Glastonbury’s secret performers will be revealed very soon… (Picture: Getty)
Glastonbury Festival 2023 is upon us, which means theories are flying over which stars will rock up and surprise revellers.
We already know this year’s line-up, with Sir Elton John set to headline as he bows out from touring in style.
Other acts on the list are Lizzo, Guns N’ Roses, and Arctic Monkeys, while Lana Del Rey, Mel C, Maneskin, and Skepta also bring their tunes to Worthy Farm.
There’ll even be a bout of nostalgia for all you pop lovers, as Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Rick Astley give the thousands-strong crowd a weekend to remember.
Amid all the excitement of the confirmed performers, though, is speculation that some other seriously big names will be taking to the stage.
From Harry Styles to Foo Fighters, Glasto lovers can’t stop theorising over which music icons will send music fans into a frenzy with an unannounced set.
As Glasto nears, let’s see how likely all the wild theories are to be true…
Harry Styles
Might Harry Styles be bringing his feather boa to Glasto? (Picture: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Harry Styles)
This isn’t the first time Harry Styles has been rumoured to perform at Glastonbury, but fans are wondering if it might actually happen this time.
Despite not being on the bill, Harry has a gap in his current touring schedule as he completes his final Love On Tour shows across the UK and Europe.
Of course, Glastonbury kicks off on June 20 and concludes on June 26.
Meanwhile, after a string of four sold-out shows in London’s Wembley Stadium, Harry is performing in Cardiff on June 20.
But, he doesn’t have another show until he performs in Belgium on June 24.
He’s already done Coachella… (Picture: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Harry Styles)
After that, he has a three-day gap until June 27, when he’ll perform in Germany.
…are you picking up what we’re putting down?
The Watermelon Sugar hitmaker hasn’t done anything to fuel the Glasto rumours himself, but many of his fans are convinced he’ll be stopping off in Somerset this weekend.
Britney Spears and Sir Elton John
Maybe we’ll get Britney Spears and Sir Elton John’s first live duet? (Picture: Michael Kovac/Getty Images for EJAF)
Britney Spears and Sir Elton John released a duet together last year, which would be perfect for the Glasto crowd.
Hold Me Closer dropped last August, marking Brit’s first musical release since the end of her 13-year conservatorship.
The pop tune was a real hit with fans and proved popular on both sides of the pond – but Britney is yet to sing it live.
So, with Sir Elton already performing at Glasto, what’s to say she won’t fly over for the occasion?
The music icon headlines the festival as part of his Farewell Tour (Picture: Cameron Smith/Getty Images)
The Your Song hitmaker will play the famous Pyramid stage as part of his Farewell Tour in a first for his lengthy career – and he has actually teased special guests…
Speaking to Scott Mills on BBC Radio 2, the Tiny Dancer hitmaker played coy when asked about the surprises he has in store: ‘I’ve got guests and I can’t tell you who they are.’
We’re all thinking it…
Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters fans are convinced Dave Grohl and the gang are performing (Picture: Gina Wetzler/Redferns)
Foo Fighters fans are convinced the band are performing at Glastonbury.
The group posted a cryptic message online, following the announcement that a mysterious band – called The Churnups – would be joining the Glasto line-up.
A handwritten note appeared on the band’s Twitter account as an attached photo and supporters of the Under You hitmakers read it as their official confirmation they were on their way to Worthy Farm.
The note said: ‘Hey. It’s been a while… Now that we’ve returned from our first run of shows, I felt compelled to reach out and thank you all for being there for us.
‘Every night, when I see you singing, it makes me sing harder. When I see you screaming, it makes me scream louder.
‘When I see your tears, it brings me to tears. And when I see your joy, it brings me joy.
‘But, I see you… and it feels good to see you, churning up these emotions together. Because we’ve always done this together. Time and time again. See you soon, David.’
Dave Grohl has already performed with Sir Paul McCartney at the festival last year, so will he be back with his own bandmates this time?
Pulp
There are slots available is Pulp want them… (Picture: Matt Jelonek/Getty Images)
When set times were released for Glastonbury this year, fans instantly started speculating over Pulp putting in an appearance.
It’s been more than 10 years since the group last performed, having performed a secret set once before on the Park Stage in 2011.
But if Foo Fighters aren’t The Churnups, people reckon the unknown band performing at 6:15pm on Friday could be Pulp given that, if you churn something up, you get Pulp (very clever).
Pulp also have the whole of Glastonbury week free in their diaries – and the members haven’t exactly kept schtum.
Nick Banks, the drummer, referenced The Churnups in a tweet, writing: ‘Though it’s very tempting to tease you lot again. I know nothing of the ‘Churnups’ band. OK? Over and out (for now).’
Are they trying to throw us off the scent?
There are also empty slots currently on some big stages, waiting to be filled.
The Park Stage is empty this Saturday from 7:45pm for one hour, while Woodsies is also free at 7:30pm on Friday and from 6-7pm on Saturday… the plot thickens.
How do you find out who the secret performers are?
Glastonbury kicks off at Worthy Farm this weekend (Picture: Oli Scarff/AFP)
Ok, so, the secret performers don’t stay secret for very long, and there won’t be long until we find out for definite who’ll be taking to the stage.
The identities of the surprise acts tend to slip out before the weekend arrives, especially if it’s a huge band, leaving festival-goers to get excited in the build up.
This might be through word-of-mouth or thanks to social media, making that moment when the artist eventually walks out super special.
However, there have been a few of times when the set really is kept a secret – it’s less likely to happen in 2023 thanks to the Twitter, but it is possible.
If you want to remain in the dark, though, stay off the internet!
Also, be wary of fake rumours and try to not get your hopes up.
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Thinking caps on…
