During her much-anticipated set at the Woodsies Stage, Lorde playfully remarked, “This may be a one-of-one [performance], you know,” just moments into her not-so-secret performance, which came shortly after the release of her new album Virgin. The artist delivered a powerful interpretation of her entire fourth LP, captivating the audience as she wriggled across the stage floor during “Man of the Year” and exuding a commanding presence during the pulsating, high-energy track “What Was That.” The connection with a packed audience reached its peak when she closed with an electrifying one-two punch of “Ribs” and “Green Light,” marking a remarkable beginning to the Glastonbury 2025 experience.

The Glastonbury Festival of 1995 is etched into memory, featuring performances from Pulp, Oasis, and Massive Attack. Among them, Supergrass made their mark just after the release of their beloved debut album I Should Coco. During their set, Gaz Coombes reminisced about that unforgettable day, promising the audience a nearly full rendition of the album. With hits like “Alright,” “Pumping on Your Stereo,” and “Moving,” their performance transported fans back in time, invigorating the Pyramid Stage with a healthy dose of nostalgia.

The notion of a “Glastonbury Moment,” where an artist’s performance elevates their career, can be daunting for many emerging stars. However, for CMAT, this moment proved to be a triumph. Her catchy track “Take a Sexy Picture of Me” has not only sparked a viral sensation but also inspired a dance trend on TikTok while witnessing a surge in streaming. During her performance on the Pyramid Stage, she showcased a well-rounded set that highlighted her vocal prowess, emotional depth, and playful humor. It was clear that this was just the beginning for her, as she confidently commanded the festival’s biggest stage.

Watching Lola Young harness her true potential has been nothing short of a remarkable journey. Over the past five years, this south London singer has diligently worked towards stardom, solidifying her presence on the Woodsies Stage on Friday evening. Performing before an enthusiastic crowd that spilled into the adjacent Tree Stage, she infused her songs with deep emotion, effortlessly transitioning from the fierce growls in “Conceited” to the playful pop melodies. Her radiant smile during “One Thing” reflected the song’s essence as a celebration of self-confidence; in that moment, Young exemplified an artist truly at the pinnacle of her craft.

What a transformation! During their last appearance at Worthy Farm in 2022, Wet Leg played to a wildly enthusiastic crowd at the Park Stage, exuding modesty as they delivered tracks from their self-titled album. Fast forward to Saturday, June 27, and it was clear that the band had experienced a significant glow-up: radiating confidence and energy, their performance was a testament to their growth. Lead singer Rhian Teasdale passionately engaged the audience with her dynamic ad-libs during “Ur Mum,” and her powerful scream resounded across the fields. During a lively rendition of “Supermarket,” a young fan proudly wore an “I Love Wet Leg” cap, illustrating just how widespread their popularity had become among festival-goers.

Lewis Capaldi’s last appearance at Glastonbury in 2023 was marked by a vocal strain injury, prompting him to request the audience to finish his set when he could not continue. After two years away from the spotlight for his mental health, his return to the Pyramid Stage on Friday was charged with emotion, as he shared with the packed audience that returning to Worthy Farm was a significant goal for him.

Initially labeled as a ‘TBA,’ Capaldi performed a seven-song set, including the poignant “Someone You Loved,” the very song that had caused his voice to falter previously. “It’s just a short set today to finish what I couldn’t finish the first time. Thank you, Glastonbury, for having me back,” he expressed, visibly emotional. It was a heartwarming moment to witness his return, and the audience welcomed him warmly.

One of the most delightful aspects of PinkPantheress is her refreshing and witty style. Over the course of her hour-long set at Woodsies, she orchestrated a grand pop spectacle, complete with a tap dancer, a beatboxer, and a surprise appearance from noughties icon Just Jack for “Starz.” This vibrant performance was infused with a playful, cheerleader-like exuberance: after “Picture In My Mind,” she humorously reflected on her journey from creating bedroom-produced tracks to crafting polished pop music, all while showcasing her fantastic brass backing band and talented violinist. At just 24 years old, she transformed from a hesitant performer to a confident artist ready to embrace her success.

“After 23 years, how did we get here?” posed The 1975’s Matty Healy, as clouds of cigarette smoke swirled behind him. This inquiry served as the foundation for the band’s headline performance at Glastonbury, especially given their lack of new material and recent controversies. The pressure was immense, but they rose to the occasion with a compelling set that silenced critics. Drawing from their impressive catalog, the band delivered powerful bursts of lush, searching pop, with Healy’s raw, expressive voice remaining the thread that tied their diverse musical journey together. At Worthy Farm, the atmosphere was electric for this generational act.

On The Other Stage, Loyle Carner acknowledged that this performance marked the pinnacle of his career, a testament to a decade spent honing his craft as a recording artist. Making it even more special was the presence of his children, who served as muses for his new album hopefully !, standing side stage to witness their father shine.

The atmosphere was enriched by the presence of old friends Sampha and Jorja Smith, contributing to the heartfelt, lo-fi ambiance that emphasized human emotion and connection. One of the standout moments was “About Time,” a touching tribute to the qualities he hopes his son will inherit, evoking tears from the audience.