Glastonbury 2023 – live: Immigration enforcement officers spotted near festival site at Castle Cary station

The gates to Glastonbury 2023 have now opened, with co-organisers Emily Eavis and Michael Eavis welcoming festival-goers on to the site.

Thousands of music fans are pouring into the fields at Worthy Farm, Somerset, and setting up camp for the next five nights when they will see headliners Arctic Monkeys, Guns N’ Roses and Elton John, along with hundreds of other artists.

Immigration enforcement officers were spotted outside Castle Cary station on the first day of the festival (Wednesday 21 June), where festival-goers are arriving before heading to the main site.

The Independent understands that one of the officers told a member of the public that they were monitoring crowds for “adverse reactions”, which would form a basis for questioning people.

Glastonbury Festival said in a statement: “We are not responsible for – or in any way involved with – policing / enforcement away from the Festival site.”

The Independent has contacted the Home Office for comment.

The weather for this year’s festival is predicted to be a mixture of sun and rain, after a month’s worth of rain fell in the UK last weekend. You can find a day-by-day guide to the forecast in Somerset here.

Glastonbury 2023 talking points

• 30,000 steps a day and ‘Glasto Lip’: What it’s like to work at Glastonbury Festival

• Elton John drops hints about surprise guests in ‘brand new’ Glastonbury headline set

• Full lineup and stage times for Glastonbury 2023

• See the latest weather forecast for Worthy Farm

• Immigration enforcement officers spotted at Castle Cary station near festival site

Glastonbury fireworks in pictures

10:14 , Peony Hirwani

Glastonbury 2023 lineup: Who is headlining this year's music festival?

09:54 , Peony Hirwani

09:30 , Peony Hirwani

Sources tell us that Chris Martin has been spotted on Glastonbury grounds! Could Coldplay be one of Elton John’s collaborators on Sunday 25 June?

Elton John will bring on ‘four collaborators’ at his Glastonbury headline show

09:26 , Peony Hirwani

With just three days to go until Elton John’s headline set at Glastonbury, the musician’s husband, filmmaker David Furnish, has revealed that the star will bring on “four collaborators” during his show on the famed Pyramid Stage.

Read more:

Elton John’s husband lets on how many guests there will be at star’s Glastonbury show

Glastonbury 2023 banned items list

08:30 , Peony Hirwani

The following is a list of items that are banned from the Glastonbury festival.

• Knives

• Portable laser equipment or pens

• Animals (except registered guide dogs)

• Sound systems or drums

• Generators

• Sky lanterns or kites, unauthorised fireworks, or wax flares

• Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)

• Anything made of glass (e.g. perfume bottles, mirrors etc...)

People who use fireworks on the site will be evicted and any remaining material will be confiscated from them.

Additionally, the festival asks that revellers avoid bringing items such as disposable vapes as they can be hazardous at waste centres, and gazebos as they take up valuable tent space at campsites.

Watch: Downpour drenches Glastonbury revellers on opening day of festival

08:10 , Peony Hirwani

In pictures: Glastonbury festival day one

07:50 , Peony Hirwani

In pictures: Burning of the Phoenix ceremony at Glastonbury on Wednesday night

07:30 , Peony Hirwani

Fireworks lit up the Glastonbury sky on Wednesday night

07:12 , Peony Hirwani

Footage of Glastonbury captured from a hot air balloon 3000ft above ground

06:50 , Peony Hirwani

The Pretenders announce secret show at Glastonbury

06:30 , Peony Hirwani

The Pretenders have been announced as one of Glastonbury’s secret set holders.

Each year, the legendary Somerset-based festival keeps a number of its line-up slots blank to add a little extra excitement for ticketholders.

On Tuesday (20 June) evening, The Pretenders revealed they would be performing on Saturday, 19:45 BST, at The Park Stage. The band also teased some special guests though their identities were not disclosed.

Read more:

Glastonbury announces major rock band as secret set act

Wizkid will be the first Afrobeats artist to headline Glastonbury Festival this Friday (23 June).

