This year’s Glastonbury Festival is set to feature a smaller Welsh presence, with a handful of prominent acts from Wales taking the stage.
The Royston Club: Energy on tap
The Royston Club is an indie rock band from Wrexham, North Wales, known for their energetic sound and dynamic live performances. Formed in 2019, the band quickly made a name for themselves with their catchy melodies, relatable lyrics, and a fresh take on the indie rock genre.
The band consists of four members: Tom Faithfull (vocals/guitar), Ben Matthias (guitar), Sam Jones (bass), and Elliot Jones (drums). Their chemistry and shared passion for music have been key to their rapid rise in the indie music scene. Drawing inspiration from classic rock and contemporary indie bands, The Royston Club’s sound features jangly guitars, driving rhythms, and anthemic choruses that resonate with a broad audience.
Cara Hammond: Soulful Soul
Cara Hammond is an emerging singer-songwriter known for her soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics. Hailing from Wrexham, she began her musical journey at a young age, writing songs and performing locally. Cara’s music blends elements of pop, soul, and R&B, creating a unique sound that resonates with a wide audience.
Her early work, including singles like “No” and “How I Feel,” showcases her ability to craft emotionally charged songs that explore themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. These tracks helped her gain recognition and a growing fan base, leading to performances at notable venues and festivals.
Trampolene: The Rising Rockers
Also gracing the Left Field stage are Trampolene, a rock band from Swansea known for their energetic performances and poetic lyrics. Fronted by Jack Jones, Trampolene has gained a reputation for their dynamic live shows and a sound that merges indie rock with punk influences. Their performance at Glastonbury is highly anticipated by fans and new listeners alike, who can expect a raw and engaging set.
Trampolene formed in 2013 and quickly made a name for themselves with their distinctive sound and poetic lyrics. Their discography includes albums like “Swansea to Hornsey” and “Love No Less Than a Queen,” showcasing a range of styles from anthemic rock to introspective ballads. The band is known for their DIY ethic and has been praised for their authentic and heartfelt music.
Skindred: The Reggae Metal Pioneers
Taking over the Avalon stage is Skindred, a band that has carved out a unique niche with their blend of reggae, metal, and punk. Formed in Newport, Skindred is renowned for their high-octane performances and the charismatic presence of lead singer Benji Webbe. Their eclectic sound and electrifying stage presence have earned them a dedicated following, and their set at Glastonbury is sure to be a highlight of the festival.
Since their formation in 1998, Skindred has become one of the most innovative bands in the UK music scene. Their unique blend of genres is evident in albums like “Babylon” and “Big Tings.” Skindred’s live performances are legendary, often featuring interactive moments with the audience, such as the “Newport Helicopter” where fans spin their shirts in the air.
Charlotte Church: From Classical to Radical
Charlotte Church, who rose to fame as a classical crossover singer in the late 1990s and early 2000s, is now making waves with a new, edgier musical direction. Performing as part of the Radical Round Up with Billy Bragg on the Left Field stage, Church’s current act blends her classical roots with contemporary and political themes. Known for her vocal prowess and bold political statements, her set is expected to be both musically captivating and thought-provoking.
Charlotte Church began her career as a classical singer, releasing her debut album “Voice of an Angel” at the age of 12. Transitioning to pop in her teenage years, she achieved international fame with hits like “Crazy Chick.” In recent years, Church has ventured into more experimental and alternative music, embracing a more independent and politically engaged persona.
Welsh DJs
If throwing shapes to a DJ set is more your thing, you’ll find plenty of Welsh artists leading the Glastonbury crowds this weekend.
These include:
- Cut Capers: Saturday, 14:15 – 15:10, Avalon Stage
- Elkka (and Joe Goddard): Saturday, 14:00 – 15:30, Stonebridge Bar
- Jamie Jones: Saturday, 22:30 – 00:00, Levels
- Jonesy Wales: Sunday (with Atki2 and Dub Boy), 17:00 – 19:00, Babylon Uprising
- Kaptin: Saturday, 1:00 – 1:30, Peace Stage
- Kelly Lee Owens: Friday, 23:00 – 00:30, Levels
- Mike Dennis: Wednesday, 16:00 – 17:00, and Friday, 18:30 – 19:30, at the Croissant Neuf Bandstand
- Mistafire: Friday, 13:45 – 14:30, Blind Tiger
- Natty Lou: Thursday, 19:15 – 20:15, Glade Dome, as well as Friday, 15:15 – 16:30, Blind Tiger, and Friday, 20:00 – 21:00, Cornish Arms.
Other Welsh artists set to perform
Bau Cat: Sunday, 21:00 – 22:00, Toad Hall
Elkka: Sunday, 16:45 – 17:45, Lonely Hearts Club
Fizz: Friday, 20:30 – 21:00, BBC Music Introducing
Gillie: Sunday, 16:15 – 17:00, Toad Hall
K Klass: Friday, 18:35 – 19:35, Glade
Plus do not miss!
Jungle
The dynamic British music collective Jungle, known for their infectious blend of funk, soul, and electronic music, continues to captivate audiences worldwide with their innovative sound and electrifying live performances. Since their formation in 2013, the band has carved out a unique niche in the contemporary music scene, blending retro grooves with modern production techniques to create a sound that is both nostalgic and fresh.
Shania Twain
Shania Twain, the iconic Canadian singer-songwriter known for her powerful voice and groundbreaking fusion of country and pop music, is set to captivate audiences at the legendary Glastonbury Festival. Taking on the coveted “Tea Time slot” on Sunday, Twain’s performance promises to be a highlight of the festival, blending her chart-topping hits with a charismatic stage presence that has made her a global sensation.
Justice
Justice is a French electronic music duo consisting of Gaspard Augé and Xavier de Rosnay. They are widely recognised for their distinct electro house sound, characterised by heavy beats, distorted basslines, and a fusion of rock and dance music elements. Emerging in the mid-2000s, Justice quickly gained prominence for their innovative approach to electronic music and their striking visual aesthetic.
