Glastonbury Festival is more than just a music event. It’s a cultural touchstone where careers are launched, new voices are discovered, and music history is made. From iconic headline sets to breakthrough performances on hidden stages, Glastonbury is the beating heart of the global music scene.
For BIMM students and graduates, Glastonbury is a valuable opportunity to gain industry experience and showcase their talent. Whether they’re taking on the headline slots or keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes, BIMM talent has become a key part of the Glasto magic.
Here’s how our community continues to make its mark on the world’s most famous music festival.
On stage with BIMM artists
Each year, BIMM students and alumni perform on some of Glastonbury’s most recognised stages, sharing line-ups with globally renowned acts. Past performers include:
- IDLES – Other Stage (Headliner)
- Fontaines D.C. – The Park Stage (Headliner)
- George Ezra – Pyramid Stage
- James Bay – Pyramid Stage
- The Kooks – Pyramid Stage
- Pale Waves – Woodsies
- Lime Garden – The Park Stage
- Bow Anderson – Left Field
For many, performing at Glastonbury marks a major milestone in their career – playing to thousands of festivalgoers and a global audience watching at home.
BIMM session musicians on the main stage
It’s not just about fronting bands; BIMM-trained session musicians are trusted by some of the world’s most iconic performers. Their professionalism and technical ability make them invaluable to live performances on Glastonbury’s biggest stages.
Some standout appearances:
- OURAA with Elton John (Pyramid Stage)
- Ciara O’Connor with Dua Lipa
- Emanuel J Burton with Little Simz
- Gaetan Judd with Burna Boy
- Ben Thompson with Two Door Cinema Club
- Isabel Torres with Declan McKenna
- Naomi Forbes with Paloma Faith
- Hannah Morgan with CMAT
- Aaron Forbes with Aitch
- Nayana Braithwaite & Promise Kadree with RAYE Tobias Miorin teching for Fred Again
Their contributions help power unforgettable sets that resonate long after the festival ends.
Behind the scenes at Glastonbury
Running a festival the size of Glastonbury takes more than headline acts. From sound engineering to artist liaison, BIMM students and graduates are a vital part of the festival’s operation.
You’ll find them:
- Working in areas like Croissant Neuf, covering stage management, sound engineering, patching and backline tech.
- Supporting artist liaison, social media, and production teams.
This year, BIMM Brighton student Imogen Wright has secured a paid role in the Pyramid Stage production office for a full month – an incredible opportunity to gain hands-on experience at the heart of the festival.
Learning from Glastonbury’s founder
Michael Eavis, the founder of Glastonbury Festival, has visited BIMM campuses on numerous occasions to deliver exclusive masterclasses and engage in in-depth Q&A sessions with students.
These sessions offer a unique educational opportunity, providing first-hand insights into the creation and evolution of one of the world’s most renowned music festivals. His visits have inspired students to think about future opportunities, gain an industry perspective, and deepen their understanding of what it takes to succeed in the live music sector.
“Our presence at Glastonbury is a testament to BIMM’s commitment to real-world music industry experience. From our students working behind the scenes to our graduates headlining major stages, BIMM’s involvement at Glastonbury exemplifies our role in shaping the future of music.”
— Mark Bowers, Head of Careers: Music
What’s next?
Each year, we are amazed by the talent and dedication our students bring to Glastonbury. Whether it’s centre stage or in the shadows of the Pyramid, they’re proving what BIMM is all about: turning passion into a career.
It is a massive privilege to see our current students and graduates doing such incredible things at such a high level. We can’t wait to see what they’ll achieve at Glastonbury 2025!
