Glastonbury-goers warned over surge in measles cases

Glastonbury-goers have been advised to check they are vaccinated for measles amid a surge in cases of the highly infectious disease.

The warning comes ahead of this year’s edition of the festival kicking off a week from today, spanning June 25-29, ahead of a fallow year in 2026.

Per The Independent, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned that measles is currently “circulating across the country”, adding that “festivals are the perfect place for measles to spread”.

It is said that there are “ongoing outbreaks” of measles in various regions across England, including London and the South West.

According to the UKHSA’s June update, cases have mainly been in unvaccinated children aged 10 years and under. However, there are also reported cases in young people and adults.

Dr Alasdair Wood, consultant in health protection at UKHSA South West, told ITV News: “We want festival-goers to enjoy their time at Glastonbury and other festivals this year.

“Being aware of the current health risks will help those attending enjoy their time as much as possible.

Wood continued, advising: “If you’re not fully vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella, please contact your GP to see if you can get an appointment before coming to the festival.

“If you feel unwell or have been advised isolate as a result of measles or another infection, please continue to do so.”

The National live at Glastonbury 2024. Credit: Andy Ford for NME

He went on to say that UKHSA was also seeing an increase in cases of sexually-transmitted infections (STIs), “particularly in young people”. Wood said: “STIs aren’t just an inconvenience – they can have a major impact on your health and that of any sexual partners.”

He urged people to use protection and “get tested to detect any potential infections early”, adding: “Testing is important because you may not have any symptoms of an STI.”

Alison Bell, Acting Director of Public Health for Somerset Council, said: “Keeping yourself safe over the Glastonbury weekend is paramount.

“Most health risks can be avoided by taking simple steps to help protect yourself, remembering to keep yourself cool and avoid excess alcohol can help keep you safe during periods of hot weather.”

Glastonbury 2025 line-up poster. Credit: Glastonbury Festival

According to the UKHSA’s report, there were 127,350 reported measles cases in Europe last year. This was double the number of cases reported for 2023, and the highest number since 1997.

Festivalgoers have been warned about the risk of contracting measles in previous years, including 2019 and 2016.

According to the NHS, “measles is an infection that spreads very easily and can cause serious problems in some people”. It adds: “Having the MMR vaccine is the best way to prevent it.”

The first symptoms include a high temperature, a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, a cough, and red, sore and watery eyes.

Headlining the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury 2025 will be The 1975, Neil Young and Olivia Rodrigo. Over on the Other Stage, there’ll be bill-topping performances from Loyle Carner, Charli XCX and The Prodigy.

Rod Stewart will take on the coveted Legends Slot on the Sunday afternoon, where he’ll reunite with his former Faces bandmate Ronnie Wood, along with two more special guests.

Other big names across the weekend include Biffy Clyro, The Maccabees, Lucy Dacus, Father John Misty, RAYE, Wolf Alice, Doechii, St. Vincent, Deftones, The Libertines, Wet Leg, Weezer, Nile Rodgers & Chic, Future Islands, JADE, TV On The Radio, Self Esteem, CMAT, Blossoms and Turnstile.

Meanwhile, organisers have shared the full line-up, times and stage splits, and the newly updated site map for Glasto ’25, as well as a list of “what not to bring” to the event. In other news, the weather forecast for this year’s festival has now come into range.

There are various ‘TBA’ slots on the line-up – including mystery act ‘Patchwork’, who are believed to be Pulp. Additionally, there is speculation around potential unannounced appearances from Haim, Lorde and Lewis Capaldi.

Organiser Emily Eavis recently revealed the changes the team had implemented for Glastonbury 2025, in a bid to make “as much space as possible” for attendees.

Visit here for all NME‘s latest coverage of Glastonbury 2025.

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