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Music students get ready for Glastonbury debut

BBC Violinist Theo Warrington holding a violin in a music studioBBC
Violinist Theo Warrington said it was "crazy" to play on the same stage as Ed Sheeran has performed on

Artists and crew from a Brighton music college are preparing to make their mark on the legendary Croissant Neuf stage at Glastonbury.

The bandstand, in one of Glastonbury’s oldest fields, is where Ed Sheeran first played the festival in 2011.

Contemporary violinist Theo Warrington, from WaterBear - the College of Music, said it was "crazy" to be playing on the same stage and he felt "very blessed".

Glastonbury Festival opens its gates at Worthy Farm in Somerset on Wednesday.

'Huge team effort'

WaterBear college, based in Brighton and Sheffield, offers a variety of degree courses awarded by Falmouth University.

Student Rebecca Searle, who performs as Gateway Girl, is among those from the college making her Glastonbury debut.

She said: "It's honestly a dream. I've always joked to friends that it would be great to do Glastonbury but now it is actually happening, it's amazing."

Rebecca Searle sitting next to a keyboard in a music studio
Music student Rebecca Searle described gaining a sought-after set at Glastonbury as "a dream"

Teacher Greg Walton said he was delighted to see his students working together at such a big event.

He told BBC South East: "There’s always so much that goes on behind the scenes, that most people won’t be necessarily aware of. It’s a huge team effort.

"It's great to see all the students mucking in together and supporting each other in their careers and performance.”

WaterBear students past and present will perform each day between 12:00 BST and 16:00 on the Croissant Neuf bandstand.

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