A storm is brewing on r/glastonbury_festival as heated debate centers on the festival’s deepening controversy over its broadcast partner, the BBC. Multiple fans and commentators are questioning whether Glastonbury should end its broadcast relationship with the BBC after claims that politically sensitive performances were heavily edited or omitted during 2025’s coverage.
Key points fueling the controversy:
- Numerous festival-goers and performers openly showed solidarity with the Palestinian cause across the site, including charity efforts at Block 9.
- Two sets expressing similar sentiments—most notably that of rap-punk duo Bob Vylan, known for their direct calls against Israel’s IDF—were reportedly censored in the BBC’s livestream.
- Emily Eavis’s measured public responses to these censorship accusations have been criticized as overly temperate by some in the Reddit discussion.
Supporters of the BBC emphasize:
- The unparalleled scale and professionalism of the BBC’s multi-stage live coverage, which brings Glastonbury to millions worldwide.
- The vital financial and infrastructural role BBC’s involvement plays in sustaining key festival areas.
- Glastonbury’s longstanding ethos of peace and understanding, which the broadcaster aligns with via official statements condemning violence.
- The difficulty of releasing fully uncensored content amidst political sensitivities and media regulation.
This clash highlights growing tensions around editorial control, festival politics, and public access to live music culture. While questions of censorship and political bias continue to roil the fanbase, Glastonbury’s partnership with the BBC remains intact—for now.
Relevant background:
- Britain probes Bob Vylan, Kneecap’s Glastonbury gigs after controversial chant
- Bob Vylan speaks out about targeting after Gaza support at Glastonbury
- Neil Young’s Glastonbury set excluded from BBC broadcast at artist’s request
As the dust settles, all eyes will be on future Glastonbury editions to see if the festival recalibrates its media partnerships or doubles down on sharing its complex cultural moments — politically charged or not — with a global audience.
Source: r/glastonbury_festival