Crowds pour in as Glastonbury Festival gates open

Sarah Turnnidge
BBC News, West of England
Emma Hallett
BBC News, Somerset
Watch: Gates open for Glastonbury Festival 2025

Thousands of people have poured into Worthy Farm after the gates officially opened for the 2025 Glastonbury Festival.

Co-founder Sir Michael Eavis and his daughter Emily Eavis, who now runs the festival, led the countdown shortly before 08:00 BST in front of many who slept outside the gate on Tuesday night.

More than 200,000 people are set to descend on the site in the coming days ahead of the main festival programme launching on Friday.

Speaking shortly before the gates opened, Ms Eavis told the BBC: "It's been such a build-up this year, it's been an amazing amount of excitement."

Emily, shown wearing a white shirt and with her blonde hair back, being interviewed by a BBC News journalist. There are lots of other journalists surrounding her. Crowds can be seen in the background as they enter the gates to Worthy Farm.
Emily Eavis described the festival as "the most joyful city in the UK"

Ms Eavis said: "We're all so looking forward to opening the gates and to be able to do it with my dad has been amazing.

"It's the best moment to let them all in and it's just such a joyful city, the most joyful city in the UK for the next five days."

The man carrying all of his stuff to Glastonbury in a wheelie bin

Hundreds of people arrived on Tuesday night, sleeping under the stars in queues in a bid to be the first on site.

Among them were James Trusson, 31, from Ash, Somerset, Grace Ball, 29, from Bournemouth and Dan Mortimore, from Compton Dundon, Somerset, who made it to the front of the line for the second year in a row.

Three people standing by the line to enter Glastonbury Festival. There is a man dressed in a blue zip up jacket who is wearing a cap. He has his arms around a blonde woman who is dressed in all black and wearing sunglasses. Another man is stood next to her. He is wearing a green and white striped t-shirt, a beige jacket and black trousers with a red cap. They are all looking at the camera and smiling. There are crowds of people behind them waiting to enter the site.
(L to R) James, Grace and Dan were among the hundreds of people queuing through the night ahead of the gates opening

Having put themselves in prime position for a top camping spot, Ms Ball said their plans for the rest of the day were to go "back to the car for snacks, and then sleep".

"I'll crack a beer I think," added Mr Trusson.

Hair maintenance "just vibes and prayers" at Glastonbury

Hundreds of people have got in touch with the BBC with photos and stories of travelling to the festival - whether that's a train into Castle Cary, a long coach journey or by bike.

A coach full of Glastonbury-goers was sat on the hard shoulder of the M6 with a blown tyre, and Bobby told us he had broken down next to the A303 on his way to the festival.

Many heading to the festival for the first time shared their excitement, while others said returning for the 13th time was "pretty awesome".

We also spoke to Laurence, who said he quit his job to attend Glastonbury Festival because his leave request was denied.

Laurence wears a black T-shirt, black shorts and a purple hat. He stands next to his friends Meg (left) and Kitty (middle) in the coach station surrounded by bags. They smile at the camera as Meg and Kitty do peace signs
Laurence (right) quit his job after his request for time off to attend the festival was denied

Apart from the expected traffic on the A361 between Glastonbury and Worthy Farm, the main travel routes to the festival have remained relatively clear throughout the day.

PA A large group of people disembark a train and walk up a railway bridge carrying large bags. PA
Thousands of people are expected to arrive at the festival via Castle Cary station

While the main acts might not start performing until Friday, there is plenty for revellers to enjoy away from the music.

There are performances at the circus and theatre fields, seaside entertainment on offer at "Glastonbury-on-Sea" and plenty of food and drink stalls.

PA Two people pose with a trolley and their suitcase carrying all their festival equipment into the site. They are both wearing huge furry hats. They are posing with a white Glastonbury 2025 tote bag. Festival staff and volunteers can be seen in the distance wearing high vis jackets. PA
It might only be the first day, but people at every gate were dressed to impress for the event

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