In lieu of Glastonbury's 50th anniversary, BBC launches special pop-up channel to celebrate festival's legacy

by: Josh Hymo May 28, 2020

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While forced to cancel plans for the highly anticipated 50th anniversary, Glastonbury festival is still very much alive as organizers continue efforts to celebrate its upcoming milestone. In addition to aiding COVID-19 relief efforts, including the donation of unused ponchos to health workers, Glastonbury curated Spotify playlists relating to each respective stage as well as continuing their annual talent competition.

Now, the event has officially unveiled broadcast plans on its regularly scheduled weekend. Per an announcement on the Glastonbury website, BBC iPlayer will “become the home for Glastonbury lovers, with a brand new pop-up BBC Glastonbury channel,” which will showcase over 60 classic sets from years past, including premiere talent such as Adele (2016), David Bowie (2000), and Jay-Z (2008). Performances will be available on-demand, featuring other iconic acts such as Billie Eilish, Lana Del Rey, Radiohead, and more.

The BBC has announced its broadcast plans for the weekend when this year’s Glastonbury Festival would have been, with a host of classic sets being made available across TV, radio & online, including Adele, Beyoncé, David Bowie, Coldplay & JAY-Z. Info: https://t.co/vq70418nrX pic.twitter.com/R6G6KfWsJr

— Glastonbury Festival (@glastonbury) May 26, 2020

Starting Thursday, June 25 through Monday, June 29, viewers can watch everything from the iPlayer, which puts all live and on-demand BBC coverage in one platform, including TV channels BBC 2 and BBC 4, both of which will be broadcasting Glastonbury performances over the weekend.

BBC Radio will also participate, as Jo Whiley on BBC Radio 2 will conduct special broadcasting starting Monday, June 22, with Lauren Laverne on BBC Radio 6 broadcasting live with the festival’s co-organizer Emily Eavis Friday June 26.