Glastonbury 2025 Saturday: Neil Young, Charli XCX, Kneecap, and the top moments from day two
Saturday at Worthy Farm brought fiery controversy and some equally scorching performances – plus a headliner clash for the ages. Our writers have been all over the festival to bring you all the latest updates, reviews, news and much more. Here are Neil McCormick’s top moments, and keep scrolling for a full recap of all the action from our journalists and critics in the field.
Neil Young entertains the oldies
For young audiences, Charli XCX’s zeitgeisty electropop was Saturday night’s main attraction. She brought the bangers and the party, though it was questionable how much was really sung live. No such concerns about ragged rock hero Neil Young. There was a relatively small crowd for the vintage hero, trying single-handedly to keep rock and roll alive. He didn’t bother with anything as modern as a stage production. And honestly he doesn’t need it. It was a genuinely great Neil Young set, filled with classic songs, played and sung with passion and panache. And lots of distortion. Give me that over Charli XCX miming or The 1975 posturing every time. Read our review on Young here and Charli XCX here.
Kneecap rise to the occasion
The Northern Irish trio have come in for a lot of censorious condemnation in recent months. The Glastonbury crowd showed where their allegiance lies, packing out the West Holts stage with Palestinian flags and banners for a surprisingly joyous set of mischievous political punk rap. Kneecap are creating a “safe space” for young people to express how they feel about the Palestinian conflict. The more you condemn them, the stronger they get.
The Red Arrows salute Jarvis Cocker
At the climax of Pulp’s great Britpop anthem Common People, as Jarvis Cocker reached a peak of passion and the crowd jumped up and down delivering the most joyous singalong of the festival, the Red Arrows swept in formation over the Pyramid stage, trailing smoke as if in honour of British pop’s great man of the people. Nothing very common about that.
John Fogerty shows everyone how it’s done
I had to miss the vintage American rock hero’s set because it clashed with Kneecap. All reports are that the 80-year-old was an absolute blast, tearing up the crowd with a set of classic Creedence Clearwater Revival hits. With anthems like Fortunate Son, Run Through the Jungle and Bad Moon Rising, Fogerty was mixing pop and politics back when Kneecap’s parents were still in nappies.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R1bekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R2bekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframeCatch up on all the action from Glastonbury on Saturday below!
12:07 AM BST
No more drama
Kneecap were rumoured to be playing a secret set in Shangri-La at midnight. It was confirmed by the host on stage – however it had been called off owing to fears of a crush, he said. “Instead you’ve got Fat Boy Slim,” he added. There were no whoops. Lauren Shirreff
12:02 AM BST
And just like that, Charli is over
Well that ended rather abruptly. “Surely not,” says the woman in front of me when the stage goes silent. Less than a minute ago we were jumping along to her club anthem I Love It and mini fireworks were going off – is that really it? “Wait for it,” says her friend, before we all quickly realise that yes, it is really over. Better to leave them wanting more.
On my way out I meet 23-year-old Jessie Hassett, who’s sitting amongst the flattened cider cups with a circle of friends. “That was the time of my life,” says Hassett, who’s dressed in a brat green halter top. “She just kept the energy up the entire time – she didn’t even need to bring any special guests out.” Beth Izzard agrees: “It’s interesting to see how far she could push brat over and over yet still cater to the original fans.” Also, it’s Beth’s 32nd birthday in 10 minutes – happy birthday, Beth, and goodnight, Charli. LA Robinson
Charli XCX - Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP12:01 AM BST
Neil Young saves the best till last
That riff. The message. Neil Young’s encore was always going to include Rockin’ in the Free World – and it didn’t disappoint. He could have ended it there, content with having delivered one of the finest rock protest songs of all time, but instead broke into a ferocious Throw Your Hatred Down, its lyrics surely a thinly veiled dig at Trump (“In the underworld the weaknesses are seen / By peasants and presidents who plan the counter-scheme”).
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R1rekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R2rekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframeThe songs rounded off a surprisingly crowd-pleasing set, packed with hits including Cinnamon Girl, Old Man and Hey Hey, My My (though no Heart of Gold – I guess we can’t have everything). Overall, a triumph. That good ol’ rock and roll, eh? Poppie Platt
Neil Young - Hugo Philpott/UPI/Shutterstock12:00 AM BST
High praise for Neil
I spotted a few loved-up couples swaying to Neil Young’s slow tunes (can you do it in the name of love?) but towards the end of the show, when Neil left the stage, things picked up. A couple of fans demanded “one more song” and whooped and cheered for the legend’s re-entry.
