Glastonbury’s Live From Worthy Farm live stream was hit by technical issues on Saturday night, leaving thousands of fans unable to access the show for more than an hour.
Coldplay, Haim and Damon Albarn were among the big name performers at the online show, which was being held at various locations on the site of Glastonbury Festival in Pilton, Somerset.
Thousands of fans on social media complained that access codes they had been given for the event were being flagged as invalid.
Acts like Wolf Alice and Michael Kiwanuka were early on the bill, with organisers promising that users would be able to rewind the live stream when they finally got in.
At around 8.10pm, hosts, Driift Live, which “produce and promote world class, immersive and interactive online live ticketed events”, told fans on Twitter they should be able to access the live stream soon, promising an update.
However, by 9pm the stream, which thousands of fans bought tickets for, was made free for everyone.
Glastonbury organiser Emily Eavis posted an apology on Twitter, saying: “I am so sorry about the problems with the stream tonight.
“If you weren’t able to get on, I’m told that the new link is working.
“We will obviously make sure we show the whole film again from tomorrow too and give you the chance to catch up on any bits you missed.
Brit-winning Haim also topped the bill. Pic: Glastonbury
“I really hope you can enjoy the rest of it tonight. And, again, I’m just so sorry for anyone who’s had issues.”
Despite the technical difficulties, the five-hour show, which was directed by Grammy-nominated Paul Dugdale, also featured stars like George Ezra, Jorja Smith and Idles.
Festival founder Michael Eavis, now 85, led a spoken-word narration of the evening, alongside the likes of George The Poet, Kate Tempest and Kurupt FM.
The event will be streamed again on Sunday, and is supporting Oxfam, Greenpeace and WaterAid – the main festival’s charities.
The Glastonbury music festival, due to be staged in June, was called off for the second year running due to COVID-19, following last year’s 50th anniversary celebration cancellation.
Earlier this week, Mendip District Council approved a two-day licence to the festival organisers to hold an event in September on the iconic pyramid stage.