Big Names and Controversial Scheduling
Glastonbury 2025 is shaping up to be a festival of tough decisions for music fans, particularly for those in the LGBTQ+ community. As details about the festival’s West Holts stage and its headliners were unveiled on March 27, a major clash was revealed: Doechii and Charli XCX will headline on the same day, leaving fans to choose between the two.
Doechii in Denial Is a River music video. Photo: YouTube
Star-Studded Lineup and New Additions
The iconic UK festival, known for its vast and diverse lineup, has already made waves with the announcement of additional headliners for its West Holts stage. Joining acts like Maribou State and Overmono, Doechii, the bisexual rapper behind Alligator Bites Never Heal, will take center stage alongside a slew of other prominent artists. The full schedule, shared by Glastonbury’s official X/Twitter account, also includes performances from Denzel Curry, Glass Beams, Nilüfer Yanya, and Abel Selaocoe, among others.
The Clash Between Doechii and Charli XCX
However, it is the scheduling of Doechii and Charli XCX on the same day, Saturday, June 28, that has caused quite the stir. The clash means that attendees will have to make a difficult choice between the 26-year-old queer American rapper and UK pop sensation Charli XCX, who has long been a favorite of the LGBTQ+ community. Charli XCX, who will headline the Other Stage, has become an iconic figure thanks to her unique pop style and unapologetically queer identity. Her performance is expected to draw a massive crowd, especially given her status as the founder of Brat Summer.
Charli XCX Brings ‘Brat’ To The 2025 GRAMMYs With A Performance Of ‘Von Dutch’ & ‘Guess.’ Photo: CBS
The Ethical Dilemma of the Glastonbury Clash
For many festival-goers, this scheduling conflict is more than just a logistical issue; it’s an emotional one. Both Doechii and Charli XCX are beloved by queer audiences, making this “clash” more of a spiritual dilemma for those who can’t bear to miss either act. With Charli headlining on the Other Stage, the dilemma only deepens as other performances on the same day include Amyl and the Sniffers, Scissor Sisters, Japanese Breakfast, Weezer, and Ezra Collective.
Splitting the Crowds: A Strategic Move?
Some industry experts have speculated that the decision to place both artists at the same time may have been made to ease overcrowding concerns. In 2024, The Sugababes were forced to halt their performance due to a crowd too large for their set. BBC podcast hosts Nick Grimshaw and Annie Mac discussed the clash during a recent episode of Sidetracked, with Grimshaw noting that the overlap is “quite a big clash,” but Mac suggesting that this split is actually a smart move to distribute the crowds more evenly across the festival grounds.
What’s Next for Glastonbury 2025?
Glastonbury 2025 is set to kick off on June 25, with headline performances starting on June 27 and wrapping up on June 29. While the clash between Doechii and Charli XCX may be a source of disappointment for some, the overall festival promises an exciting and diverse mix of performances from global superstars, emerging artists, and boundary-pushing acts.
As fans eagerly anticipate the full lineup and the chance to secure tickets, one thing is clear: Glastonbury 2025 will be a festival full of unforgettable moments—and for many, a decision between two unforgettable queer artists.
