Sir Elton John has been announced as the first headline act for Glastonbury 2023 (Suzan Moore/PA)
(Picture: PA Wire)Sir Elton John has been announced as Sunday’s headliner at Glastonbury 2023, marking the singer’s first appearance at the festival and his last ever UK show.
The Rocket Man hitmaker is set to dazzle the Pyramid Stage in a farewell to British fans on June 25, with hits from a sparkling career that has spanned over five decades.
In a statement following the announcement, Elton John said: ‘I couldn’t be more excited to be headlining the Pyramid Stage. As the end of my Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour comes into view, there is no more fitting way to say goodbye to my British fans.
“They have been beyond brilliant, and have supported me through all the highs and lows of my career.
“Every week I speak to new artists on my radio show and Glastonbury is often cited as a pivotal moment in launching their careers - the festival’s genuine, enthusiastic support for the best emerging talent is something I’ve long admired.
“I’ve been talking to Emily Eavis about it over the last few weeks and I can’t wait to embrace the spirit of the greatest festival in the world. It’s going to be incredibly emotional.”
Glastonbury co-organiser Emily Eavis said: “It gives me enormous pleasure to let you know that the one and only Elton John will be making his first ever Glastonbury appearance, headlining the Pyramid Stage on the Sunday night next year.
“This will be the final UK show of Elton’s last ever tour, so we will be closing the Festival and marking this huge moment in both of our histories with the mother of all send offs. We are so very happy to finally bring the Rocket Man to Worthy Farm!”
News of the announcement has gone down well with fans as excitement has already started to build on social media.
One user tweeted: “That will be amazing, we [saw] him a few years ago in Newcastle and he was amazing.”
Another said: “Local Sunday tickets were pricey this year, but all of a sudden, they’re an absolute bargain!”
Here’s all the updated information on Glastonbury 2023 so far:
When is Glastonbury 2023?
The festival runs Wednesday June 21 – to Sunday June 25.
Where is Glastonbury?
Glastonbury takes place on Worthy Farm in Pilton, Shepton Mallet.
Who is on the line up?
Elton John is the first confirmed headliner for Glastonbury 2023, and currently the only act confirmed by the festival itself.
With that said, news of the acts in talks with the festival has been coming thick and fast.
According to reports, Arctic Monkeys have already signed the dotted line to headline the festival for a third time.
“Alex Turner and the band are coming back to Glastonbury and this time their set is going to be even bigger and better,” an insider told The Sun.
“The lads have signed on the dotted line and will return to the Pyramid Stage next June.
“It is really special for them to be doing a hat-trick on that stage and it is something they have wanted to do for a while.
In addition, organisers are also reportedly in talks with Rihanna as she returns to music following a five-year hiatus, after being announced as the half time act for SuperBowl LVII in 2023.
Superstar rapper Eminem is also reportedly in advanced talks with the festival organisers in what would also be his first performance at Worthy Farm.
Where can I get tickets?
With such big names being floated around the lineup, getting tickets are obviously a given, right?
Well unfortunately, tickets went on sale November 3rd and Glastonbury confirmed on their Twitter account that tickets for the 2023 edition are completely sold out.
Tickets for Glastonbury 2023 have now Sold Out. Thank you to everyone who bought one and we're sorry to those of you who missed out, on a morning when demand far exceeded supply. There will be a resale of any cancelled or returned tickets in spring 2023.
— Glastonbury Festival (@glastonbury) November 6, 2022
Tickets went in typically rapid style, with users complaining of website crashes and hour long queues.
If you weren’t one of the lucky ones first time round, there is still a chance of bagging a spot at next year’s festival, as Glastonbury will be holding a resale in spring – with the date yet to be confirmed.
How much are tickets?
Tickets for Glastonbury 2023 were confirmed to be priced at £335 + £5 booking fee, which initially caused a stir on social media.
— Emily Eavis (@emilyeavis) October 17, 2022
Glastonbury co-organiser Emily Eavis addressed the spectacle on social media, saying: We have tried very hard to minimise the increase in price on the ticket but we’re facing enormous rises in the costs of running this vast show, whilst still recovering from the huge financial impact of two years without a festival because of COVID.
She also added that there’s always the opportunity to attend the festival as a volunteer or part of the crew.
If you managed to get a ticket in the original sale, the £50 deposit will be knocked off the total price.
Those who will be trying at resale must have the full amount for the ticket ready on the date of release.
