Jack Cullen on cycling 650 miles for his first Glastonbury performance
The singer-songwriter has had a summer to remember, achieving extraordinary feats and releasing latest single, ‘Hypocrite’, with an EP on the way.
Landing a debut slot at the biggest festival in the world is an admirable feat in itself, but Jack Cullen took his Glastonbury journey to the next level, cycling all the way across the UK, from Edinburgh to Somerset, taking to the Wishing Well tent.
Along the way, he visited fans and performed in a range of “venues”, including pub gardens, running clubs and people’s kitchens, spreading his positive attitude to life through his uplifting music.
Jack offered an insight into his adventures, giving us an account of his unique Glastonbury experience:
“It’s been a few weeks since performing at Glastonbury festival for the first time.
I’ve been before, years ago, but this time was something else entirely. Not just because I was on the lineup, but because I arrived at Glastonbury after cycling across the country for a month. Me and my mate George had been on the road for weeks, in our own little bubble. We pedaled into Pilton on the Thursday and the first thing that hit me was just how many people were there. After a month of slow days and quiet nights, the sudden hit of energy and chaos and noise was kind of overwhelming.
But then, like everyone does, we walked. We explored. We pitched up, found a crew, and just like that, I had a little home base inside the madness.
The days before my performance were a mix of soaking up the vibes and staying focused. I didn’t go too hard on Friday or Saturday, partly because I was knackered from the cycling, partly because I wanted to protect my voice, but mostly because I was there to do a job. And I really don’t say that lightly. I wanted to be 100% for my set.
I found the quieter corners of Glastonbury, which was really nice. I went up near the healing fields, away from the madness.
The performance itself… I don’t even know where to start. It honestly exceeded everything I’d hoped. The crowd was incredible - full of love, full of energy. I saw familiar faces and friends I hadn’t expected.
This part, weirdly, wasn’t overwhelming. I felt calm. Energised. Like everything had built to that one moment, and it all landed exactly how it should.
I’d love to go back, of course. Maybe next time I’ll play earlier in the weekend, so I can fully throw myself into the whole thing. But even with the restraint, the focus, the not-letting-my-hair-down as much as I wanted to… I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Following his Glastonbury triumph, Jack has released the next single from his upcoming EP, Everything. The new single, Hypocrite, explores the disconnect between the highs of his 2025 achievements and the struggle of being true to your feelings. The upbeat number is reminiscent of some of The Lumineers deep cuts, with the singer’s distinctive vocals giving it a raw and vulnerable feel.
Hypocrite is out now via Sony Music.
