Explore every episode of the podcast Festival Sounds

Join Tilly and Bilal as they reflect on the Glastonbury 2027 ticket sales

Tilly and Bilal dust off the mic and get back to some festival line up chat, including Isle of Wight, Reading and Leeds, All Points East. We are not talking about Kanye - we recorded before the news.

Finally we release our Glastonbury 2025 recap.

Please follow us if you want to stay in touch with our episodes over the winter.  

Link to Primary School Bangers tour

Random act chatting about lions - Otto and Astrid

Please hit the follow button on Apple Podcast for a bonus episode discussing the songwriting process for "Mum Does The Washing"  that will be release later this week.

Joshua Idahoan was a breakthrough act at music festivals in the summer of 2025 playing across the country including at Glastonbury and Green Man.  We are both huge fans and he joined us to discuss his journey, his UK tour and his love of festivals.

You can buy tour tickets here https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/joshua-idehen-tickets/artist/5409793 

Echo 17 Festival was created by the team at How to Build a Festival Podcast.

The festival is this weekend (20 September 2025).

Cat, Rachel and Ross join Tilly to discuss what's on, how they created it and the biggest challenges they faced.

Tickets are available through this link.

Bilal and Tilly will both be there - we legit bought the first two tickets.

Check out the line up here

Tilly and Bilal sit down with singer-songwriter Fiona-Lee to discuss their debut at Glastonbury Festival, where they opened on the BBC Introducing stage on the Thursday. 

Find Fiona-Lee on Instagram here

Fiona-Lee shares what it was like experiencing festival as both a performer and first-time attendee, from navigating the massive site to finding random performers. We dive into the creative process behind their song "Mother," exploring the inspiration (occasional stunned silence!) and songwriting journey with other artists that brought this track to life. The conversation covers a lot with this incredible up-and-coming musician.

The song Mother

Apple Link

Spotify Link

Find Fiona-Lee this summer at:

Y Not in Derbyshire (1 August) 

Humber Street Sesh in Hull (2 August)

For the cover of High and Dry by Radiohead 

An episode for the journey into the festival, maybe for the last thirty minutes before you reach the site.  

In this episode Bilal and Tilly record on the go, using their new mobile microphones and travel through fictional Bristol to their fictional coach to fictional Glastonbury 2025.  It's all a bit daft.  Maybe you like it.  We do this once a year.   

If you haven't listened to us before, maybe don't start with this episode.

We are also joined by the Samaritans for a couple of minutes towards the end of episode. Find out more about them or donate here

Thank you to the amazing guests for their cameos (spoilers below)

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James, aka State of the Ground Guy  

William from "This Album..." with William Hann 

Rachel and Ross from How to Build a Festival

Jessi and Miguel from GlastoCast

The incredibly talented Nina Arya is playing BBC Introducing at Glastonbury Festival at 15:30 Sunday 

She chat to us about how she found out that this is playing Glastonbury and her songwriting process.

Give her a follow on Instagram and check out her music on Spotify 

We are joined by Dominic who previously recorded with us on going to Glastonbury solo.  In this episode we chat about rumours for big name secret sets at Woodsies and the Park as well as our favourite smaller stages.

No Tilly this week, just Bilal.  In our 50th episode we go back to the start with our very first guest, Grahame.  We chat about lesser known artists away from the big stages and maybe we now know who Patchwork are?

Please give us a follow on Apple or Spotify 

This week Jessi joins us to discuss which are the best campsites at Glastonbury and a little bit about volunteering at Oxfam.

Please share this episode with a friend if you enjoyed it

This week we are joined by host of "This Album..." with William Hann to discuss arrival at Glastonbury Festival and what to expect on a Wednesday.

William has released several Glastonbury specials, you can find the latest one via this link https://open.spotify.com/episode/2p4nR0YZ4K8cacBuMNfBaE?si=fEOWpyj-Qjqou0BXyqK0AA 

Need a packing list?

https://festivalsounds.co.uk/part-10-packing-list-glasto

Please share this episode with a friend if you think they will enjoy it

This week we are joined by award winning broadcaster, Kavita Kukar

We chat about our packing priorities for Glastonbury - this is not a definitive list!  You can find that on our website.  Plus we play Am I a Festival D*ckhead.

You can find out more about Kavita here https://www.instagram.com/kavitakukar?igsh=NjNyd2xtOTRzcTdp

Please share this episode with a friend if you enjoy the show.