Emma Thomas, 47, who saw Neil on the Pyramid Stage all the way back in 2009, said that the “quality of his musicianship was wonderful” and hasn’t deteriorated at all in the intervening years, though she admits that the crowd was thicker 15 years ago. She isn’t a huge fan, but he’s such an icon that she couldn’t not turn out, even with “everything else going on tonight”. It’s a testament to his talent.
Dave Ramage, 29, had never listened to Young before and “to be honest, wasn’t planning to come,” he said. Yet he and his friends enjoyed the tunes, which were “very grunge at times” and “exactly what I needed” after a weekend of heavy fun. Perhaps more people should have given him a chance. Lauren Shirreff
11:49 PM BST
Charli burns brat down
The singer symbolically set fire to her brat sign during her blistering set – it’s the end of that particular era. New Charli who dis?
11:46 PM BST
That’s a wrap for Charli
Neil is still going strong. And, in fairness, it’s a kindly, appreciative sort of vibe: less shouting and aggressive sign-waving, more beatific smiling and Canadian flag-wafting.
11:33 PM BST
An absolute Glastonbury masterclass
Competing with both Charli XCX and Neil Young is Florida-born superstar-in-the-making Doechii, who was the third woman ever to win a Grammy for best rap album this year and is commanding a packed West Holts stage. With brilliant dance routines, production and sizzling charisma, this flawless performance is the best I’ve seen all weekend. West Holts has become a bit of a dry run for potential megastars ahead of a possible Pyramid slot: see Lizzo and Janelle Monae. For Doechii, it’s only a matter of time. Eleanor Halls
Doechii at Glastonbury - OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty11:31 PM BST
Technical issues plaguing iPlayer
Bad luck for fans of Scissor Sisters: none of their set was being broadcast until just a minute ago. The Woodsies feed was showing an error message. When it finally kicked in, viewers got a shock: special guest Ian McKellen shouting about painted whores. Has someone spiked my tea? (Actually, it’s the lyrics to the band’s song Invisible Light.)
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R11mekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R21mekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframeViewers, understandably, are irked. Especially as this is a cracking set (splitting the difference between Neil Young and Charli), and they’ve just been joined by the fantastic Beth Ditto for Filthy/Gorgeous.
Glasto error11:27 PM BST
Charli’s in love
Charli XCX just asked who in the audience “is really in love tonight?” Then she said, “Me too. I love you, George” in reference to her fiancé George Daniel, the drummer in last night’s Pyramid headliner The 1975. Bless. James Hall
Charli XCX - Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP11:24 PM BST
Lorde is a no-show at Charli
Everyone was holding their breath as Charli launched into girl, so confusing, a song that features Lorde, who was the first surprise act of the weekend yesterday. But she didn’t show – and the Apple dance surprise guest was Gracie Abrams, who was slightly underwhelming when you’re expecting, well, Lorde. It’s looking like this set is a solo mission. LA Robinson
Charli XCX - Samir Hussein/WireImage11:21 PM BST
More crowd confusion
Over at Woodsies, which was announced as closed shortly before 10pm, there’s no such crush. People are coming and going freely as the band belt out their rendition of Comfortably Numb. The stage was, in fact, “on the verge of being closed” despite fans of the girls being turned away, and never quite hit capacity, a steward said. It seems to have been a preventative measure to halt a second crush risk as fans leave Woodsies and descend down the hill on the rest of the site. More clues that something has gone wrong tonight?
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R127ekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R227ekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframeBy the Pyramid stage, there are still signs telling fans that Woodsies is very busy and to seek an alternative. No such signs for the Other stage, which is twice as packed. Lauren Shirreff
11:14 PM BST
Sharing the love
It’s the most divided night maybe ever at Glastonbury, with fans scattered across the farm to see some major names in all corners. But there are still at least a hundred people gathered in front of San Remo, dancing the night away. What are they putting in the water there? Lauren Shirreff
11:09 PM BST
Charli is not one for the kids
“This one’s for all my people who are going to block 9 tonight! Put your f---ing hands up, b----!” Charli shouts into the mic as she launches into the elasticated bass of track club classics. She’s referring to the area of Glastonbury where one goes if they’re looking to party to techno until dawn, AKA where Charli fans will flock to after this. I’m standing with all the parents in the back of the field, who by now are beginning to question their decision to bring their children – time to see what kind of trouble awaits in the thick of the crowd... LA Robinson
Charli XCX - Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP11:03 PM BST
Apple dance time
Charli is now doing her song Apple, and the person doing the famous viral dance is...Gracie Abrams (erstwhile singer and daughter of Star Wars director JJ Abrams) down in the pit. The force has definitely awakened. James Hall
10:55 PM BST
Is Charli miming?
