Glastonbury Festival is no stranger to logistical challenges, but this year, organisers are facing mounting criticism over the scheduling of Charli XCX’s highly anticipated set.
The Brit and Grammy-winning artist, fresh off the success of her cultural phenomenon album Brat, will headline the Other Stage on Saturday night – a decision that has left fans questioning crowd safety.
Charli’s performance coincides with Neil Young’s Pyramid Stage slot, creating a stark contrast in musical styles and, crucially, raising fears of overcrowding at the smaller venue.
Fans have taken to social media to voice their concerns, with many branding the decision “dangerous” and a potential “failure in crowd control.”
One concerned festival-goer, wrote: “I can’t believe they put Neil Young as a headliner when Charli XCX was not only right there but already headlining another stage.
Genuinely dangerous from a crowd management perspective to have her on a stage that small.”
Others echoed the sentiment, with Wozza calling it “the worst Glastonbury scheduling decision” in recent memory, while Jordan added that the clash feels like a “huge failure in crowd control scheduling.”
The issue of crowd management is a perennial challenge for Glastonbury, with stages often forced to close due to overwhelming demand.
In response to the concerns, a spokesperson for the festival told Metro: “As always, Glastonbury will have a robust, dynamic crowd management plan in place to protect the safety of its crowds, working closely with all the relevant authorities.”
Despite the backlash, there may be method behind the decision. Speaking on Nick Grimshaw and Annie Mac’s Sidetracked podcast, the duo suggested that Charli’s Brat show – a strobe-heavy, rave-inspired production – might not translate as effectively to the Pyramid Stage.
“For BBC television, what her Brat show actually is and how minimal it is, that might not translate onto the Pyramid Stage,” Mac explained.
She added that the Other Stage, traditionally a hub for electronic music, could be a better fit for Charli’s high-energy performance.
Grimshaw, meanwhile, admitted he preferred the idea of Charli on the Other Stage, though he acknowledged the potential for “carnage” given her immense popularity.
One key factor is timing. Charli’s set relies heavily on darkness for its full visual impact, and with the sun not setting until after 9pm, an earlier Pyramid Stage slot would compromise the production.
The Other Stage, with its later schedule, offers the ideal balance of timing and crowd capacity – though whether it can handle the expected surge of fans remains to be seen.
This year, organisers appear determined to strike a balance between established acts and fresh talent, offering a diverse lineup that spans generations and genres.
From iconic Nineties electronic pioneers The Prodigy and Canadian alt-rock legend Alanis Morissette to the indie rock veterans The Libertines, the festival is set to celebrate music’s enduring legends.
On the other end of the spectrum, rising stars like Messy singer Lola Young, US pop sensation Gracie Abrams, and viral phenomenon Shaboozey - whose hit A Bar Song (Tipsy) has dominated TikTok since its release - will bring a contemporary edge to the bill.
Following Charli’s set, the London rapper Loyle Carner will top the bill on Friday, and The Prodigy will close the second stage on Sunday.
This marks the dance group’s first Glastonbury performance since the death of their frontman, Keith Flint, in 2019, just before that year’s festival.
Glastonbury 2025 will take place from June 25-29, with Olivia Rodrigo headlining on Sunday, which has sparked controversy, Young and Crazy Horse on Saturday, and The 1975 topping the bill on Friday.
British singer RAYE, Grammy-winning rapper Doechii, British hip-hop artist Loyle Carner, Scottish rock band Biffy Clyro and rapper Busta Rhymes round off the line-up.
It was announced last year that Rod Stewart will take on the Sunday teatime Legends Slot on the Pyramid Stage.
