication of sudden fame to turn them into unpleasant people, confusing arrogance for cool.

Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly.

Jon — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 17:32:57 GMT

Duckworth’s voice, often drowned out by a busy background sound in recorded tracks, rang through clearly in his live set, and the charming earnestness on his little face even led me to forgive him for his preachy lyrics.

Kidding Around

Jon — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 17:19:26 GMT

It's 10.50am on Friday morning at Glastonbury. Kate Nash might be opening the Pyramid Stage at this exact moment, but there's somethingway more remarkable happening in the Kidz Field.

Santogold, Park Stage

Jon — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 10:44:06 GMT

For anyone who hasn’t yet seen or heard Ms Santi White (AKA Santogold), try imagining what you’d get if Missy Elliott had her wicked way with Beyonce in a (clean) backstage toilet, with an echoey mic recording every breath. It’s pretty cool.

Friday Stage Shenanigans

Jon — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:26:30 GMT

Everybody's got that Friday Festival feeling. As the main event gets underway spirits rise and Festival goers get down and dirty at the main stages. Bring it on!

Joe Lean and the Jing Jang Jong, Other Stage

Emily — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 18:18:25 GMT

An instrumental intro and some Austin Powers style dancing certainly helped the Jing Jang Jong to burst onto the Other Stage with a bit of power and panache on Friday afternoon. So when lead singer Joe Lean emerged a few minutes later he got a fine reception.

Glasvegas, John Peel Stage

Emily — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 18:55:29 GMT

Well I must say this is all very exciting. After all, it’s not every day the “Best New Band In Britain” (™) rolls into town. Or into a field, even. So what exactly’s going on here then? What is it that makes these Elvis-fixated, Jesus & Mary Chain-influenced, Clash-inspired Scots so special?

KT Tunstall, Pyramid Stage

Jon — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:36:48 GMT

Fresh from last night's backstage warm-up gig, KT Tunstall took to the stage for an uplifting Friday afternoon performance. Having previously played at the top of the bill at the Acoustic tent last year, Tunstall traded an intimate evening environment for the buzz of the masses.

Don't Have a Plan

Jon — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:47:34 GMT

There is no point to have a plan, if you can. Walking free to see what gets thrown at thee. "I've got down The Subways at 12.10, Vampire Weekend just after that, maybe a bit of Devon Sproule in between."

Lightspeed Champion, John Peel Stage

Emily — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 23:48:41 GMT

I was unsure as to whether people were actually crowding in the John Peel tent for shelter from the rain or for Lightspeed Champion. However, it did seem that there were more people packed in the tent than rain drops this afternoon for Dev and his crew.

A Walk with Kate

Emily — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 19:30:27 GMT

It’s got to be said. Seeing Kate Nash’s eyes light up behind those enormous black lashes and getting a flash of that beautifully imperfect smile on hearing the words “We’re from the Glastonbury Website” is quite a boost for the ego.

The Feeling, Pyramid Stage

Jon — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:34:34 GMT

“I used to come to Glastonbury with my dad,” said The Feeling vocalist Dan Gillespie-Sells into his multi-coloured jewelled microphone, “I’m going to cry.” He didn’t cry (as far as I saw, at least).

Doctor Barnett's Amazing Audio Solari Cyclonator, Mandala Stage

Adam — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 11:48:07 GMT

This is a true discovery of festival wonder. I think it was the bikes that drew me in originally - two sweaty peddlers going at it. The pressure was on. They couldn’t stop or the magic would have ended.

Donuts and Bitches

Adam — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 21:33:25 GMT

I only went out for a donut. The Glastonbury webteam is busy at work in a converted school-trip style bus between the Other Stage and the Pyramid Stage, and to score a rapid refuel I just tackled the mud and headed out into the site proper to find a donut stall.

Holloways, Queen’s Head

Adam — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 20:12:06 GMT

Catching the Holloways’ warm-up set in the Queen’s Head was to be my little Friday afternoon treat – the bit where I indulge my residual teenage loutish desire to jump around with a pack of real teenagers, while getting soaked by flying beer instead of falling rain.

Charles Hazlewood All Stars, Glade

Jon — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 22:52:50 GMT

It’s rare to catch a whole set, but fortuitously the Glade was running late and I was immersed into a smokey, riveting set orchestrated by Charles Hazlewood (BBC Radio 2, Principal Guest Conductor of the BBC Concert Orchestra).

The Kills, John Peel Stage

Jon — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 13:01:03 GMT

Every year the John Peel Stage builds on its growing momentum of having the heart of raw guitar music and today's line-up only added to this. As I heaved my way to the front past all the Kate Moss wannabes I heard a young girl ask "So who’s John Peel?"

Editors, Pyramid Stage

Adam — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:02:58 GMT

Performance is an odd word to associate tonight's Editors' appearance with. Ritual is a far better. From the moment the band rises through the smoke on opener 'Bones', its all an issue of necromancy from the four suited necromancers.

Phantom Limb, Jazz World Stage

Emily — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 23:09:15 GMT

For a fledgling band, opening a stage on Friday at Glastonbury Festival must be a pretty intimidating prospect. Sauntering into the Jazz World arena this morning – which was yesterday soaked in sunshine and cider – I’m surrounded by a mangled mess of mud.