06:15 , Peony Hirwani

In pictures: Glastonbury Festival day one

06:00 , Peony Hirwani

Here’s what a Glastonbury sunset looks like

05:30 , Peony Hirwani

Everything you need to know about Elton John’s first Glastonbury show and last ever UK gig

05:10 , Tom Murray

Everything know about Elton John’s first Glastonbury show and last ever UK gig

6 hacks for handling the heatwave at a festival

04:11 , Tom Murray

6 hacks for handling the heatwave at a festival

The 7 most brutal set clashes at Glastonbury 2023

03:15 , Tom Murray

The 7 most brutal set clashes at Glastonbury 2023

Expert tips on how to survive festival sleep deprivation as Glastonbury kicks off

02:12 , Tom Murray

Hundreds of thousands of music lovers will descend on Glastonbury this week.

A noisy night-time environment and increased alcohol consumption are set to wreak havoc on revellers’ sleep, with the average festivalgoer getting just three and a half hours of sleep a night.

That’s why it’s important to flex your sleep plan if you want to secure much-needed rest amid the madness.

The following are some tips from sleep expert Hannah Shore to get through five days of madness.

Pack sleep essentials

Camping at a festival is inevitably going to be less comfortable than a normal night’s sleep – swapping out a comfy mattress for the hard floor or, at best, an airbed for those willing to lug it across the 1,100 acre site.

To help create a comfortable sleep space and therefore get a better night’s sleep, festivalgoers should pack a thick pillow to relieve pressure on the shoulders when lying on the ground.

Handy sleep aids like eyemasks and earplugs can also help mitigate the negative effect of a busy and noisy environment and an additional home comfort, like a sleep spray, can help too.

Hydration

The increased alcohol consumption of many partying revellers has a big effect on sleep, with the accompanying late nights meaning less opportunity for shut-eye and the alcohol itself creating fractured sleep once you do call it a night.

Be sure to go to bed with a big bottle of water to stay hydrated and help mitigate some of the negative effects of drinking on sleep.

Plan your journey home

Driving tired is just as bad, if not worse, than driving drunk. Tiredness can effect your concentration, reaction time and the ability to judge risks, which are all things we we need in tip top condition if you’re going to get behind the wheel.

Several consecutive nights of disrupted sleep will naturally effect your energy and concentration levels, so, if you’re planning on driving home then you might want to rethink.

There are a number of different transport options to get you to and from Glastonbury, so why not opt for a train or bus? Not only will this mean to can enjoy your final night without worrying too much about your energy levels, it’s also a boost to the environment!

Recovery day

Even if doing all of the above, revellers will no doubt still be worn out by the time they return home, following the long days – and nights – of adrenaline and reduced sleep.

It’s important to ensure you have an extra day at home to rest and recover after the event. One extra day’s holiday and no plans will help get you back to normal energy levels before taking on your usual routine again.

Glastonbury weather: A day-by-day guide to Worthy Farm forecast

01:12 , Tom Murray

A day-by-day guide to the weather forecast for Glastonbury Festival

Elton John teases surprise guests and ‘brand new’ show ahead of Glastonbury headline performance

Thursday 22 June 2023 00:13 , Tom Murray

Elton John has dropped hints about his forthcoming headline performance at Glastonbury Festival.

Read more:

Elton John teases surprise guests and ‘brand new’ show for Glastonbury

How to get tickets for Glastonbury 2024

Wednesday 21 June 2023 23:15 , Tom Murray

If you missed out on Glastonbury tickets this year, here’s how you can be in with a chance of securing them in 2024.

How to get tickets for Glastonbury 2024

What happened with the cancelled Jeremy Corbyn film?

Wednesday 21 June 2023 22:24 , Tom Murray

Many people are incensed over the festival’s decision to cancel a screening of a film about former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

Titled Oh, Jeremy Corbyn: The Big Lie and produced by Platform Films, the film was due to be shown at the arts festival’s Pilton Palais cinema on Sunday (25 June).

The film aims to challenge accusations of antisemitism made against Corbyn throughout his political career, claiming to “explore a dark and murky story of political deceit and outrageous antisemitic smears”.

However, after the Board of Deputies of British Jews (BDBJ) expressed “deep concern” over the film, Glastonbury announced on Monday (19 June) that Oh, Jeremy Corbyn would no longer be screened at the event.

