Glastonbury 2025 has kicked off and the weekend is set to be one of sunshine and the ultimate headliners. For many, the only way to access Glastonbury is in the comfort of their own home, with the fight for tickets being one of grit and determination. For those who are Deaf and hard of hearing, Glastonbury wouldn’t be accessible without the interpreters. The BBC continues to commit to inclusivity, as it aims to make 2025’s Glastonbury more inclusive than ever. With over 90 hours of performances streamed across its platforms, this year’s festival promises to be an accessible event for all.
Not only will the BBC be offering live stream of the Pyramid Stage with BSL interpretation, but this will also be shown in Ultra High Definition, allowing viewers to full participate in the festival experience. BSL interpreters do not only interpret the words, but they also add energy into the performances and convey the power of the music. Their presence enables everyone to experience the magic of Glastonbury.
A standard for accessibility in live event coverage was established by the BBC’s efforts at Glastonbury. Instead of being an afterthought, BSL interpretation is incorporated into the production in a seamless manner. BSL interpretation is also included in features like the Glastonbury Highlights Channel and the BBC iPlayer’s daily Recap montages, guaranteeing that everyone can view important moments. This integration shows how accessibility may be given top priority without sacrificing the event’s core values.
Lorna Clarke, BBC Director of Music, expressed her gratitude to Glastonbury founders in this statement: “I would like to thank Emily and Michael Eavis once again for allowing us this exclusive access to their very special creation, only the BBC can bring the nation together to enjoy their beloved festival”. Indeed, it is with the efforts of the BBC that Glastonbury and its essence can be enjoyed by not only hearing people but also those who use BSL to communicate.
Glastonbury 2025 is more than just a festival, it is a shared experience made accessible by the BBC.