The BLT Episode 7: Running Up That Bill

Of course, this week's BLT had to be themed around Glastonbury festival as it kicks off for the first time in 3 years.  

Read on for more details about the festival and the other hot topics that made it into the BLT.  

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The Wait Is Finally Over

Last year, the festival was due to celebrate its 50th anniversary when Covid-19 cancelled it once again. Those lucky enough to secure a ticket to Glastonbury’s comeback this week were queuing in their thousands, some for 24 hours, to finally get into Worthy Farm.  

So far, the only hiccup has been the rail strikes complicating people's plans. With the planned action coinciding with the beginning of Glastonbury, it proved a challenge to get to the rural village of Pilton in Somerset. 

Trains Across the UK Grind to A Halt

Members of the Rail, Maritime, and Transport union at Network Rail and 13 train operators are taking part in a three-day walkout over job cuts, conditions, pay, and pensions amid the cost-of-living crisis. 

Station staff, cleaners, and signallers are among the tens of thousands taking part in the biggest transit strike in 3 decades, disrupting services across England, Wales, and Scotland.  

Discussions between rail bosses and unions fail to resolve, so more rail strikes are thought to be "extremely likely."  

No-nonsense Mick Lynch Defends Strikers

Many are singing the praises of the union boss Mick Lynch—pictured in the BLT—for his plain-speaking defence of strike action in TV interviews. Mick kept his cool in a bizarre on-air argument with Piers Morgan and accused Richard Madeley of coming up with "remarkable twaddle." 

Watch him take on the media here.  

Kate Bush Climbs the Charts Once Again

Another unexpected star this week was pop singer Kate Bush. Her 1985 hit "Running Up That Hill" was featured in “Stranger Things”, a Netflix sci-fi drama series. (Did you spot the faceless, plant-like monster, the Demogorgon in the animation?) 

Kate's song is reaching new audiences, hitting the charts 37 years after its release. She's now both the youngest and the oldest woman to have a self-written UK number one song, and many can't get its catchy melody out of their heads.  

In Kate's words, "the whole world has gone mad!".  

The Record-Breaking Headliners

Kate isn't the only one breaking records. Sir Paul McCartney (AKA Macca) will return to the Glastonbury stage on Saturday night, making him the oldest-ever headliner. Billie Eilish, aged just 20, will break the opposite record as the youngest.

Glastonbury's Humble Roots

We concluded the BLT by returning to the iconic festival's roots. The idea for the festival came about back in 1970 when a dairy farmer, Michael Eavis, was looking for a way to clear his overdraft. It was then only a one-day affair called "The Pilton Pop, Blues & Folk Festival." Tickets were just a quid, and ads promised you a free pint of milk and even an ox roast. 1,500 people showed up, but a dejected Michael still made a loss.

Inflation hits 40-year high

Today a ticket to Glastonbury sets you back £280, and a pint alone is £6. Just one of many signs of inflation, which this week hit a high of 9.1% —the highest rate since the February 1982.  

At least Michael Eavis can now afford to pay off his overdraft. 

Happy Camping, everyone!    

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