Sources in the UK report that Jay-Z has big celebrations in the works for his headlining performances later this month at the Glastonbury Festival.

Jay-Z is reportedly planning a string of pre-Glastonbury parties and a spectacular entrance for his headlining slot at the music festival.

The rapper - real name Shawn Carter - is determined not to let critics of his headlining slot at the world famous UK event spoil his fun. He has already ordered cases of £300 bottles of Armand De Brignac champagne for his bashes, which are believed to be taking place in both the US and UK. A source revealed: “After hearing Tom Cruise and Will Smith laid it on at David and Victoria Beckham’s Welcome to America party last year, he wants a piece of the action.”

Sean Diddy Combs with Beyonce and Jay-Z in Cannes, May 2008

Newlywed Jay-Z - who married long-term girlfriend Beyonce Knowles in a secret ceremony in April - is also set to arrive at the Somerset festival site, famed for its mud and bad weather, in style. The source added to Britain’s Daily Mirror newspaper: “Jay-Z will have a top-of-the-range helicopter to fly him in with champagne and the works.” Jay-Z recently spoke out to defend his appearance at the festival, after numerous people voiced their disapproval about the decision to have a hip-hop artist top the bill. The rap superstar said: “We don’t play guitars but hip-hop has put in its work like any other form of music. “The world changes and we have to embrace the change. I’ve never been involved in anything this controversial. What’s the big deal about doing a show?” Glastonbury festival runs over the weekend of June 27-29. Other headline acts include The Verve and the Kings of Leon.

Source: Jay-Z’s planning some parties for Glastonbury

Jay-Z Planning Parties to Celebrate His Glastonbury Festival Appearance