Glastonbury sets are a big moment for Belfast band Chalk

The Belfast band Chalk is about to have one of the biggest moments of their career as they prepare to play at Glastonbury, which they call the biggest festival in the world. Chalk is a trio that mixes post-punk and techno music, and even though Glastonbury is a huge event with around 200,000 people attending, the band members say they are not nervous. Guitarist Benedict Goddard said he has tried not to think too much about the upcoming shows, so he does not get overwhelmed. Chalk will perform on the BBC Introducing stage on Friday afternoon and on the Strummerville stage late on Saturday night.

Ross Cullen, the lead singer of Chalk, told the BBC that playing at Glastonbury is a 'bucket list moment' for him. He remembers watching the festival on TV with his family and now he gets to be on stage himself. Goddard said that playing at Glastonbury is a really big moment for the band and shows they are on the right track. The band formed during the Covid-19 pandemic and took inspiration from both the Belfast electronic music scene and the Dublin guitar scene, which has become more popular over the last decade. Cullen said they wanted to combine the best parts of both cities' music styles.

Many Dublin bands have become successful recently, like Fontaines D. C. , who won Best International Group at the BRIT Awards. The Belfast electronic scene is also thriving, with acts like Bicep performing internationally. Chalk is proud to be part of this wave of Irish music talent.

Chalk will be joined at Glastonbury by other artists from Northern Ireland, including Kneecap, a rap trio that performs in Irish and is known for their provocative lyrics and merchandise. One member of Kneecap, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, has faced legal trouble after being accused of displaying a flag supporting a group banned in the UK. Despite the controversy, Chalk's guitarist Goddard said he believes artists should be free to speak out against injustices and atrocities. He pointed out that Glastonbury has always been a place where political messages are shared.

Another Irish group, The Henry Girls, is returning to Glastonbury for the first time since 2014. The folk trio from County Donegal, made up of sisters Karen, Lorna, and Joleen McLaughlin, will play on the Acoustic Stage. Karen said they were thrilled to be invited back and described Glastonbury as an amazing place with a great atmosphere. She said one of the best things about the festival is just wandering around and experiencing everything it has to offer.

Other Irish acts performing at Glastonbury this year include CMAT, Inhaler, Snow Patrol, The Script, The Mary Wallopers, and Orla Gartland. The festival will also feature major headliners like The 1975, Neil Young, and Olivia Rodrigo, as well as performances from Charli XCX, Doechii, Rod Stewart, Loyle Carner, The Prodigy, and Wolf Alice. The festival will be broadcast on radio, television, and online, and there are more than 50 performance slots still marked as 'to be announced. ' Rumors suggest that surprise guests could include Haim, Pulp, Lady Gaga, or even Radiohead, making this year's Glastonbury one of the most exciting yet.