Charli is performing to a backing track and appears to be singing live some of the time...and not the others. Lots of autotune too. The lights were so low during I Might Say Something Stupid that I couldn’t even see her mouth. I know this is the way with pop these days, and people around me don’t seem to care. “So what?” someone just said. Also, Club Classics is absolutely banging. James Hall
Charli XCX - Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP10:50 PM BST
Is Neil due a Young fanbase?
With his 1972 song Old Man currently the toast of TikTok, one wonders whether Neil Young is due the kind of resurgence experienced in recent years by Fleetwood Mac and Creedence Clearwater Revival. He’s got the hits. He’s got the endearing curmudgeon personality (and the liberal politics). He’s got the famous friends. Will tonight’s televised performance help to ramp up interest, or are all the young people too busy live-streaming Charli? Poppie Platt
Neil Young at Glastonbury - ANDY RAIN/EPA/Shutterstock10:46 PM BST
Mind the generation gap
Have we ever had such a striking contrast of styles and generational tastes at Glastonbury? The Other stage might as well be in a different universe to the Pyramid.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R134ekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R234ekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframeCharli is working her crowd like a pro – and the audience at home too. She has just suggestively backed up towards the camera and then smouldered down the lens.
Mind, she hasn’t given us a harmonica solo yet...
Charli XCX - Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP10:40 PM BST
Charli XCX has arrived
She did NOT get the plaid memo. Charli is in black leather pants, a crop top and a floaty Alexander McQueen scarf, sunglasses on, and a giant brat screen behind her. She gyrates and wiggles her behind at the audience and they obligingly go wild.
James Hall writes: She’s here. After The Verve’s Bittersweet Symphony warms up the crowd, lights around the Other stage start strobing and Charli’s image and name flash up on the screens to throbbing bass. A curtain falls to reveal the green brat logo, and Charli bounds on to 365. “Party Girl” flashes on the screens. “F---ing jump!” she screams. And so we all do. She’s brought the party, and the word-perfect crowd are up for it.
Charli XCX - Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP
Charli XCX - Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP10:37 PM BST
Here comes Charli
If Neil is putting you to sleep, fire up BBC One. There are flashing screens! Propulsive beats! The promise of fashion that isn’t gently rumpled! Charli XCX is due any minute...
10:30 PM BST
It’s heaving over at the Other stage
And we’re in. I just spoke to a member of the crowd-controlling team beside the Other stage who told me they have no concerns for overcrowding here this evening – she assures me each spoke that feeds into this area has its own crew ensuring things don’t get out of hand. That said, this crowd is so massive it’s pretty clear Charli could have filled the Pyramid stage without issue... Hope the Neil Young fans are enjoying their personal space over there. LA Robinson
Crowds at the Other stageAdvertisementAdvertisement#«R13oekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R23oekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe 10:26 PM BST
It’s a dad defection
Have some of the Neil fans ended up at Charli XCX’s show? There are lots of middle-aged men, with and without teenage daughters. I’ve even spotted one with “prat” in the iconic album font on a green shirt. She isn’t only doing it for the girls. Lauren Shirreff
Over on the Young broadcast, I’m really quite mesmerised by the amount of denim and plaid on that stage. It’s like a lumberjack convention.
10:24 PM BST
Shutdown at Glasto
The normally free-flowing Glastonbury – whereby punters can move around anytime, any place, anywhere – has hit a serious snag. People’s enormous desire to see Charli XCX and the Scissor Sisters has led to the closure of access to the Woodsies tent (Scissor Sisters) and the Other stage (Charli), at least from one side in the latter’s case.
The joy of Glasto is the ability to go to anything whenever you want. Not tonight, it seems. Is it simply a case of too many ticket-holders? Or have organisers put the wrong names on the wrong stages? James Hall
10:21 PM BST
A man and his instruments: who needs the bell and whistles?
