“I’ve been coming to Glastonbury my whole life, so getting to perform here feels extra special,” says Yann Elvis, the 22-year-old and “proudly Swinglish (that’s Swiss-English)” performer who is returning to Glastonbury for performances across the Theatre & Circus fields this year.
“I’m here to spread love, laughter, and a little bit of chaos wherever I go. Every bit of me is in this — bringing positivity, playing with danger, and clowning around in the silkiest way possible,” he says.
“It’s a dream. I grew up coming to Glastonbury almost every year, so it feels like home turf in a weird, muddy, magical kind of way. To be performing here now as an artist, sharing the same space with legends and misfits, is honestly a full-circle moment for me.”
Elvis grew up around the circus. “I saw shows being built from scratch and watched my parents make people laugh, cheer, and forget their worries for a while. I saw the happiness they created — and I knew I wanted to do the same. So I made it my full-time mission to carry that on and spread a bit of joy myself.”
We saw Elvis navigate a challenging set on A Little More Sensation, the outdoor stage where performers must navigate the weather as well as their act. On an incredibly breezy day, Elvis won over the wind and the audience. This year he’s not giving away any secrets about his plans for his shows – “no spoilers,” he says.
His set last year featured juggling feats – from diablos to chickens – and he’s known to juggle chainsaws. How do you prepare for an act that his?
“It’s a mix of being relaxed and quietly nervous — especially knowing some of my circus heroes might be watching. I just try to add to the beauty of the festival atmosphere and give people something they’ll remember… which is always a challenge, in the best way.”
Performing at Glastonbury also provides Elvis with the opportunity to improve his own show with the wealth of talent the festival attracts. “When I’m not on stage, I’m usually in front of one. I live for live art, so I spend my Glastonburys soaking up as much as I can and getting inspired. It’s a brilliant way for me to grow and evolve my own shows.”
Yann Elvis performs in the Theatre & Circus fields at Glastonbury Festival 2025