We are joined by Roy Gurvitz, creator of Lost Vagueness, the iconic corner of Glastonbury Festival that was credited with saving the festival itself in the early 2000s by re-inventing how audiences interact with performers.

In this episode we discuss how he changed the appearance of the people in the south east corner to making to more welcoming, how they created immersive spaces blurring the lines between art and the audience.

Please share this episode with a friend if you enjoy the show.

We are joined by Roy Gurvitz, creator of Lost Vagueness, the iconic corner of Glastonbury Festival that was credited with saving the festival itself in the early 2000s by re-inventing how audiences interact with performers.

We pick up when he started to combine selling wine with putting on music.

And soon after how he found himself in the south east corner of Glastonbury, before there was a south east corner and we discuss the birth of Lost Vagueness

Please subscribe so you are notified when episode 3 will drop.

Please share this episode with a friend if you enjoy the show.

We are joined by Roy Gurvitz, creator of Lost Vagueness, the iconic corner of Glastonbury Festival that was credited with saving the festival itself in the early 2000s by re-inventing how audiences interact with performers.

In the first of three episodes with Roy, released over the next three days, we chat about how he got started with life on the road, his first festival, free festivals at time of civil unrest, and how he started making a living at festivals.

Please subscribe so you are notified when episode 2 and 3 drop.

Today Bilal and Tilly interview @secretglasto and, even now, we do not know his real identity. 

SecretGlasto is the twitter/X/BlueSky handle with tens of thousands of followers who have for years given tips of who is playing those TBA slots on the line up.  

How do they handle that responsibility? How do they get their leads? Give the episode a listen to find out.

https://bsky.app/profile/secretglasto.bsky.social

Please share the episode with a mate if you enjoy it

We are joined this week by James aka Primary School Bangers, who shares his journey from live lockdown TikTok's to performing on stage at festivals and Glastonbury.

James podcast “Notes from School” is available via this link https://open.spotify.com/show/6Ta8ch0BjnuV6GDgGv7BN2?si=l02NkkCRRZOt7xFDDSHoWA

This is part 2 of 2.  

Please share the episode with a mate if you enjoy it

We are joined this week by James aka Primary School Bangers, who shares his journey from live lockdown TikTok's to performing on stage at festivals and Glastonbury.

James’ podcast “Notes from School” is available via this link https://open.spotify.com/show/6Ta8ch0BjnuV6GDgGv7BN2?si=l02NkkCRRZOt7xFDDSHoWA

This is part 1 of 2.  Part 2 is out tomorrow.

Please follow us if you like the show.  We are also on TikTok and Instagram.

Bilal and Tilly, no guest, Glastonbury poster drop chat, our listeners give their thoughts on Wolf Alice and is there a weight to fun ratio for festival drinks?

Thank you to mobygratis for the into music

Please give us a five start rating in your podcast app if you enjoy the episode.

We are joined by Katie who proposed to her partner at Glastonbury 2024.  We chat a little bit about Woodisies and Shangri La line up posters.  And of course, we play "Am I a festival d*ckhead?".

We chat Glastonbury ticket resales, Coachella, and Reading with TikTok influencer Russ.

Follow his TikTok, he is good fun and a lovely fella https://www.tiktok.com/@russfestivalfriend?_t=ZN-8vnRIjzUDF0&_r=1

Please give us a five start rating if you enjoy the show

This week we interview Yolanda, the organiser of Glasto Latino, the amazing corner of the festival that brings latino culture to Glastonbury in the day and night.

In their own words, they are the home for the spice and fire of Latin music, dance and culture. Daytimes the tent offers dance classes in Salsa, Samba and Reggaeton, and at night you can show off your steps to world-class bands and our famous late-night Latino parties.

Please follow us on Instagram or TikTok to stay up to date with videos and festival news

Glastopedia  is an incredible resource for feastival fans, newbies and veteran alike, who want to know more about Glastonbury festival;  From maps going back 50 years to weather stats. it has it all.  We chat to Glastopedia creator, Ben about his connection with the festival and the inspiration for creating the website.

Plus we play festival d*ckhead

Please share this episode with a friend who is excited about heading to Glastonbury.

This week Bilal and Tilly record the final of three episodes reviewing the Glastonbury line up poster. 