Poppie Platt, who’s actually on the ground, takes a slightly different view.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R147ekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R247ekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframeNeil Young’s set opened with little fanfare: no fancy lights or elaborate staging in sight. He stood, alone, strumming out Sugar Mountain, the rapt crowd almost silent as it waited for him to break into his extended harmonica solo. Second track Be the Rain ramped the energy up slightly, and also heralded the arrival of Young’s band, the Chrome Hearts, on stage.
But this is very much a man and his instruments – namely, the type of Glastonbury set you’d have got 50 years ago, before the Pyramid stage headline slot became an event designed for television. And, one imagines, the antithesis of what Charli (hardly known for her love of singing live) is bringing to the Other right now.
Neil Young at Glastonbury - James Veysey/Shutterstock10:20 PM BST
It does feel subdued
Those Young superfans aside, it’s not the most dynamic concert experience thus far – at least not from the broadcast. Young’s face is in shadow thanks to his baseball cap, there are no performance fireworks (literal or otherwise), and the crowd sound content rather than delirious.
A reminder that Young’s flip-flopping over whether he’d allow the BBC to broadcast his set at all means that Charli XCX will get the prime BBC One slot shortly, while Young, after making a late concession, has to make do with BBC Two.
10:15 PM BST
Neil Young is taking to the Pyramid stage
“Is all the green for Charli or for Neil?” a midlife man asks his friend as he heads towards the Pyramid stage. It’s a valid question: he may have drawn a thin crowd, with more people heading away from the stage than to it, but the old(er) rockers are very much out for Neil Young tonight.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R14kekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R24kekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframePeter Langerak, 70, was brought to Glastonbury from Auckland by his daughter for his big birthday and is buzzing, even though he’s been going since 11am. He saw Young once “so long ago that I can’t remember” and is especially excited to for his set, but adds:“I’m enjoying everything.”
Steve Hunt, 56, saw Young play the Pyramid stage all the way back in 2009, so “I thought I’d come back and see him again,” he says. Back then “he was good, and he’s a bit of a legend, so you don’t get a chance to see him very often,” says Steve. “I think he’ll play all the big hits, like Harvest Moon, so it’ll be a good night.” He’s personally hoping for Like a Hurricane. Lauren Shirreff
Neil Young at Glastonbury - Yui Mok/PA Wire10:10 PM BST
BBC won’t re-broadcast Bob Vylan
On Saturday night the BBC confirmed it has “no plans” to rebroadcast Bob Vylan’s “deeply offensive” Glastonbury set on iPlayer after facing criticism for airing the punk duo’s performance, which included repeated calls of “Death, death to the IDF”, live and unedited.
“Some of the comments made during Bob Vylan’s set were deeply offensive,” a BBC spokesman told The Telegraph, but they did not respond when asked what due diligence was carried out on the band, or whether the corporation would apologise to Jewish groups.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R14tekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R24tekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframeInstead, the spokesman said that viewers were warned at the time that the footage was offensive, stating: “During this livestream on iPlayer, which reflected what was happening on stage, a warning was issued on screen about the very strong and discriminatory language.”
“We have no plans to make the performance available on demand,” they added. Janet Eastham
Bob Vylan at Glastonbury - Giles Anderson / CAMERA PRESS10:04 PM BST
Crowd control
Things are tense at the entrance to the hospitality area from the Other stage. Security is fighting to hold back the flood of crowds that both want to enter the potentially now-closed Other stage, and those who want to get back to hospitality. The gates are shut, but there are some daring escapees who are trying to sneak in.
I’ve just been let through, but that was a fraught few minutes with a lot of shouting between security and some of the more intoxicated guests – clearly security is primed for a possible crush. LA Robinson
10:01 PM BST
Glastonbury becomes a political pantomime
Controversial comments from Kneecap, Bob Vylan and more, “Free Palestine” chants and a sea of flags, and the BBC seemingly ducking for cover – it’s been a day when the festival’s usual chilled-out vibes were replaced by something altogether more febrile.
Read more about Glastonbury’s political pantomime here.
Kneecap fans at Glastonbury - Matt Crossick / Alamy Live News09:49 PM BST
More competition for Neil
Woodsies is closed! The Scissor Sisters have drawn throngs, despite stiff competition from Charli XCX. It’s heaving in the upper left of the site. Lauren Shirreff
09:46 PM BST
Have the Eavises made the wrong call?