Read more:

Glastonbury cancels screening of Jeremy Corbyn film booked ‘in good faith’

Watch: The moment Emily Eavis opens gates for 2023 Glastonbury Festival

Wednesday 21 June 2023 21:37 , Tom Murray

Home Office responds after immigration enforcement officers spotted at Castle Cary station

Wednesday 21 June 2023 20:02 , Tom Murray

The Home Office has issued a statement after festivalgoers spotted and criticised the presence of immigration enforcement officers at Castle Cary station near the site of Glastonbury Festival.

“A multi-agency operation took place at Castle Cary, jointly led by Immigration Enforcement and British Transport Police, to tackle gangs who use the railway to transport gang members and vulnerable persons, including foreign nationals who may be in the UK illegally, to run criminal operations,” a Home Office spokesperson explained.

The festival previously told The Independent that it was “not responsible” for any policing outside the site of the festival itself.

What Glastonbury looks like from above

Wednesday 21 June 2023 19:47 , Tom Murray

It’s hard to really capture the full scale of Glastonbury. This bird’s eye perspective captured by a hot air balloon does a pretty good job, though.

Full line up and stage times

Wednesday 21 June 2023 19:02 , Tom Murray

Feeling overwhelmed? Fear not: we’ve broken down all the timings, days, stages and artists to help you figure out the best plan of action.

Watch: Domino’s trials jet suit pizza delivery at Glastonbury

Wednesday 21 June 2023 18:13 , Tom Murray

Glastonbury secret sets 2023: All the rumours

Wednesday 21 June 2023 17:30 , Nicole Vassell

Though festival-goers might plan their Glastonbury itinerary to a T as soon as the set times are revealed, each year there is always room for surprises with the traditional secret sets.

Announced with short notice once the festival is underway, secret sets inject an additional element of mystery and excitement into the weekend.

Past secret sets have seen the likes of Lady Gaga, Franz Ferdinand and George Ezra perform.

Megan Graye has the scoop on who is rumoured to make a surprise appearance this year:

Glastonbury secret sets 2023: Rumours and how to find out who will play

Wednesday 21 June 2023 17:00 , Nicole Vassell

Note to those travelling to Glastonbury by train – try not to take up seats with your bags, it does not make you many friends...

Glastonbury Festival ‘not responsible’ for immigration officers at Castle Cary station

Wednesday 21 June 2023 16:41 , Nicole Vassell

Glastonbury Festival has responded to today’s reports of immigration enforcement officers “monitoring for adverse reactions” at Castle Cary station, near the site.

A statement to The Independent said: “We are not responsible for – or in any way involved with – policing / enforcement away from the Festival site.”

Big Joanie star speaks out against immigration officers near site

Wednesday 21 June 2023 16:15 , Nicole Vassell

A member of the Black feminist punk band Big Joanie has spoken out against the presence of immigration enforcement officers near the Glastonbury Festival site.

The band will perform on the Leftfield stage on Saturday afternoon. On Wednesday, Chardine Taylor-Stone, a writer, activist and the band’s drummer, tweeted in response to reports of officers looking for “adverse reactions” among the crowd.

“I’m super proud to be playing @glastonbury a 2nd time on the Leftfield stage but hearing that Immigration cops are questioning festival goers is alarming,” she wrote.

“Ppl [people] of colour led bands and attendees will be a target. How does it chime with Glasto’s ethos and move to encourage diversity?”

The Independent understands that the officers have not questioned anyone, but confirmed they were looking for “adverse reactions”, which would give them justification to approach people.

The Home Office and Glastonbury’s press team have been contacted for comment.

Massive Attack highlight extra train services to Glastonbury

Wednesday 21 June 2023 15:46 , Nicole Vassell

Massive Attack have praised Glastonbury and Great Western Railway for providing additional routes to the campsite.

The trip-hop collective, formed in Bristol in the 1980s, shared a picture of a train departures board with a route to Castle Cary on Wednesday afternoon.

Castle Cary station is a 25 to 30-minute drive from the main campsite.

“Great to see @GWRHelp & @glastonbury providing an additional 39 trains - serving 26k festival go-ers into the site, marking a 58% carbon emissions reductions for each journey,” reads a tweet from the band’s official account.

“They also provide free shuttle services to the festival. #ClimateEmergency.”