Foals, Other Stage

Jon — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:31:13 GMT

After months of making do with a dodgy copied CD of Antidotes in South-East Asia after having my iPod stolen, I finally heard Foals in the purest form possible. Live! ‘Balloons’ was the number that most stood out for me.

Young Knives, John Peel Stage

Emily — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 23:17:17 GMT

Dressed like stockbrokers in suits and red braces, Young Knives stand out from their peers performing on the John Peel Stage.

Sons and Daughters, The Park Stage

Jon — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 16:15:57 GMT

The trouble with this band is that they really are genuinely bad for your health and becoming the worse for wear only encourages them. Drunk? Drink more. Wet? Get wetter. Muddy? Roll in it. Tired? Get up, dance and stop being a wuss. No, don’t hang on to someone, that takes all the fun away.

The Freestylers, Dance West

Jon — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 10:47:38 GMT

The Freestylers could be heard from the entrance to the Dance Fields as they shouted “Hello Glastonbury!” - hello to you too Freestylers and welcome. I could have sworn he said “We’re at Glastorave!” but that could have been the hardcore raver in me taking over.

20:20 Soundsystem, Dance East

Jon — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 10:39:23 GMT

Let's face it, when you imagine your average sleepy Somerset village you think of old biddies, bugger’s grips, bowling greens and yes, ruddy ridiculous amounts of cider, but not dance music.

Flute Fashioning

Emily — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 00:31:40 GMT

Wandering around the Craft Field on the first morning of the Festival, I am nagged by the distant memory of my dismal failiures in CDT lessons at school. There are a range of craft demonstrations, workshops and items for sale in the field – and plenty of hot chai available too.

Candi Staton, Jazz World

Jon — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:11:15 GMT

I’d be lying if I said that Candi Staton didn’t make me tingle all over. She was, in a word, incredible. The beginning of her set may have been slightly slow; although her vocals were as shiny as her gold top, I wasn’t really enjoying myself. Then she turned it up to 11!

You're Not Coming In

Emily — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 00:39:01 GMT

Poor Kate Moss. In an effort to escape the gathering paparazzi in the Glastonbury press area, she and pal Kelly Osborne with their men in tow headed for the security-guarded BBC compound. More photographers swarmed.

Poetry&Words on Friday Afternoon

Adam — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 12:02:56 GMT

Dzifa Benson kicks off the afternoon, and displays her talent and diversity with dark material about the effects of absinthe on a painter and the results of Dzifa spending the night in the National Gallery, and then she flips to toe-curling tales of vibrator-purchasing with her mum.

The Ting Tings, John Peel Stage

Jon — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:39:23 GMT

The dichotomy couldn't have been greater: a couple of thousand spectators, and just two people on stage. The Ting Tings have arrived. Arguably, the mood of both crowd and band is the same - nervous expectation!

Poetry&Words on Friday Morning

Adam — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 11:55:12 GMT

Helen Gregory introduces this year’s Glastonbury Poetry and Words in the Enchanted Tent. One minute of noise erupts in memory of Pat VT West, who ran Poetry and Words for fifteen years and who unfortunately died last week. Pat will be greatly missed.

The Fratellis, Pyramid Stage

Emily — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 10:37:45 GMT

With a whole debut album full of potential festive sing-along songs, it’s hard to imagine how the Fratellis could possibly have failed to set the Pyramid Stage on fire during their Friday night set.

Lupe Fiasco, Jazz World

Jon — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:25:35 GMT

Judging by all the controversy you could be forgiven for thinking that Jay-Z is the first hip-hop artist ever to play Glastonbury. He’s not even the first hip-hop artist on this year. There is Dizzee Rascal for example, though he’s a bit garage sometimes.

Seasick Steve, Acoustic Stage

Marie — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 14:19:44 GMT

Great bluesmen are something of an endangered species these days, so I feel particularly lucky to be able to watch Seasick Steve close Friday night on the acoustic stage. OK, so he tends to call himself a ‘song and dance man’ rather than a bluesman, but it sounds an awful lot like the blues to me.

Xavier Rudd, Avalon Stage

Jon — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 11:48:18 GMT

As the sun descended from the Glastonbury site the lights turned on for Xavier Rudd. Even before he was on stage I was impressed. Purely by the piece of equipment he had awaiting him on stage. This thing was the Tardis of the one man band world.

We Are Scientists, Other Stage

Emily — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 10:56:02 GMT

Perfect power-pop from the US group We Are Scientists perform for the first time at Glastonbury – but not to win over a UK crowd - they’ve already done that. Their latest album Brain Thrust Mastery recently reached #11 in the UK album chart...

The Hoosiers, Other Stage

Jon — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 12:18:45 GMT

Well, if the videos are anything to go by this lot should at least be a good laugh, I thought. And this proves to be true as The Hoosiers emerge from a giant on-stage wardrobe, as if they were expecting Narnia rather than Glastonbury Festival.

Kings of Leon, Pyramid Stage

Jon — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:22:40 GMT

Choosing the Kings of Leon to headline the Pyramid Stage on Friday night was an interesting choice, I thought. The Followill clan played their first festival gig at Glastonbury in what was then the New Bands tent, back in 2003.

Website Artist: Gemma Hastilow

Jon — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:38:20 GMT

Glastonbury Festival website artist, Gemma Hastilow traipsed through Worthy Farm in search of those little oddities and wonders to transform into her own cartoonesque vision.