Of course, we’ve got a Festival D*ckhead for you

Please share this episode with a friend who is excited about heading to Glastonbury.

This week Bilal and Tilly record the second of three episodes reviewing the Glastonbury line up poster. The next one will be out early next week.

Of course, we’ve got a Festival D*ckhead for you

Please share this episode with a friend who is excited about heading to Glastonbury.

This week Bilal and Tilly record the first of three episodes reviewing the Glastonbury line up poster. The next two will be released in the next ten days.

Of course, we’ve got a Festival D*ckhead for you

Please follow us on Instagram for more festival news

Bilal and Tilly respond to listeners messages for the annual Glasto Line Up Poster reactions

Please take a moment to follow us on Apple or Spotify so you know each time we release a new episode.

We are joined by Rachel, Cat and Ross from How to Build a Festival Podcast 

We discuss how they came up with the idea of creating their own festival, the challenges, next steps and of course, we play Am I a Festival D*ckhead. 

Please, click 'follow' in the app if you like the podcast.  That way you will always know when a new episode is released.

Bilal and Tilly are joined by the mystery man behind the Glasto Thingy https://theglastothingy.com/

We chat about his experiences at the festival, when the main poster line up announcement may be and what is a Glastonbury shaped hole #GSH

There is some chat about Tate McCrae and if she will make an appearance.

And of course, we have a Am I a Festival D*ckhead

Check out our Bluesky for links to the other websites we mentioned. 

From Volunteering to working behind the scenes at Glastonbury Festival, Tilly and Bilal chat to Jess about her journey working at festivals. 

What does it take, how to you build your festival CV, what is difference in volunteer work and paid work.  Plus - festival d*ckhead!

You can find Jess at her Instagram handle https://www.instagram.com/thisblondejessie?igsh=NjBid2l1b3Q5eTVr 

Try our rumours playlist https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/glastonbury-2025/pl.u-leyl2mACjgGopy

Tilly and Bilal chat about a secret text they received, maybe revealing the headliners for Glastonbury 2025.  There are poster drops for Boardmasters, Wilderness and Parklife.  And another "Am I a festival d*ckhead".

Visit our website www.festivalsounds.co.uk for packing lists and more

This the Stockport bar - Odioba

Our guest Keenan walks us through his journey to working security at Glastonbury, how he got into it, what it is like and who are the people to watch out for.

Please follow us on Instagram or BlueSky.  Please share this episode with one friend who you think will enjoy it.

Lee Martin is the founder of Lakefest, a 20,000 capacity festival in Herefordshire that has been headlined by likes of The Libertines, James, and Johnny Marr.  He joins Tilly and Bilal to chat about what makes the festival so special to him, how they keep it affordable for families and how he has dealt with everything that comes your way.  We also chat about his book, Festival of Love and Pain.

Tickets for Lakefest are still available for 2025 https://lakefest.co.uk/buy-tickets/

The book is available here https://lakefest.co.uk/product/festival-of-love-and-pain/ 

Please share this episode with one of your friends who you think would enjoy our podcast.

Jessi from GlastoCast and WheresMyTent https://wheresmytent.com/  joins us for the second part of the episode she has recorded with us.  This time we review line posters from Truck, Tramlines, Coachella, Primavera Sounds and ask whether Glastonbury is ready for three female headliners?

Love Yannis as much as Tilly?
Here is the tour link https://yannisandtheyaw.com/#tour

Please follow us so you always know when we release a new episode.  We have lots planned for the Glastonbury run in.

We are joined by Jessi from the GlastoCast Podcast to chat all things Glastonbury ticket day, who was stuck on two green bars, who got through, what worked, what hacks were there and who wants to see Rod Stewart.  Whose nemesis is he and why!
Still trying to find a way to Glastonbury 2025?  here are some volunteering opportunities https://festivalsounds.co.uk/part-8-get-into-glasto-without-a-ticket 

Hastily put together reaction to the change announced by Glastonbury Festival to the ticket buying process.  We've got some good tips for you too.

https://www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk/news/2025-ticket-sale-faq/ 

Few things to digest in the news over the last few weeks, Tilly and Bilal catch up on the Isle of Wight line up, how websites creaked under pressure for Coldplay tickets and how should you be tested before you are allowed into a gig alone.

