Preview: Friday at Glastonbury Festival

Photo: Andrew Allcock

It’s Friday!

Day three already – can you believe it? Those early birds who arrived as the festival gates opened are starting to feel like they’ve always lived this festival existence, even those for whom it’s their first time at Glastonbury.

If you’ve already had a wander through the Theatre and Circus fields and caught a few acts, you’ve only had a taste of what’s on offer – from today everything kicks into life, signalling the beginning of the festival’s three biggest days.

So get those walking boots on, get your best gear on, and get down and check out some of these offerings today!

Poetry&Words brings you old and new poems

Friday heralds the opening of the Poetry&Words tent. It’s the perfect chance to get down to the fields early as Gecko’s opening performance starts at 11:30am before many other venues have opened their doors. Other highlights of the day include newcomers like Griot Gabrield and Leyla Josephine, alongside Poetry&Word veterns Murray Lachlan Young and John Hengley who bring the tent’s offerings for the day to a close in the early evening.

Learn something new

Why not learn something new and take a workshop in the Theatre and Circus Fields. The Juggling Tent kicks off its activities today, with a Laughter Yoga Workshop and circus workshops from local arts organisation Fuse. Where else would you want to learn a few circus tricks or how to juggle? 

The Cabaret tent opens its doors

Yes, the big gun of the Theatre and Circus fields also opens its doors today with over 20 acts across the day, from podcasts to comedians. Big names include Phil Wang, Jen Brister and Nish Kumar. We’ve picked out a couple of highlights to round off today’s preview.

Rob Kemp – Elvis Dead in the Cabaret Tent

For something a bit alternative, Rob Kemp’s Elvis Dead provides a unique retelling of the cult horror film Evil Dead II in the style of the musician Elvis Presley – it’s a one-of-a-kind musical comedy stage show by comedian Rob Kemp. The timing is also excellent for anyone who has musical acts they want to see during the day – the show doesn’t start until almost 1am.

Rob Kemp – Elvis Dead is in the Cabaret tent at 12:55am on Friday night / Saturday morning. He also plays the tent at 7:55pm on Sunday.

Paul Foot in the Cabaret Tent

Comedy legend (yes, legend – we said it) Paul Foot is back at Glastonbury, which is a very welcome sight for those who enjoy his absurdist humour. If you’re not already a fan, this is a great chance to check out someone who may have heard of but haven’t had a chance to see perform live – and if you’re already a fan then you need no persuading.

Where as many acts at the festival play multiple sets across a couple of stages, Foot is only performing one set across the weekend. So, if you’re interested, don’t miss it! 

Finally…

We hope you’re having a great time out there – the response to our interviews and reviews so far has been amazing, so thank you! We have lots more to come, so keep your power banks charged for your daily updates. Thanks too to those reading from afar, you’re shares, likes and retweets are greatly appreciated!