Folk, blues and soul in Glastonbury’s quietest corner
The Glastonbury Acoustic Stage returns from June 27–29, bringing three days of roots-driven, emotionally rich performances to Worthy Farm. Long celebrated as a retreat from the main stage chaos, the Acoustic Stage has built its reputation on timeless songwriting, deep lyricism and powerful live presence.
This year’s lineup delivers all that and more — a carefully balanced mix of legacy artists and emerging talent, acoustic ballads and soulful anthems. It’s a place where stories take centre stage, and where the emotion of a performance matters more than the spectacle. Whether it’s a hushed set at dusk or a tear-jerking finale, this stage offers a kind of musical intimacy that’s increasingly rare on the modern festival circuit.
Friday 27 June – Quiet power and pure storytelling
Friday’s programme sets the emotional tone of the weekend. These are artists who trade in intimacy — where lyrics lead, arrangements follow, and the crowd leans in rather than leaps.
Among the early highlights:
- Ani DiFranco brings decades of fiercely independent artistry and politically charged folk-punk. A Glastonbury veteran, her return promises raw truth and sharp wit.
- Gabrielle Aplin and Billie Marten both represent the new wave of UK singer-songwriters, blending softness with strength in every note.
- Hugh Cornwell, best known as frontman of The Stranglers, offers solo material that’s sly, sharp, and deceptively minimal.
- Dhani Harrison continues to carve out his own thoughtful, cinematic sound, standing apart from — yet deeply connected to — his legendary lineage.
Also performing Friday: Skerryvore bring contemporary Celtic energy, Tift Merritt delivers Southern charm with Americana polish, and Nadia Reid channels reflective indie-folk beauty. Add to that Jack Lukeman, Sophie Jamieson, Hazey Jane, and Our Man In The Field, and Friday becomes a quiet storm of meaningfully crafted performance.
Saturday 28 June – Roots rock and global rhythms
Saturday sees the tempo rise and the genre palette widen. It’s a reminder that “acoustic” doesn’t mean subdued — it means grounded, real, and often full of life.
- Nick Lowe, an undisputed songwriting legend, brings his elegant pop craftsmanship to the afternoon sun.
- Hothouse Flowers and The Coronas, two Irish bands with soul and scale, elevate the stage with singalongs and feel-good crescendos.
- South Africa’s Jeremy Loops brings beatboxing, looped guitar, and a wave of summer energy.
- Sophie B. Hawkins, still magnetic after all these years, returns with emotional storytelling and pop sensibility.
- Judie Tzuke offers vulnerability and power in equal measure, while Police Dog Hogan blend Americana, folk and rock into one of the UK’s most underrated live acts.
Supporting names include The Blue Highways, Ma Polaine’s Great Decline, James Walker, Lorraine Nash, and A Band Named Brian — all of whom add colour and contrast to a packed Saturday schedule.
Sunday 29 June – Legends, farewells and gospel heights
Sunday delivers Glastonbury’s signature emotional finale. The Acoustic Stage becomes a gathering point for memory, tribute, and transcendence.
- The Searchers say farewell after more than sixty years together. For many, this will be the last chance to hear the band’s harmony-driven hits in person.
- Roy Harper, a legend of British folk-rock, returns to the stage with timeless political poetry and gentle provocation.
- Rhiannon Giddens brings unmatched power and grace, bridging folk traditions across continents with a voice that silences fields.
- The Bootleg Beatles are more than tribute — they’re tradition, bringing collective joy to a Sunday afternoon.
- London Community Gospel Choir will raise the roof with spiritual fire, while Emily Barker anchors the afternoon with rich melodies and moving lyrics.
Rounding out Sunday are The Fureys, PP Arnold, Kanda Bongo Man, Lesley Woods and The Hanging Stars — ensuring the weekend ends not with a bang, but with resonance.
Final words on Glastonbury’s Acoustic heart
The Acoustic Stage stands apart at Glastonbury — not because it’s quiet, but because it’s clear. In a sea of lights and noise, this corner of Worthy Farm insists that what matters most is the song, the voice, and the story behind it.
In 2025, it continues that mission with calm confidence. It’s where legends say goodbye. Where rising talent cuts through. Where the crowd listens instead of shouting. And where the smallest moments often linger the longest.
With emotional farewells from The Searchers, classic sets from Nick Lowe, and vital performances from artists like Ani DiFranco, Rhiannon Giddens, and Dhani Harrison, the Acoustic Stage holds its place as one of the most essential parts of Glastonbury’s identity.
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If you’d like to explore beyond singular voices:
- Head to the Glastonbury Big Top Stage lineup for cabaret, circus, and theatrical programming that challenges musical form.
- Dive into the West Holts Stage preview to discover boundary-pushing acts from electronic to hip-hop fusion.
- For atmospheric, ambient and immersive sessions nestled in tree shade, check out the Woodsies & Tree Stage reveal – where nature meets experimental sound.
- Or take a look at the Glastonbury 2025 site map for layout changes, accessibility updates and where each stage fits into the bigger picture.
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For full lineups, maps, and official info, visit the official Glastonbury website.