Check out an aerial view of the Glastonbury festival site!

Wednesday 21 June 2023 15:00 , Roisin O'Connor

This never fails to make our jaws drop:

Immigration enforcement officers spotted at Castle Cary station near Glastonbury Festival site

Wednesday 21 June 2023 14:48 , Roisin O’Connor

Immigration enforcement officers were spotted outside Castle Cary station on the first day of Glastonbury Festival (Wednesday 21 June), where festival-goers are arriving before heading to the main site.

The Independent understands that one of the officers told a member of the public that they were monitoring crowds for “adverse reactions”, which would form a basis for questioning people.

Griff Ferris, festival-goer, told my colleague, Home Affairs Correspondent Lizzie Dearden: “It was bizarre seeing the two of them there. I asked them what they were doing and they said they were here monitoring for adverse reactions to them.”

Mr Ferris said the officers confirmed that the “adverse reactions” would have given them justification to speak with people.

“I didn’t see them check anyone, but you have to walk past them,” he added. “It’s just really grim.

“There’s thousands of people coming through the station today and there’s a huge queue, and as you’re queueing to get your ticket checked they’re there.”

The Independent has contacted the Home Office and Glastonbury’s press team for comment.

Wednesday 21 June 2023 14:30 , Roisin O'Connor

Glastonbury Festival 2023 is officially underway, after co-organiser Emily Eavis opened the gates to Worthy Farm.

Music fans are busy setting up camp as they prepare to watch this year’s headliners, Arctic Monkeys, Guns N’ Roses and Elton John, at the annual event in Somerset. Other acts on the line-up include Lizzo, Lana Del Rey, Lewis Capaldi, Texas and Kelis.

The gates to the festival opened at 8am on Wednesday 21 June, and revellers are undoubtedly refreshing their weather apps to see what they can expect across the five days.

A day-by-day guide to the weather forecast for Glastonbury Festival

How to get tickets for Glastonbury 2024

Wednesday 21 June 2023 14:00 , Roisin O'Connor

If you missed out on Glastonbury tickets this year, here’s how you can be in with a chance of securing them in 2024

How to get tickets for Glastonbury 2024

Elton John teases surprise guests and ‘brand new’ show ahead of Glastonbury headline performance

Wednesday 21 June 2023 13:45 , Peony Hirwani

Elton John has dropped hints about his forthcoming headline performance at Glastonbury Festival.

Read more:

Elton John teases surprise guests and ‘brand new’ show for Glastonbury

Glastonbury weather: A day-by-day guide to Worthy Farm forecast

Wednesday 21 June 2023 13:30 , Peony Hirwani

Glastonbury weather forecast – all the updates you need

Expert tips on how to survive festival sleep deprivation as Glastonbury kicks off

Wednesday 21 June 2023 13:15 , Peony Hirwani

Hundreds of thousands of music lovers will descend on Glastonbury this week.

A noisy night-time environment and increased alcohol consumption are set to wreak havoc on revellers’ sleep, with the average festivalgoer getting just three and a half hours of sleep a night.

That’s why it’s important to flex your sleep plan if you want to secure much-needed rest amid the madness.

The following are some tips from sleep expert Hannah Shore to get through five days of madness.

Pack sleep essentials

Camping at a festival is inevitably going to be less comfortable than a normal night’s sleep – swapping out a comfy mattress for the hard floor or, at best, an airbed for those willing to lug it across the 1,100 acre site.

To help create a comfortable sleep space and therefore get a better night’s sleep, festivalgoers should pack a thick pillow to relieve pressure on the shoulders when lying on the ground.

Handy sleep aids like eyemasks and earplugs can also help mitigate the negative effect of a busy and noisy environment and an additional home comfort, like a sleep spray, can help too.

Hydration

The increased alcohol consumption of many partying revellers has a big effect on sleep, with the accompanying late nights meaning less opportunity for shut-eye and the alcohol itself creating fractured sleep once you do call it a night.

Be sure to go to bed with a big bottle of water to stay hydrated and help mitigate some of the negative effects of drinking on sleep.

Plan your journey home

Driving tired is just as bad, if not worse, than driving drunk. Tiredness can effect your concentration, reaction time and the ability to judge risks, which are all things we we need in tip top condition if you’re going to get behind the wheel.