Roisin Murphy, Dance East

Jon — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 12:58:59 GMT

Undeniably the coolest woman in dance music and in my opinion the most beautiful, Roisin Murphy graced the stage at Dance East on a cold Glastonbury night. Not that it was cold in the packed tent, as everyone boogied with as much energy and excitement as the star herself.

An Interview with Reverend and the Makers

Jon — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:00:03 GMT

Excited isn’t really a strong enough word to describe the buzz that Sheffield’s Reverend and the Makers are feeling right now after their evening set on the John Peel Stage. The Reverend Jon McClure is out in the crowd entertaining the masses on his acoustic guitar...

Panic at the Disco, Other Stage

Emily — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 11:48:26 GMT

My first encounter with Panic at the Disco tonight wasn’t with the band but with the lairy crowd that had gathered to watch them. After stepping carefully away from an over-friendly man who was trying to obtain my hat, I was elbowed in the face by a group of equally drunk girls.

Reverend and the Makers, John Peel Stage

Jon — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:15:57 GMT

Bless you my children. We are gathered here today to witness the bonding of The Reverend Jon McClure and his flock. May their union be blessed with many happy offspring, minimal strife, health, happiness, long life and above all, peace and love.

Fatboy Slim, Dance East

Jon — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:19:32 GMT

Certainly no stranger to the Festival, Fatboy Slim once again sent crowds wild with his Friday night headline slot in the Dance East tent. Fans of the Brighton-based DJ packed out the tent long before his scheduled 11pm appearance, eager to hear anthems such as ‘Right Here, Right Now’ and ‘Praise You’.

Alabama 3, JazzWorld Stage

Jon — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 12:39:51 GMT

If ever there was a band designed specifically for festivals, that band is Alabama 3. Surely no other band has so assiduously hit the festivals trail over the years? And not, of course, that you could design a band like Alabama 3.

The Cribs, John Peel Stage

Jon — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 18:19:01 GMT

This was another big moment in the rise of the brothers Jarman, but it was perhaps a controversial move to place them on the rather petite John Peel Stage. Luckily the combined factor of a sedate crowd and the pull of other artists mean that security have little to worry about.

Live for the Now

Jon — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:45:18 GMT

Granted, it's not been as bad as some of the festivals I've been to but I've still seen too much of it. I’m talking about the obsession of Festival-goers wanting to video their 2 minutes and 30 seconds of video content of a stage show that their cameras make look like a bleary spaceship in heavy fog.

Bands: it can be worth the effort

Emily — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 12:43:31 GMT

There was no doubting the fact that Alabama 3 went down a storm when they played the Jazz World stage on Friday: I witnessed the aftermath, and it was most heart-warming.

Friday at a Wine Bar Somewhere

Jon — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 13:30:16 GMT

The Killers played Glastonbury last night, or so it seemed. At a wine bar somewhere between Trash City and the Pyramid Stage (I can’t reveal the exact location due to having been lost at the time) a dozen or so girls danced and cheered along karaoke style.

Saturday at 9am

Emily — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 13:07:38 GMT

Compared to the activity at 3am this morning, nine o’clock Glastonbury was a sparse muddied plain inhabited only by the disorientated and still inebriated. Survivors of last night’s mass of untamed activity could be seen stumbling towards coffee stalls.

The Rascals Turn the Tables

Emily — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 21:08:36 GMT

After they'd been interviewed by everyone possible Victoria Trow managed to catch up with The Rascals after their performance on the Other Stage on Friday. The scouse trio decided not to chat about the normal, instead talking tipples, cheese and fancy dress.

Other Glastonbury Stages

Jon — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:37:53 GMT

Away from the main stages at Glastonbury you'll find thousands of excellent acts strutting their stuff from Avalon to Shangr-La...

Sinead O’Connor, Acoustic Stage

Adam — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:54:21 GMT

There is a noticeably older, more polite crowd at the Acoustic Stage than elsewhere on site. People say “excuse me" as they push through towards the stage; seated patrons stick obediently to the designated chair.

Golden Silvers, Other Stage

Jon — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 18:28:29 GMT

Playing before midday on the Other Stage when most people don’t know your songs is hard work, but the fresh faced Golden Silvers are an amiable bunch and didn’t seem to notice that their crowd hadn’t made it for the start of their 11.50am slot.

Webteam Bus Video Interviews

Jon — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 11:59:27 GMT

Throughout the Festival the webteam have been picking the brains of Glastonbury performers including Editors, The Automatic, Elbow and Foals on video to stream back to you.

Shakin' Stevens, Pyramid Stage

Jon — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 16:55:22 GMT

Appropriately, the pre- Shakin’ Stevens field is bouncing along to various kitsch eighties hits from ABC and Blondie, to try and get that proper retro feel. Is it an ironic statement, programming genius, or just plain bad judgement that brought Shakey to Glastonbury?

Opening the Stable Doors

Adam — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 14:59:36 GMT

Oxford-based quintet Foals were soaking up the mud and atmosphere back stage at the Festival prior to their much anticipated performance. Victoria Trow managed to steal a few moments to chat about the band's hectic schedule with Jimmy and Yannis.

Martha Wainwright, Pyramid Stage

Jon — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 02:09:37 GMT

Midday glittered for Martha Wainwright’s set on the Pyramid Stage, a stream of bubbles blown by someone at the front of the crowd offsetting the gold sequins on the chest of cross-dressing drummer Mad Johnson.

