Glastonbury 2024: BBC announce plans to livestream performances globally
Ahead of Glastonbury Festival taking place this coming weekend in Somerset, the BBC have unveiled plans to livestream performances globally for the first time.
Since 1997, the BBC has been the broadcasting partner of the iconic festival. In recent years, they have extended their coverage of the festival through the use of their streaming service, iPlayer, which allows viewers in Britain to experience Worthy Farm from the comfort of their own home.
Now, the BBC have shared plans to allow overseas music lovers to enjoy the same privileges thanks to the recently relaunched BBC.com. Through the website, viewers from across the world will be able to watch Dua Lipa’s performance on the Pyramid Stage on June 28th and also Coldplay’s headline set on June 29th.
While the majority of the event will still be unable to watch live for those in overseas countries, the innovative move marks a step forward as the BBC continues to expand upon it’s coverage from Worthy Farm.
In a statement, Tara Maitra, chief commercial officer at BBC Studios, described Glastonbury as “an icon of British culture”. Maitra then said “this livestream will give fans around the globe a front row seat to headline performances like never before.”
She continued: “This is just the latest example of our focus on bringing more cultural-defining moments like Glastonbury to fans on our platforms outside the UK so users can experience the best of British culture wherever they may be.”
Additionally, the BBC’s director of music, Lorna Clarke, explained how the broadcaster is “incredibly proud of our coverage,” adding, “It enables millions of people to access the magic of Emily and Michael Eavis’ festival each year.”
Touching upon this year’s step forward, Clarke added, “The global streams of Dua Lipa and Coldplay’s performances are another exciting addition to our offer, allowing us not only to unite music fans across the country, but across the world with the opportunity to experience these world class performances as they happen.”
Meanwhile, Glastonbury co-organiser Emily Eavis recently revealed Kate Bush as her ultimate headliner for Glastonbury. During an appearance on the BBC Sounds podcast, Sidetracked with Annie and Nick, Eavis told hosts Annie Macmanus and Nick Grimshaw when asked the impossible question, “Do you know who I would like to get who haven’t had… Is Kate Bush. I’d love to have her.”
Eavis then stated that she’s previously “put it out there” to Bush’s team and they are well aware “that I’d love to have her.”
Glastonbury Festival is set to run from June 26th until June 30th and Far Out will be on the ground at Worthy Farm to provide coverage directly from Pilton. This year’s event will be headlined by Dua Lipa, Coldplay and SZA.
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