BBC Introducing acts 'so excited' to play Glastonbury

Tianna's dad played the festival in the 1980s but she had never been before

Emerging artists say they are "so excited" and "very blessed" to perform on the BBC Introducing stage at Glastonbury Festival.

The area of the festival is the best spot to catch the country's next big acts, all of which are supported by BBC Introducing shows across the country.

Bristol neo-soul artist Tianna plays on Saturday afternoon, her first time ever at the festival.

"I can't even explain it," she said. "I didn't think I'd ever get here."

Tianna is "excited and terrified" to play Glastonbury for the first time

Tianna's dad performed on the Pyramid stage in the 1980s with his reggae band Talisman.

"So it's kind of full circle," she told BBC Introducing in the West.

It is the first time she and her band have performed at a festival.

"We've been working really hard on our rehearsals. I'm so excited," said Tianna.

Her first gig was in January 2023 and since then, via BBC Introducing, she has been supported by BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra and supported Hak Baker.

The singer has just released her EP Bittersweet and said she was feeling "excited and terrified" to perform the new tracks at Worthy Farm.

Sam Evans and his band said following the performance they are feeling inspired to release more music

Singer songwriter Sam Evans played the stage on Thursday afternoon with his band.

Speaking from backstage afterwards he said: "That felt amazing, looking at out there, seeing all those smiling faces. That's exactly what we do music for."

Guitarist Jonny added: "This is such an amazing festival and it's just a pleasure to be here."

The band is used to playing in pubs and said they had to rethink their performance to suit a bigger festival crowd.

Jonny explained he took a minute to "just soak it up" during the performance as they could see the Pyramid stage in the background.

The band ended up playing the festival after winning the Pilton Stage competition, judged by Michael Eavis and industry experts.

Sam, who grew up in Midsomer Norton and now lives in Wells, said the festival is extra special to him as it is so local.

"Very blessed to be here," he added.

Cousin Kula said the tracks from their new album went down "really well" with the crowd

Bristol psych-pop band Cousin Kula also played on Thursday and said it was an "awesome" and "absolutely incredible" experience.

It was their first "official" time playing the festival and they chose to perform in bright pink matching outfits that they dyed themselves.

"I think it's a good move to think about the visual side of the set as well," said singer Elliot.

The band have just toured their new album Vitamin D so Elliot said the timing of the Glasto set was "well placed".

He added: "We just feel like we can play the tunes really well."

While the rest of the band were off to enjoy the festival, one of the members, Doug, had to leave site straightaway to perform with his other band Hippo in Italy.