MGMT, John Peel Stage

Marie — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 19:31:29 GMT

This year’s must-have pop accessory: MGMT. But this is no ordinary Hoosiers-style, join-the-dots fashion item, but rather a huge crazy 70’s/80’s pop psychedelia type-thing, straight out of New York. And this, to be sure, was no ordinary gig.

Nik Turner, Shangri La

Emily — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 15:48:13 GMT

If there was such a thing as a ‘Lifetime Glastonbury Legend’ award - I’m imagining a mud-coloured Oscar or something - then this guy’s got it in the bag (or, more likely, the rucksack).

The Blockheads, Acoustic Stage

Jon — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:45:16 GMT

One of Glastonbury’s most joyful aspects is the chance, every once in a while, to see a band that you never thought you’d get to see again... like The Blockheads...

Hercules and Love Affair, Dance East

Jon — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 16:39:08 GMT

Wave your flags at this musical project from New York, Hercules and Love Affair, because they are bringing sexy back to Glastonbury for shizzle my wizzle. They were minus Anthony Hegarty, lead vocalist of Anthony and The Johnsons.

Heat, Sweat and Hygiene

Emily — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 16:09:31 GMT

In the far most corner of the Green Fields, and fittingly close to Shangri-La, is a very special place, Sam’s Magic Hat Sauna. If there’s one thing I bet you thought you couldn’t, or maybe wouldn’t do at Glastonbury, it’s have a sauna.

Breakfast with the Locals

Jon — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:26:44 GMT

I’m on my fifth or sixth Glastonbury now and like to think I’ve got the art of eating down to a tea. The south side of the site – affectionately known as the Hippy Fields – is the place to go. The food is always great...

The Festival We Know and Love

Jon — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:24:25 GMT

Well it would appear we’re back on track. After lots of sun in the run up and a fine Wednesday, then a grizzly drizzly pain in the arse of a Thursday and a sticky Friday we seem to be on firmer footing for Saturday.

Booka Shade, Dance West

Adam — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:22:04 GMT

Walter Merziger and Arno Kammermeier aren’t your average dance music superstars. They don’t wear their sunglasses at night, they don’t have a bevy of blonde bitches powdering their noses, and their balding heads and crotch crunchingly tight black attire make them look like Right Said Fred.

Name That Tune

Emily — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 16:41:58 GMT

It’s nice to be called on to help from time to time. Even better when you’re actually able to help. Last night I fell into the first category but not the second but it wasn’t for want of trying, I can tell you.

A. Human, Dance West

Jon — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:25:01 GMT

You’ve got to feel sorry for A. Human. Those intrepid festivaleers brave enough to have ventured into the dance arena before the sunsets will know that the only revellers remaining are the wreck-heads and wronguns still partying like it’s 1999 from the night before.

Neil Cowley Trio, Jazz World Stage

Emily — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 21:18:50 GMT

Making the move from a jazz club stage to fields of revellers with broader tastes is never an easy transition, but the Neil Cowley Trio stepped up to the plate beautifully. If you haven't got a wild front man or a seductive diva then it's not always easy to hold the crowd's attention...

Black Kids, Other Stage

Jon — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:15:53 GMT

It’s a well known law of new music that some bands are an instant hit while others are ‘growers’ taking a little longer to hit the right spot. As Jacksonville lightweights Black Kids hit the stage, it was clear that their music split the crowds like a pot of musical Marmite.

Crowded House, Pyramid Stage

Adam — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:56:33 GMT

The convergence of Austalian flags arounfd the Pyramid Stage herald Oz's favourite musical export, Crowded House. Actually, they're from New Zealand. But there is no time to get into that argument as'Private Universe' launches this return of the Finn family.

Video Poetry

Jon — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 17:32:26 GMT

For the latest edition of AF Harrold' poetic Glastonbury collection, we're going digital with video streams of the man himself.

Jimmy Cliff, Jazz World

Jon — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 15:25:14 GMT

Despite being the busiest person out of the 177,503 people here at the Festival, Michael Eavis made sure he witnessed the living legend and the Godfather of reggae, Jimmy Cliff.

James Blunt, Pyramid Stage

Emily — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 21:49:47 GMT

James Blunt seemed to be having more fun onstage than any other artist I have seen this weekend. He jumped off the stage, on top of the piano, and inevitably into the hearts of the three girls stood behind me, who screamed “I love you!” approximately once every five minutes during the set.

Holy Fuck, John Peel Stage

Jon — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 15:16:33 GMT

OK, I admit it, it was the band's name that drew me in, so maybe marketing does work. I had crossed paths with Holy Fuck before and never managed to see their entire set. So this was it, a chance to take in this experimentation of noise rock...

Neon Neon, Other Stage

Emily — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 22:00:06 GMT

At the start of Neon Neon’s set, Gruff Rhys says that he will take us on a journey through the life of John De Lorean, the infamous car manufacturer. This seems ambitious for a Saturday afternoon...

Glastonbury shopping: weird, wacky and wonderful

Jon — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:16:30 GMT

Glastonbury is a goldmine of trinkets and treasures for someone with a full-ish wallet. You could rock up with nothing and purchase tents, sleeping bags, pillows, air beds, gas canisters, gas cookers, anything!

