Nas is set to headline Glastonbury's newly re-branded dance arena Silver Hayes.
Often viewed as a guitar heavy event, Glastonbury has broadened further than ever over the past few years. Previously, the festival ran a dance arena but this summer the area will be re-branded as Silver Hayes.
Encompassing a number of tents and performance spaces, Silver Hayes focusses on the 7000 capacity Sonic tent. Two smaller stages – the Wow Stage and Gully – will augment the main arena, with the line up set to stretch across dance music and into hip hop.
Thus far, Glastonbury have only confirmed one headline name for Silver Hayes. Hip hop icon – and former Clash cover star – Nas is set to perform at the arena, marking his first visit to Worthy Farm. Other acts confirmed for Silver Hayes include reggae legends The Congos, Disclosure and AlunaGeorge, Sub Focus, Rudimental, Hot Natured and David Rodigan.
Chatting with the NME, Michael Eavis emphasised the festival's dance heritage. “Malcolm (Haynes, Dance Village supervisor) turned up with an after hours rave truck in the 1980s and he’s been going hard at it ever since. Now he’s conjured up a new vision for one of the most beautiful areas of the farm, which will be brilliant.”
Meanwhile Emily Eavis made a parallel with one of London's most loved summer parties. “I’ve always thought that the closest parallel with Glastonbury is Notting Hill Carnival, and the buzz around this rebirth is exactly what we were looking for, both musically and visually. There’s going to be a lot of incredible music from all around the world.”
Glastonbury runs between June 26th – 30th.
