Glastonbury Festival, renowned for its blend of established legends and burgeoning talent, is once again set to host a diverse array of artists, including several promising newcomers poised to make their mark on one of the world's biggest stages. From a young Welsh singer fulfilling a lifelong dream to international acts making their impactful debuts, the festival continues to be a crucial platform for emerging musicians.

Among the standout new artists is Nancy Williams, a 19-year-old from Merthyr Tydfil, who describes her upcoming performance on the Croissant Neuf Big Top stage on June 27 as "so surreal" and "such a dream." This is particularly poignant as the same stage hosted Ed Sheeran's Glastonbury debut in 2011. Her journey to Glastonbury began three years ago when her debut single, "I Don't Wanna Grow Up," went viral, catching the attention of Merthyr-born producer Jonny Owen, a close friend of her father. Owen played a pivotal role in connecting her with a record label, launching her career.

Since then, Nancy, who now studies performing arts in London, has released four folk-inspired songs, including "Ocean," "Home," and "Tattooed," aiming to follow in the footsteps of artists like Gracie Abrams. She started writing songs at age nine, drawing inspiration from reading and films, and taught herself the ukulele and guitar. Her music, she emphasizes, is "so authentic and in your ears. It's real." Welsh DJ Huw Stephens, a long-time Glastonbury attendee, hailed her opportunity as a "huge deal" for boosting young artists' careers, noting, "You can tell instantly that her songs are real."

Nancy received the news of her Glastonbury slot via a text message while at a local pub in December, a moment she still finds hard to believe. "It didn't hit me for ages and honestly, it still hasn't," she shared. Her family and friends in Wales have been incredibly supportive, fostering an environment free of jealousy. Preparing for the festival, Nancy has been rehearsing with her backing singer Harry, experimenting with songs and sounds to best suit her voice. After Glastonbury, she hopes to remain in London, continue writing, and perform across the country, driven by the belief that a dream can be made real with effort and hard work.

Beyond Nancy, Glastonbury's 2025 lineup features several other exciting new acts. Alessi Rose, a 22-year-old pop artist from Derby, will open The Other Stage at 11:30 AM on Saturday, June 28. Having recently transitioned from performing for 250 people on her US headline tour to opening for Dua Lipa in front of 70,000, she finds arena performances an "incomparable feeling." Rose, who released her self-written and self-produced debut single "Say Ur Mine" two years ago, has garnered a cult following with her confessional lyrics and electrifying vocals, particularly among fans of Taylor Swift and Gracie Abrams. An English Literature graduate, she meticulously crafts her lyrics, as seen in her latest single, "That Could Be Me." Her mother, not typically a crier, shed tears of joy upon hearing about Alessi's Glastonbury slot, a testament to its significance.

British duo MRCY, comprising Kojo Degraft-Johnson and Barney Lister, will bring their "big sound, big vibe" to the BBC Introducing tent at 4:30 PM on Friday, June 27. Formed during lockdown, their live shows are vibrant celebrations often featuring up to seven musicians. Johnson's powerful vocals, combined with Lister's background as an award-nominated producer, create a sound steeped in '70s soul, reminiscent of Isaac Hayes and Marvin Gaye. Their music often tackles pressing social issues, with songs like "Man" addressing modern masculinity and encouraging listeners to "lead with light." Championed by Elton John and lauded by Rolling Stone, MRCY views their Glastonbury performance as a "real privilege" for the love they've poured into their music.

For drum and bass enthusiasts, Koven, featuring Katie Boyle, offers a unique experience at the Lonely Hearts Club stage in Silver Hayes at 11:00 PM on Saturday, June 28. Katie distinguishes herself by singing live after mixing, a rare feat that requires intense practice and a custom-built DJ rack. Despite the challenge, her dedication has made Koven one of the circuit's most sought-after acts, known for euphoric anthems like "In Your Arms." Having navigated a tough Sunday afternoon slot against Diana Ross in 2022, Koven is now set for a prime-time performance. Katie also has a unique request for her audience: to bring a picture of a happy dog, a detail on her rider that rarely gets fulfilled but always brings joy.

Argentinian duo Ca7riel and Paco Amoroso will infuse the West Holts stage with their irreverent Latin fusion at 1:00 PM on Friday, June 27. Previously a regional act with a strong Buenos Aires fanbase, their breakthrough came after an influential NPR Tiny Desk concert, which skyrocketed their Spotify streams from 3,000 to 220,000 daily in a single week. This rapid ascent, though exhilarating, brought on a sense of impostor syndrome, which they address in their song "Impostor." Despite pressure to conform to commercial norms, they wisely stuck to their raw, energetic style, promising to "make the audience crazy" at Glastonbury. With their set ending early, they anticipate exploring the festival's many stages and hidden stories, eager to get lost in its 72-hour party atmosphere.

Rounding out the list of promising new acts are Gurriers, a five-piece from Dublin known for their sharp, melodic punk. They will play the Woodsies tent at 12:30 PM on Sunday, June 29. Frontman Dan Hoff invites festival-goers to their "loud and abrasive" yet enjoyable set. Part of a new wave of Irish acts addressing the challenges of modern life post-2008 financial crisis, Gurriers channel anger and disillusionment into visceral songs. Their music, though punk-driven and riotous, remains strangely danceable thanks to the taut rhythm section of Pierce O'Callaghan (drums) and Charlie McCarthy (bass), who draw inspiration from disco beats. More nerve-wracking than their Glastonbury debut, Hoff admits, is an upcoming debate with Billy Bragg, an artist who significantly inspired his political songwriting.

Beyond the stages, Glastonbury also profoundly impacts its local community. Annette Smith, a resident of Pilton, the village neighboring the festival, moved from Ireland without any prior knowledge of the event. Initially not drawn to music festivals, she was "blown away" upon her first encounter. Smith, who regularly walked her dog on the festival grounds before it emerged, now adores Pilton's tight-knit community and views the festival as a place where people shed their norms to relax and have fun. For her, the music is "only a small part of the Glastonbury experience," emphasizing the unique, positive environment it creates, which she feels is much needed in the current world.

Similarly, Colin and Mel Lewis, who moved to Pilton two years ago during the festival week, were prepared for it but still taken aback by its sheer scale. While appreciating music, the crowds are not their primary draw. They acknowledge the festival's positive impact on the village, even recalling falling asleep to Guns N' Roses due to the heat and open windows. Once the festival concludes, the village returns to its "nice and peaceful" state, embodying the cyclical nature of this iconic event that transforms a quiet rural landscape into a vibrant global hub before returning to its serene roots.