Charli XCX to Headline the Other Stage at Glastonbury 2025
Charli XCX is set to headline the Other Stage at Glastonbury 2025, as fans eagerly await her performance. Despite rampant rumors about her potentially headlining the Pyramid Stage, it has been confirmed that she will take the smaller stage. This announcement comes after her remarkable achievements, including five Brit Awards and three Grammy wins.
The 32-year-old artist will be at Worthy Farm this year, bringing her popular Brat show to the festival. The news was shared on Nick Grimshaw and Annie Mac’s Sidetracked podcast and sets Charli alongside Loyle Carner and The Prodigy, who will headline on Friday and Sunday, respectively.
Interestingly, her performance at the Other Stage will coincide with Neil Young, who is performing on the Pyramid Stage, creating a sharp contrast between the two acts. This scheduling has raised concerns among fans, as many anticipate a significant crowd at the Other Stage for Charli's performance, recalling a similar situation from last year.
Last year, the Other Stage attracted over 60,000 fans for Avril Lavigne's set, while Charli's previous show had to be cut short due to the overwhelming crowd. Nick Grimshaw reflected on how packed the field became, suggesting that Charli’s popularity could have warranted a spot on the main stage.
Fans took to social media to voice their worries about safety, with some calling the situation ‘dangerous’ for crowd management. One user expressed disbelief that Neil Young was headlining while Charli XCX was headlining a smaller stage, highlighting potential crowd control issues. Another fan labeled the decision as one of the worst scheduling mistakes of the festival.
Given that crowd control is a critical aspect of festival management, Glastonbury organizers assured attendees that a comprehensive crowd management plan is in place. They emphasized their commitment to ensuring crowd safety, working closely with relevant authorities.
While many fans feel Charli XCX's set would be better suited for the Pyramid Stage, podcast hosts Nick and Annie discussed possible reasons behind this choice. They suggested that Charli’s performance style, which includes a heavy use of strobe lights, may not translate well to the main stage, especially considering the need for darkness for optimal production.
The Other Stage could provide the right balance of space and performance conditions for her show. Although opinions vary, the scheduling decision appears to reflect the festival's broader strategy, balancing headliners across the event.
As anticipation builds for Charli's performance at Glastonbury, fans will be eager to see what she brings to the Other Stage, and whether her show can accommodate the expected large crowd.
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