There’s no beating around the bush: the crowd gathered at the Pyramid stage for Neil Young is tiny. Predictions that the majority of people would opt for Charli XCX on the Other stage are looking to ring true, which makes you ask: have the Eavises made the wrong call by choosing an old-school name over a zeitgeisty, homegrown talent? Poppie Platt
Neil McCormick writes: I have decided for the first time ever to get into the thick of it for old Neil, just to show solidarity.
My first celebrity spot was Damien Lewis and Alison Mosshart. They’ve got to be going to the Young One, surely?
Neil Young empty crowd
Neil Young empty crowd
Neil Young crowd09:33 PM BST
Skepta is a super sub
Grime star Skepta is currently filling in for Deftones on the Other stage. Grime’s third resurgence was trumped by the ever-controversial drill genre a couple of years ago, but Skepta has smartly sidestepped that by launching his own house label Mas Tiempo. No doubt Glastonbury bosses saw how well his Glade set went down last night and thought him the perfect pre-Charli party starter. Eleanor Halls
Skepta - JIMMY JAMES/CAMERA PRESS09:26 PM BST
The mayhem begins
As expected, there’s a massive volume of people trying to get from Raye, who’s just finished on the Pyramid stage, to Charli XCX on the Other stage. There are many, many more stewards helping to shepherd people, which is great. If there’s going to be a crush at any time (and let’s obviously hope there isn’t) then this next hour would be the time. Stay safe, people! James Hall
They’re coming from all directions...
Pretty much the entire Haim crowd decanted to the other stage for Charli XCX. “Basically we sprinted over the hill from Haim to get to Charli,” a fan named Callum from Cheltenham tells me breathlessly. “Skepta is a nice surprise.” LA Robinson
Eleanor Halls is finding it tricky to get to the Other stage from neighbouring field West Holts, with a throng of fans stifling all exits and staff shutting the main throughway.
Haim at Glastonbury - Jim Dyson/Redferns09:24 PM BST
The 365 sharty girls are out
Meet the brat pack. All day I’ve been seeing revellers proudly wearing Charli XCX-themed bright-green swag – all featuring various takes on the brat theme, such as Elysia from Bath’s shirt, which reads “365 sharty girl”, a potty-mouthed take (sorry, had to) on the lyrics “365 party girl”.
Then there’s 30-year-old Jonas from Stockport, whose green T-shirt says simply “god bless”. He told me she should be headlining the Pyramid stage – “the momentum hasn’t died down from last summer.” Oh. and don’t forget this flag which reads: “meats and cheeses always pleases.” Yeah, pretty much anything goes with brat culture. LA Robinson
Elysia from Bath
Jonas from Stockport
Flying the flag for brat09:13 PM BST
Idris Elba shows off his DJ skills
Speaking of perennial Bond hopefuls...
“Next up in the rave tree, we have an artist so cool he might single-handedly be able to stop global warming,” says the announcer at Greenpeace stage. It’s the one and only Idris Elba, and he looks totally at home on the decks.
“What a time to be alive,” he says, dropping some beats that make the crowd happy. Who knew that even this was in his repertoire? Lauren Shirreff
Idris Elba at Glastonbury09:03 PM BST
Raye’s big Bond audition
There’s been a noticeable lack of pyrotechnics on the Pyramid Stage so far this weekend – even The 1975 opted for lasers and flashing lights over traditional fireworks.
Thank heavens then for British superstar Raye, whose superb performance of viral hit Prada ended with flames bursting from the stage. Backed by a full band and dressed in a classy black sequin gown, this felt like yet another James Bond soundtrack audition from the Croydon-raised talent. Amazon, take note. Poppie Platt
Raye at Glastonbury - Samir Hussein/WireImage08:55 PM BST
The celebrities are out in force tonight – the Charli effect?
Also spotted partying backstage: Davina McCall, actress Daisy Edgar-Jones (perhaps she was the one to drag her Texan Twisters co-star Glen Powell along?) and pop stars Rita Ora and Anne-Marie.
There’s one clear indicator of a genuine celebrity backstage at Glastonbury: looking slightly bedraggled. Hollywood stars and singers rock about in battered jackets and casual dresses. The people you see with a full blow-dry and coordinated outfit, however? Influencers. You can’t escape TikTokkers and Instagram models, each more boring than the last. Poppie Platt
And there are more sightings from James Hall: James McCartney, son of Paul, who’s been spied here too.