The Wombats, Other Stage

Emily — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 21:32:22 GMT

The clouds dispersed. The crowds gathered. And The Wombats emerged onto the Other Stage bathed in blazing sun, accompanied by a huge inflatable wombat quite appropriately wearing big red sunglasses.

Metronomy, Dance East

Jon — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 21:34:37 GMT

Hitting the Dance East tent like an explosion of techno slash pop slash Irish jig-a-long music this sun-filled Saturday afternoon was Metronomy; and it was suddenly as if the rain had never happened.

Cassette Boy & DJ Rubbish, The Glade

Emily — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 22:33:12 GMT

It was only 5 minutes into the start and DJ Rubbish already had the crowd screaming "The Queen is a Lizard". This pretty much set the scene for an hour of non-stop quips, rip-offs and out-and-out mockery.

The Wurzels, Avalon Stage

Emily — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 21:39:01 GMT

“We used to be pop stars we were!” grins lead Wurzel Pete. “We were heartthrobs – the original boy band! Somerset’s answer to McFly!” Well, there’s a tendency towards tall tales 'round these 'ere parts...

Fun Lovin' Criminals, Jazz World

Jon — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:20:59 GMT

Following on from Candi Staton and Lupe Fiasco, the Fun Lovin’ Criminals brought their groovy, super-smooth funk from New York to the Jazz World Stage.

Will Young, Avalon Stage

Jon — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:20:25 GMT

When Will Young was reported to have been spotted among the Glastonbury throngs a few years back there was barely disguised indignation. Just what did the poster boy for manufactured pop think he was doing at this most non-mainstream of festivals?

Kevin Eldon, Cabaret Tent

Jon — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 22:12:54 GMT

Kevin Eldon is not a comedian, he’s a character actor – which is exactly what makes him such an enjoyable stand-up to watch. He’s loosely known as "The Man Who’s In Everything" due to recurring appearances in respected cult shows such as Fist Of Fun and Alan Partridge.

Seth Lakeman, Acoustic Stage

Jon — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 15:20:14 GMT

I had heard of Seth Lakeman two hours ago, I think I had even heard one of his songs, but my main knowledge of him came from three people who told me in the last 24 hours that he was one of the best acts they'd ever seen.

Gong Healing

Emily — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 23:06:59 GMT

If you’ve got any aches and pains, or the stress of deciding which band to watch next has become too much, then don’t worry – help is at hand.

Interview with Phil Jupitus

Jon — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:16:37 GMT

Maud Milton found an excited and chatty Phil Jupitus preparing to introduce Jimmy Cliff on the Jazz World Stage. With a list of Jimmy’s most famous tracks written on his hand to ensure he didn’t forget anything crucial, Phil was really excited.

Duffy, Other Stage

Emily — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 02:17:39 GMT

Welsh flags were flying high in the sky as Amiee Ann Duffy took to the Other stage this evening. Looking a little flushed after having spent an afternoon in the sun fielding journalists and photographers in the backstage compound...

Plump DJs, Dance West

Emily — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 22:55:59 GMT

If you thought that walking through sticky mud swallowing your wellies was a mission then think again. Try walking into the Dance West tent to see the Plump Djs. Take your tops off and put your shades on if you want to fit in this crowd.

Joan Armatrading, Jazz World Stage

Adam — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 02:07:38 GMT

Joan Armatrading sauntered onto the Jazz World Stage on a sunny Saturday afternoon to a warm reception from a loyal band of fans that were clinging to the barriers at the front.

Daisy and Archie at Chai Wallah

Jon — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 20:09:36 GMT

Look them up on MySpace, they are new and need friends! As they are this good, it won’t take them long to be innundated. Influenced by Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald, and I could hear Bjork and Amy Winehouse and even Loius Armstrong in her vocals too.

Manu Chao, Pyramid Stage

Marie — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 13:15:38 GMT

Manu Chao opened to a crowd of bobbing flags, inflatable flamingos and a mass of hats of all shapes and sizes. He started his set with a reggae/rock fusion that soared through the speakers to the massed crowd, all of them skanking.

Poetry&Words on Saturday Afternoon

Jon — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:30:56 GMT

Kat Francois opened the afternoon’s poetry session as compere, then a powerful and commanding voice drew the audience into Adam Horovitz's stage presence and colourful phraseology. He treated us to assorted delights...

The Raconteurs, Pyramid Stage

Emily — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 02:54:37 GMT

Anything less than a thorough search through the Saturday line up of the Pyramid stage might have missed The Raconteurs, positioned in this odd afternoon slot. Luckily, though, thousands turned this potential tiny dot on the radar into the huge blast that it deserved to be.

Saturday Shines on Main Stages

Jon — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:31:04 GMT

Saturday saw sunshine and stunning performances across the Glastonbury Festival main stages, from A. Human to Jay-Z.

Jay-Z, Pyramid Stage

Jon — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:20:45 GMT

So the controversial headliner has played. Jay-Z has answered Glastonbury's critics with a defiant set of hits and specially written rhymes for his British audience, and he answered Noel Gallagher by opening with Oasis' 'Wonderwall' wearing a Gallagher-esque parker.

The Courteeners, John Peel Stage

Jon — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:14:16 GMT

The mood on this stage seems to change as frequently as the weather sometimes. Just when you think that you know what’s going to happen, it can suddenly swing the other way and then in a different direction entirely. Running some 15 minutes later than expected...

