It's not all about the headliners
Gaby Whitehill

11:32 17th June 2014

It's not all about the headliners. And in the case of Glastonbury, such a gloriously diverse and far-reaching festival, the sentiment couldn't be truer.

We've discussed whether Kasabian deserve to top the bill, whether Metallica are the right fit for Worthy Farm, and if Arcade Fire are just a little bit too obvious. However, with just 8 days to go to the festival, let's turn our attention to, er, the other acts that are playing.

Because there's rather a lot - there's truly something for everyone here. And with so much to choose from, why not go and see something a little different, or discover a new band you may just fall in love with by the end of the weekend?

Here are 15 sterling acts you may not have been planning to catch at Glastonbury - but you really should. The headliners are just the tip of a beautiful iceberg. 

  • Courtney Barnett: Aussie folk singer-songwriter Barnett began to attract attention after releasing the delightfully different 'Avant Gardener' which tells the story of having an asthma attack in the midst of an Australian heatwave. Her unique delivery and candid lyricism are sure to make for a charming, intimate show - plus she's so good, she's playing twice. [Friday, 3.30 PM, The Park Stage/Saturday, 5.00 PM, John Peel Stage]

  • Chance The Rapper: If you're a hip hop fan, you'll most likely be heading to see the Chicago native anyway. Those unfamiliar with Chance, however, should definitely check him out - his name is self explanatory, but there's a thoughtfulness behind his lyrics, and his jazz-influenced beats make him stand out from the rest of the pack. [Sunday, 8.45 PM, John Peel Stage]

  • Dub Pistols: Fiery, fun and full of energy, dub veterans Dub Pistols are the ultimate festival band. Nothing but good vibes and some dodgy dancing from the crowd. There's a good reason they play at every festival going. [Friday, 6.15 PM, The Glade]

  • Kiesza: She's responsible for that song you hated at first but now loved, 'Hideaway', plus she's got a string of more electro-pop future smashes up her sleeve! Altogether now: OOH! AAH! Your Saturday hangover will be shaken off in no time. [Saturday, 3.15 PM, Sonic]

  • MNEK: Not only has London singer-songwriter and produer MNEK made loads of really good pop songs, he's also appeared on other people's - he lent his vocals to Gorgon City's 2013 smash 'Ready For Your Love'. Currently prepping his much-hyped debut album, catch him now before he's selling out arenas. [Saturday, 2.30 PM, Sonic]

  • Snakehips: Enigmatic London production duo Snakehips caught the attention of the internet in 2012 with the blissed-out 'On & On', which quickly birthed several remixes. Ever since, they've been constantly delivering R&B-influenced slices of electronica and several notable remixes. [Sunday, 6.30 PM, Wow!]

  • Elliphant: Rising Swedish electro-pop Elliphant looks set to be the next big thing - super producer Dr Luke has just signed her to his Sony imprint, Kemosabe. She's apparently working on her debut album with Skrillex. [Thursday, 1.15 AM, La Pussy Parlure Nouveau]

  • Chloe Howl: 19 year old singer-songwriter Howl was nominated for both the BBC Sound of 2014 and the BRITs Critics' Choice award. She lost out on both, but has been amassing a steady amount of hype thanks to her attitude-packed, energetic pop songs. [Friday, 7.00 PM, La Pussy Parlure Nouveau]

  • Raleigh Ritchie: If you're a Game of Thrones fan, you may already recognise Ritchie - aka Jacob Anderson - as Greyworm in Game of Thrones. However, he's now also making a name for himself as a rather talented musician. His EP Black and Blue was R&B perfection, and the previously mentioned The Internet then remixed it and made it even more amazing. Seeing as they're both appearing at Glastonbury, we'll keep our fingers crossed for a live collaboration. [Sunday, 3.30 PM, La Pussy Parlure Nouveau]

  • Lxury: House producer and Disclosure affiliate Lxury introduced himself to the world with the joyful, bouncy 'J.A.W.S', which he then followed up with the equally brilliant 'Never Love'. He's now released his Playground EP, the lead single of which is a hyper-colourful explosion of children's vocal samples and sparkling flourishes. He's certainly one to watch. [Thursday, 8.00 PM, BBC Introducing]

  • MO: If you don't know MO by now, then what's wrong with you? Because A) we bang on about her all the time and B) she's amazing. The Danish electro/indie-pop singer's debut No Mythologies To Follow lived up to all our expectations, and it's sure to be a magical thing live. [Friday, 9.00 PM, La Pussy Parlure Nouveau]

  • Dolly Parton: Yes, she's by no means an underground indie act, and she's pretty high on the Pyramid Stage bill, but we reckon many Glastonbury-goers will turn their nose up at Dolly for not being very cool. Which is a crucial mistake, as she's actually incredibly cool, and '9 To 5' live will be a life-defining moment. [Sunday, 4.20 PM, Pyramid Stage]

  • The Internet: A sort of spin-off of controversial LA hip hop collective Odd Future, producer Matt Martians and vocalist Syd Tha Kid (and their live band) craft sultry, danceable neo-soul for the 21st century. They'll sound absolutely glorious in the afternoon sun (fingers crossed). [Saturday, 2.45 PM, West Holts Stage]

  • Pretty Lights: Derek Vincent Smith does a pleasant line in sparkly, experimental electronica, infused with elements of trip hop, jazz and soul. Perfect for early Sunday evening listening. [Sunday, 9.15 PM, The Glade]

  • East India Youth: Electronic musician William Doyle clearly has a sense of humour - his debut album Total Strife Forever is a play on Foals' sophomore collection Total Life Forever - but he's also got bags of talent and is quickly gaining a reputation as a very fine live act indeed. [Thursday, 9.15 PM, Wow!]