https://www.rollingstone.co.uk/music/news/the-last-dinner-party-respond-after-male-gig-goers-face-security-checks-at-lincoln-show-43575/

https://isleofwightfestival.com/line-up

The Great Escape Festival announced last week that they were withdrawing from a partnership with Faroe Music Export based on the practice of whaling in the Faroe Islands.  See their post here:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DAT0pIFtl6M/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Joe from Joe and the Shitboys responded (see post below) and we ask Joe to chat with us to understand more.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DAWF2qMsRwW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

If you want to hear Joe and the Shit Boys music, their new album can be found here:
https://open.spotify.com/album/3uKik192LVbmeVV8yCkjfK?si=WWHWcWlFTvOnAprpihtOBw 

Bilal and Tilly chat to the amazing singer songwriter Eliza May about her new single " Got My Love", the song writing process and what makes festivals special for new artists. 

Spotify 
https://open.spotify.com/track/3vNuP19wcCnHjQgu7t57oI?si=5e745c7854fe4408 

Apple
https://music.apple.com/gb/album/got-my-love/1756973234?i=1756973235 

Bilal and Tilly reveal the new artists they discovered at Tramlines, Boomtown, Shambala and End of The Road.  There is a short guest appearance from our podcast friends and we recap an amazing summer in the fields.

Some links:
Altin Gun https://youtu.be/QhDfOYn0118?si=KcS9WnIBCYpLiKSD
Opus Kink
https://youtu.be/NqTxa8qGFr4?si=81tme6qfqJWTcoZQ
Sextile
https://youtu.be/4PR_9beuFDk?si=ynipUkYTFWZsVNXr
Floating Points
https://youtu.be/yMjBGUKpH-0?si=kWqzwqJujvP-qThy 
Puuluup
https://youtu.be/nuqfERAS0Y0?si=rEV2saFrNF4vhu8y

Bilal speaks with Maya Lakhani, a singer songwriter and a guitarist from Surrey, she started writing recording and producing songs in her bedroom during lockdown, released her first single in 2020 and went on to perform at Glastonbury 2024.

BBC Live Lounge
https://youtu.be/WA-WnOpFmRY?si=238-1zBsmVFilPV_

Glastonbury 2024
https://youtu.be/TX2a5nJxRy0?si=atP9Xh3kQiXQj2vG 

Welcome to "Festival Sounds," your go-to podcast for all things music festivals! In this episode, we're diving into the second part of our review of Glastonbury Festival 2024. Join us whether you were there in person or living vicariously through social media, we've got you covered with all the highlights and insights.

We talk crowds, Avril Lavigne, Justice, SZA, and the names Tilly called Bilal for missing Coldplay.

There is also the return of "Am I a festival d**khead?".

For the Sky News report on James, the state of the ground guy, https://news.sky.com/story/amp/glastonburys-state-of-the-ground-guy-meet-this-years-viral-star-whos-nothing-to-do-with-the-music-13160368 

Welcome to "Festival Sounds," your go-to podcast for all things music festivals! In this episode, we're diving into the first part of our review of Glastonbury Festival 2024. Join us whether you were there in person or living vicariously through social media, we've got you covered with all the highlights and insights.

We talk crowds, Dua Lipa, merch, and Bilal actually taking a coach to the festival.

Join Us: Stay tuned for Part 2 of our Glastonbury Festival 2024 review, where we'll cover the highlights from Saturday and Sunday, including more incredible performances, secret sets, and festival surprises.

Join Tilly and Bilal on their road trip to the iconic Glastonbury Festival! In this special episode, they share their anticipation for new artists, the festival’s drone show and dive into the comments from their listeners. The journey gets even more thrilling with special guests Jessi from GlastoCast, and DJ Sammy Dean, who gives a sneak peek into hrs upcoming sets.   This episode is packed with laughter, and a true festival vibe. 

If you were to only see Glastonbury on the BBC you would think that most of the fun is at the main stages.  Tilly and Bilal chat about what they love away from what you see on the TV and the hidden venues that you may stumble into.  Plus news of our first competition (Ts and Cs apply  https://festivalsounds.co.uk/vodafone-festival-treat-box-tscs).

Today Bilal and Tilly interview @secretglasto and, even now, we do not know his real identity. 

SecretGlasto is the twitter handle with 100K follows who have for years given tips of who is playing those TBA slots on the line up.  

How do they handle that responsibility? How do they get their leads? Give the episode a listen to find out.