Several consecutive nights of disrupted sleep will naturally effect your energy and concentration levels, so, if you’re planning on driving home then you might want to rethink.

There are a number of different transport options to get you to and from Glastonbury, so why not opt for a train or bus? Not only will this mean to can enjoy your final night without worrying too much about your energy levels, it’s also a boost to the environment!

Recovery day

Even if doing all of the above, revellers will no doubt still be worn out by the time they return home, following the long days – and nights – of adrenaline and reduced sleep.

It’s important to ensure you have an extra day at home to rest and recover after the event. One extra day’s holiday and no plans will help get you back to normal energy levels before taking on your usual routine again.

National Express goes electric for Glastonbury

Wednesday 21 June 2023 13:00 , Peony Hirwani

National Express has announced it will operate electric double-decker electric buses for this year’s Glastonbury Festival for the first time.

The operator has revealed festival attendees will be taken on the zero-emissions shuttle buses from Bristol to Worthy Farm for the UK’s largest music festival from 20-26 June.

Dharel Patel, the head of environment and sustainability at National Express UK said in a statement: “We’re pleased to be able to run these zero-emission buses for the very first time to Glastonbury, a festival which has always had sustainability at its very core.

“It’s encouraging to see that more and more people are ditching their cars and switching to environmentally-friendly public transport, which is why we continuously invest in upgrading our vehicles to the cleanest, most efficient fleet to help people make important sustainable choices when planning their travel.”

The 7 most brutal set clashes at Glastonbury 2023

Wednesday 21 June 2023 12:45 , Peony Hirwani

The 7 most brutal set clashes at Glastonbury 2023

Fans are ready for Glastonbury 2023

Wednesday 21 June 2023 12:30 , Peony Hirwani

6 hacks for handling the heatwave at a festival

Wednesday 21 June 2023 12:15 , Peony Hirwani

Worried about the heat this festival season? Here’s how to stay cool and safe.

6 hacks for handling the heatwave at a festival

Glastonbury 2023 lineup: Who is headlining this year’s music festival?

Wednesday 21 June 2023 12:00 , Peony Hirwani

Glastonbury 2023 lineup: Who is headlining this year’s music festival?

Wednesday 21 June 2023 11:45 , Peony Hirwani

Wizkid will be the first Afrobeats artist to headline Glastonbury Festival this Friday (23 June).

Footage of Glastonbury captured from a hot air balloon 3000ft above ground

Wednesday 21 June 2023 11:30 , Peony Hirwani

Wednesday 21 June 2023 11:15 , Peony Hirwani

Fans have spotted a Harry Styles graffiti at the Glastonbury Festival grounds prompting fans to wonder whether “As It Was” singer will make a surprise appearance on Friday.

Everything you need to know about Elton John’s first Glastonbury show and last ever UK gig

Wednesday 21 June 2023 11:00 , Peony Hirwani

Everything know about Elton John’s first Glastonbury show and last ever UK gig

Wednesday 21 June 2023 10:50 , Peony Hirwani

Here’s The Independent’s Ellie Harrison at the London office before heading off to Somerset to attend Glastonbury Festival 2023

In pictures: Glastonbury Festival day one

Wednesday 21 June 2023 10:40 , Peony Hirwani

The Pretenders announce secret show at Glastonbury

Wednesday 21 June 2023 10:25 , Peony Hirwani

The Pretenders have been announced as one of Glastonbury’s secret set holders.

Each year, the legendary Somerset-based festival keeps a number of its line-up slots blank to add a little extra excitement for ticketholders.

On Tuesday (20 June) evening, The Pretenders revealed they would be performing on Saturday, 19:45 BST, at The Park Stage. The band also teased some special guests though their identities were not disclosed.

Read more:

Glastonbury announces major rock band as secret set act

Campers are ready to take on Glastonbury Festival

Wednesday 21 June 2023 10:10 , Peony Hirwani

Revellers share first images of Glastonbury Festival

Wednesday 21 June 2023 09:55 , Peony Hirwani

Fans share footage of Michael Eavis entering Glastonbury grounds

Wednesday 21 June 2023 09:20 , Peony Hirwani