The Proclaimers, Avalon Stage

Jon — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 18:22:55 GMT

So what can I tell you about The Proclaimers? That they are brothers who belt out tunes about women and travel in close Scottish harmonies you know already. Is there really any more to them than this?

Glastonbury Poems, Saturday

Jon — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 14:36:17 GMT

AF Harrold, the suavely dressed, prodigiously bearded poem-producing machine who is the Official Glastonbury Website's poet in residence, has done it again! Looks like there may be a pamphlet's worth by the end of the Festival.

Black Lips, John Peel Stage

Jon — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 15:10:25 GMT

Vomiting, urinating, nudity, fireworks and a chicken. These are just some of the reasons why Black Lips have been banned from performing live at various venues across the US (no further information is available about the chicken).

Martina Topley-Bird, Pyramid Stage

Emily — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 15:52:43 GMT

Backed by a stealth of black-robed Ninjas and sporting her very best red party frock, Martina Topley-Bird swept onto the Pyramid Stage on Sunday morning with all the grace and swagger of an Oscar-winning film star.

4 Poofs and a Piano, Cabaret

Jon — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:11:16 GMT

4 Poofs & A Piano are outrageously entertaining of course, in their own limited way, but sets like this show their humour to be one-dimensional and shallow, with little real wit, just lots of cheap vulgarity and tasteless endeavours.

Band of Horses, John Peel Tent

Jon — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:38:38 GMT

They might be from Seattle, but this is very far from grunge. Think a more-countrified Shins, or a more laid-back My Morning Jacket, and you’re getting near Band of Horses territory. And think beautiful, lilting, heart-wrenching and brave.

Kosheen, Dance East

Jon — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:42:44 GMT

The Dance East tent was busy, and the main consensus from the people I spoke to was that this band are amazing. On Sian Evans came, hobbling along with a crutch...

Manly Meat and Sticky Moustaches

Jon — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 20:01:10 GMT

When I woke up with a fuzzy felt faux moustache stuck firmly to the top of my right arm my initial terror at seeing it – thinking it was a spider – was sluggishly replaced by the dawning recollections of the previous night.

Poetry&Words, Saturday Morning

Jon — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:52:30 GMT

Another round up of the poetic happenings at the Poetry&Words stage in the Enchanted Tent, with brief reviews of Joolz, Dizraeli, Pete Hunter and more

Don't Lose the Music

Jon — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:56:45 GMT

The Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) are educating Festival goers and music fans all over about the damage prolonged exposure to loud music causes to our hearing. Victoria Trow sat down with Jay, who has been working at Glastonbury, to find out the facts.

Biffy Clyro, John Peel Stage

Jon — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:34:24 GMT

What, there was another headliner tonight?! Of course there was - one hell of a full stop in British rock. If Biffy Clyro aren’t as controversial as Jay-Z it’s because the filled tent knew they were in for a good gig.

An Interview with Shakin’ Stevens

Jon — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 18:13:27 GMT

Fresh from his debut appearance opening the Pyramid Stage on Saturday morning, the official Glastonbury Website invited 80’s pop icon Shakin’ Stevens onto this old bus (sorry) where Stalker most certainly did not ask him what was behind the door…

Kid Sister, Dance East

Emily — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 16:28:01 GMT

Kid Sister Dance East Saturday You may have already heard of Chicago based MC Kid Sister – she features on The Count and Sinden’s recent repetitive track ‘Beeper’ and has just released an ode to the art of getting her toes and

Mitch Benn, Cabaret Tent

Emily — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 16:56:26 GMT

Some people think that musical comedy is the lowest form of humour. Personally, I think "Your mother" jokes take that prize. Either way, Mitch Benn is not the lowest form of anything.

Last Night a Ska Man Saved my Life

Jon — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 19:22:03 GMT

It wasn’t so much that I was lost but more like I didn’t know where I was. Ok, perhaps it was Shangri-La or Trash City... hmm… anyway, it was definitely Glastonbury.

Balkan Beat Box, Jazz World Stage

Jon — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:07:40 GMT

Such a magical mix of music took to the stage of Jazz World this afternoon. An infusion of typical world music with hip hop bass lines, brash bass, melodic reggae, singing guitar, rapping and the occasional Michael Jackson-esque screams.

DJ Booths

Jon — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 19:07:15 GMT

Wherever there is space on site there seems to be DJ Booths shooting out of the ground. Whether it is a one-record maniac ploughing his trade in an abandoned diner, a friend of a friend having a go at the hidden backstage bars.

Ladyhawke, The Queens Head

Jon — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 18:25:39 GMT

Had I been hearing Ladyhawke (aka. Pip Brown) with my eyes closed, I don’t think I would have realised that there were more musicians than just a bassist and a drummer present.

Amy Winehouse, Pyramid Stage

Jon — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 17:29:58 GMT

Who needs Lost Vagueness when you’ve got Amy Winehouse? No amount of gimps, gore and ghoulish grandiosity can compare to the one-woman freak show that this irresistibly gifted songstress’s life has become.

CSS, The Park

Jon — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:01:27 GMT

Due to over-runs and time restrictions, it’s well past midnight before CSS arrive onstage in an eclectic flurry of electro/funk chaos, their faces covered by pictures of random folk and curly blond wigs.

