The Glastonbury 2023 line-up is already a sight to behold. Elton John, Arctic Monkeys, Lana del Ray and Blondie are all set to perform at Worthy Farm. And with Queens of the Stone Age, Caroline Polacheck, the Chemical Brothers and Skepta also just added to the bill, music lovers of all generations are in for an unforgettable four days.
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But there’s more. If you’re a dedicated follower of the festival you’ll know that every year a number of slots are left empty to allow for a few surprise sets. They’re a pretty big deal: in previous years, the likes of Lady Gaga and Franz Ferdinand have played secret slots.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Have any secret sets been confirmed?
It has just been announced that rock band The Pretenders will be playing a secret show at Glastonbury this weekend – and apparently, ‘they’re bringing friends’. They’ll be performing at The Park Stage on Saturday at 19.45pm.
Chrissie Hynde said on Instagram: ‘It’s always been there for most of our lifetimes. There has never been a festival like it anywhere else.’
Who are the most rumoured acts for secret sets at Glastonbury 2023?
Speculation around Glastonbury 2023 secret sets has mostly focused on mystery band ‘The Churnups’, scheduled to play the Pyramid stage on the Friday.
Many people initially believed that ‘The Churnups’ could be the Britpop band Pulp (‘pulp’ being churned up paper). However, band member Nick Banks addressed the rumours on Twitter, writing: ‘Though it’s very tempting to tease you lot again. I know nothing of the ‘ChurnUps’ band. Ok?’
Others are now convinced that the slot will be played by the Foo Fighters after Dave Grohl shared a message on Instagram thanking fans for their support and for ‘churning up these emotions together’.
The American rock band Bleachers, led by Lana del Ray and Taylor Swift collaborator Jack Antonoff, are also rumoured to be making an appearance as they are headlining Barn on the Farm in Gloucestershire the following week.
What secret acts performed last year?
Glastonbury’s secret sets last year included George Ezra, Jack White, Bastille, Self Esteem, YungBlud and Nia Archives.
Rumours of Ezra performing emerged after a sign reading ‘Gold Rush Kid, John Peel Stage – 2pm’ was posted on Instagram (‘Gold Rush Kid’ being the title of his third album).
How do you find out about surprise acts?
Secret Glasto on Twitter is the go-to account for all the secret set info. Most recently it tweeted: ‘We’ve got another confession to make, you’d certainly be FOOlish to miss The Churnups’. Very cryptic stuff.
If you’re lucky enough to actually be at the festival, rumours tend to be spread through word of mouth from gossiping staff, so keep your ears peeled.
What are the unannounced set times at Glastonbury 2023?
Pyramid, Friday, The Churnups, 6.15pm to 7.30pm
Woodsies, Friday, 7.30pm to 8.30pm
Woodsies, Saturday, 6pm to 7pm
The Park, Saturday, 7.45pm to 8.45pm
The Rabbit Hole, Saturday, 1am to 2am
The Rabbit Hole, Sunday, 11pm to 12am
The Temple, Friday, 10pm to 11pm
The Temple, Saturday, 12am to 1.30am
The Temple, Saturday, 3am to 4.30am
The Rum Shack, Sunday, 12am to 1am
Truth Stage, Saturday, 1.30am to 2.15am
Platform 23, Saturday, 3.30am to 4.30am
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