The Cave Singers, Park Stage

Emily — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 19:49:43 GMT

Early in their set, Pete Quirk of The Cave Singers announces to the audience that his breakfast consisted of a "few shots of Jack Daniels and a beer". Possibly as a result of this, he later tells us how ‘open’ he’s feeling and that he’s not over his ex-girlfriend...

Theatre and Circus Fields

Jon — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 11:06:26 GMT

The Theatre and Circus fields are the place to go to dress up and let your hair down. Website photographer Cyril Laffort caught all the action.

The Spirit of Glastonbury

Jon — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 12:00:31 GMT

There's something about the Festival that words cannot describe, so we made a gallery of the Spirit of Glastonbury...

The Futureheads, John Peel Stage

Emily — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 19:58:11 GMT

"Play one of the old hits. From back when you were popular". Oops. Looks like someone's arrived early for Biffy Clyro. And, right on cue, the brand new Futureheads single 'Radio Heart' sends the John Peel tent mental.

The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Pyramid Stage

Jon — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:32:45 GMT

What is it that makes Glastonbury so special? For some it’s the cider, for some the anarchy, and for others it’s the opportunity to get butt naked in a field (although not for everyone else).

Battles, The Park

Jon — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 18:11:41 GMT

As a more than satisfied owner of Battles’ album, Mirrored, I was keen to see them play live for the first time, and was, as one does at Glastonbury, trying to interest my friends in joining me for their set at The Park.

Scouting for Girls, Other Stage

Jon — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:28:11 GMT

One thing Scouting for Girls certainly have going for them is boyish charm. Singer Roy Stride had the face of an excited eight-year-old as he began superhero fantasy song ‘James Bond’ with the proclamation: “No, James Bond, I expect you to die.”

The Family Mahone, Avalon Stage

Jon — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:48:54 GMT

One of the perks of coming to Glastonbury that is often taken for granted is the licence it gives you to live like an alcoholic for a few days, guilt free. In musical terms the band on early this Sunday afternoon on the Avalon Stage are the perfect accompaniment.

Robot Drummers

Jon — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:31:55 GMT

So finally after all these years of being mocked, drummers have been replaced by robots. I guess it was only a matter of time before the powers that be decided to install a characterless bionic version of robot of rhythm...

Andy Nowak Trio, Jazz Lounge

Jon — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:37:21 GMT

The exciting new Bristol-based Andy Nowak Trio show what Tony Benjamin (the programmer for the Jazz Lounge) has been doing in the build up to this Festival. Andy Nowak challenges himself with his compositions as he searches for a unique sound, bringing fragrant solos mixed with jagged off-beats.

The Grid, Dance West

Jon — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:53:15 GMT

It seems hard to believe in this day and age, but there was a glorious period when out-and-out dance music actually used to bother the charts. One of the outfits at the forefront of that glorious, if short-lived, movement was The Grid.

Blues Club with Gráinne Duffy, Acoustic Stage

Emily — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 21:17:10 GMT

Not content with opening the Acoustic stage on Friday, Gráinne Duffy and her band of merry men crept up the bill on both Saturday and Sunday. After three days of performing one could expect a tired, worn out set which, thankfully, was not the case.

The Whip, Dance West

Jon — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:48:33 GMT

The Whip has risen from the nu rave pyre, thanks mainly to their attitude-free approach to songs that refuse to sit on the indie/dance fence. Due to a few technical problems with Lil Fee’s drums the audience were slow to pick up her beats...

Trash City

Jon — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 12:50:43 GMT

Glastonbury may boast some of the most beautiful scenery in the south-west but it also has a darker side. Festival goers missing the low-down and dirty edge of city life can head to Trash City.

Love Bullets

Jon — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:19:33 GMT

Fashion designer turned peace activist Jegede has turned a nine tonne war tank into a thing of love as he campaigns against violent acts. His message is that violence is not acceptable and through love peace an end to violence can be achieved.

Mark Ronson, Other Stage

Jon — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:39:54 GMT

Here is a question for you… how much fun can you have with a string quartet, trumpet solo, a Brooklyn rap duo and Lilly Allen? If your name is Mark Ronson then the answer is quite a lot, actually!

Tired of Getting Shellacked?

Jon — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:34:32 GMT

Close to the main entrance to Shangri-La, but tucked slightly out of the way, in a nice, cool, tree-shaded spot, you will find the Grammophon Salon...

Newton Faulkner, Other Stage

Jon — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 15:20:34 GMT

There are many things that one can shout at Newton Faulkner in recognition of the most unmanageable dreadlocks since Bob Marley first got his head caught in a fanbelt, but I think a flippant “Yer shampoo’s f*cked mate!” from the wag to my left...

Country Dad, Jazz Lounge

Jon — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 15:57:32 GMT

There were no convenient words with which to introduce Country Dad, so nobody really tried, and having sat through 45 minutes of their set, I’m not sure I can produce any either.

Mystery Jets, Park Stage

Jon — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:36:38 GMT

As I pushed my way through the jam-packed area in front of the Park Stage I was greeted with the unmistakably English Mystery Jets. With their warbling guitar, and busking sort of style, they are definitely an indie rock band...

Tent Envy

Jon — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:39:29 GMT

Tent Envy Wandering through some of the camping fields of Glastonbury today, I had a good look at the average Festival-goer’s living quarters. It was a mixed bag, with the common theme obviously being the tent. I think the state of one’s tent says a lot about the person staying in it.

Goldfrapp, Pyramid Stage

Jon — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:28:53 GMT

Descending on the folk-themed Pyramid Stage came Goldfrapp, all dressed in bright aerial whites, with the exception of Alison Goldfrapp who was covered in ribbons of colour like a folky maypole.

Stackridge, Acoustic Stage

Emily — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 22:40:35 GMT

Let me get it out of the way. Stackridge opened the very first Glastonbury festival in 1970. It is really the only reason to be here 38 years later. There are probably about as many people here to witness this little bit of history as there were witnessing that little bit of history.

Leonard Cohen, Pyramid Stage

Jon — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:28:19 GMT

Welcome to Glastonbury, Leonard Cohen; welcome to this gloriously gaudy feast of holy fools and neon-clad fakirs, of prophets and loss, of ecstasy and revelation. Welcome to a tower of song erected in a farm, where closing time is Monday...

Glastonbury Poems, Sunday

Jon — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 17:36:26 GMT

AF Harrold closes his run of Festival poems with a bang and a run of 12 poems, euphoric that he managed to get himself a backstage pass to the astonishing Leonard Cohen concert that effectively closed the Festival, for all poets on site at the very least.

Neil Diamond, Pyramid Stage

Jon — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:33:42 GMT

Even the old ‘uns have managed to squeeze their way towards the front of the packed Pyramid arena for Neil Diamond. Glittering ‘Neil’ banners held aloft, the crowd are in a playful mood...

Tunng, Park Stage

Jon — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:55:46 GMT

“Glastonbury’s not the sort of Festival you’d expect to see a metal band,” front man Sam Gender tells us before playing a faux folk/metal song, complete with ridiculously funny power stances.

Spiritualized, John Peel

Jon — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 16:26:34 GMT

I waded through the dense crowd of denim clad thirty-somethings and got to the front (a bonus of being short and solo) to appreciate the laser and light show, mind-blowingly combined with the spaced-out music of Spiritualized.

Poetry Slam, Poetry&Words

Jon — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 16:22:45 GMT

For those who don’t know, a poetry slam is the ultimate competition for performance poets. Forget Forward prizes, slammers do it live, at short notice and rarely stick to their notes. It’s fast, and gets faster as it nears it’s finale. And there can only ever be one winner.

Crystal Castles, John Peel Stage

Jon — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 16:16:44 GMT

Finally, someone raised the performance bar this weekend! And few would have thought it would be the relatively minor Crystal Castles who would push the button to start the chaos of Glastonbury's final night.

Massive Attack, Other Stage

Jon — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 17:21:26 GMT

Massive Attack are local boys. Bristol's just a stone's throw away. After their dark and heavy opening track, Robert Del Naja received loud acknowledgement from the packed crowd when he asked if there was “any simple country folk in the house tonight?”

My Morning Jacket, The Park

Jon — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 18:06:40 GMT

I joined an intimate group of couples, loners and leftovers on the hill in front of The Park stage on Sunday night to watch My Morning Jacket in their headline slot.

Caribou, The Park

Jon — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 15:05:50 GMT

You could forgive Caribou for feeling unsociable at Glastonbury - having travelled all the way from the US, they landed at a less than packed Park Stage early on Sunday evening. At least it was sunny.

Noah and the Whale, The Queen’s Head

Adam — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 11:46:46 GMT

Noah and the Whale are an interesting mix. For two of them, Somerset would seem to be their natural habitat: their trim curly haircuts, perfectly placed cheekbones and tweed waistcoats could easily pass them off as olden-days farm labourers.

John Mayer, Pyramid Stage

Jon — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 17:43:24 GMT

Climb on your boyfriends’ shoulders for John Mayer, girls, but be careful not to cream your pants, because this man is sex. With a deep, sexy husk for a voice and guitar skills that will make even the straightest man change his ways, he is irresistible! Oh, and the music's alright too.

The Verve, Pyramid Stage

Jon — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:41:25 GMT

Leave it to The Verve to close what was a ruddy glorious Glastonbury on the stage of all stages. It was as if Mr Ashcroft and the gang had never been apart. As Rich shouted “Let’s rock and roll!” to the whole of Glastonbury, I couldn’t help but feel a little sad knowing that this was the final night to rock.

Dave Ball Interview

Adam — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:24:42 GMT

Glastonbury website reporter and Worthy FM DJ, Stalker, caught up with Dave Ball, founding member of Soft Cell and one half of The Grid, backstage at Dance West on Saturday night and talked to him about the last twenty years, making electronic music and more.

Groove Armada, Other Stage

Jon — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:49:32 GMT

Glastonbury isn’t just a music festival; it’s a serious test of endurance. By Sunday night, the conscientious have left, the emotionally unstable are crying somewhere attached to their favourite tree, and the mate you lost in Trash City on Wednesday could be anywhere.

The Pigeon Detectives, Other Stage

Jon — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:54:24 GMT

The bass pedal got the mass clapping going and from there on in The Pigeon Detectives never looked back. This gig was what I was expecting, good British indie and a good British crowd.

Jazz Lounge 2008 Review

Jon — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 15:55:46 GMT

The Jazz Lounge has had to weather some truly rotten conditions in the past three years, the deluge of 2005 resulting in acoustic-only sets just to keep things going. Well – just like jazz – the Jazz Lounge is made of stronger stuff, like its programmer and top-hat wearing auteur Tony Benjamin.