Daisy Edgar-Jones and boyfriend Ben Seed at Glastonbury - Samir Hussein/WireImage08:46 PM BST
Haim has most certainly not quit
Fresh off the release of their long-awaited fourth album I Quit last week, the sister trio from Los Angeles is playing to a buzzing – and absolutely packed – crowd at the Park stage.
Their brand of California cool is wholly unique: they’ve got the spiky folk-hero attitude of predecessors like Sheryl Crow and Alanis Morrissette, and all are talented multi-instrumentalists unafraid of showing their famous “bass faces” when they’re really shredding (and boy can they shred).
But don’t just take it from the thousands of fans that showed up this evening – Stevie Nicks herself recently gushed about them in GQ, saying they could have been in Fleetwood Mac. Or perhaps the Spice Girls? That’s Mel C I spy watching from VIP... LA Robinson
Mel C (right) enjoys Haim08:35 PM BST
Father John Misty brings the love
In contrast to the controversial gigs earlier today, Father John Misty was a total love-in. “I’ve been doing this festival for 42 years and I think this year has got to be the best so far,” says the Woodsies host, after a minute of applause to end his set.
Seeing young couples dance with each other to “I’m a flower, you’re a bee” was a total tonic. Probably the happiest crowd I’ve been in yet! Lauren Shirreff
08:31 PM BST
The disappearing band
Glastonbury fans might have embraced them, but viewers at home still haven’t had the chance to judge Kneecap for themselves: they’re conspicuously absent from iPlayer. Possibly forever. In fact, someone at the BBC might be hunting around for that Men in Black mind wipe tool.
08:21 PM BST
How Kneecap won over Glastonbury’s masses
James Hall and Lauren Shirreff have been chatting to enthusiastic audience members at the Irish band’s show. “I respect them and I support their message, and that’s why I’m here,” said one fan.
Read their fascinating piece here.
One of Kneecap’s fans - Ki Price/WireImage08:14 PM BST
Raye takes to the Pyramid stage
The multi-award-winning singer-songwriter, who’s had a phenomenal couple of years, is enjoying a victory lap – surely she’s a future headliner...
Raye at Glastonbury - Yui Mok/PA Wire08:09 PM BST
Spotted: Glen Powell
The Anyone But You star, looking very dapper in a cowboy hat, is creating quite a stir in the backstage area among journalists and influencers. “He is the most polite and beautiful man,” a blushing admirer tells me. Eleanor Halls
07:58 PM BST
Kemi Badenoch brands Glastonbury chant ‘grotesque’
Kemi Badenoch, the Tory leader, said in response to Bob Vylan’s chant: “This is grotesque. Glorifying violence against Jews isn’t edgy. The West is playing with fire if we allow this sort of behaviour to go unchecked. The cultural establishment needs to wake up to the fact this isn’t protest, it’s incitement.
“Less than two years ago, hundreds were raped and murdered at a music festival. It’s not just the act but the gormless people clapping along and cheering. People with no idea what real terror is.
“They don’t understand the evil ideology they’re amplifying – and they don’t care.”
A Government spokesman said: “We strongly condemn the threatening comments made by Bob Vylan at Glastonbury. The Culture Secretary has spoken to the BBC Director General to seek an urgent explanation about what due diligence it carried out ahead of the Bob Vylan performance, and welcomes the decision not to re-broadcast it on BBC iPlayer.”
Responding to a video of Bob Vylan’s performance on X, Nigel Farage, the Reform leader, said: “If you vote Reform you can have your country back from these lunatics.” Nick Gutteridge
Bob Vylan at Glastonbury - Yui Mok/PA Wire07:55 PM BST
Police assess Kneecap and Bob Vylan’s comments
Avon and Somerset police are “assessing” video footage of inflammatory comments made by Kneecap and punk duo Bob Vylan on stage at Glastonbury to “determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation”.
In a statement the force said: “We are aware of the comments made by acts on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival this afternoon.
“Video evidence will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation.” Janet Eastham
Bob Vylan at Glastonbury - Ben Birchall/PA Wire
Kneecap at Glastonbury - Samir Hussein/WireImage07:52 PM BST
Lounge lizard at Woodsies
Over at Woodsies, beardy Maryland singer-songwriter Father John Misty has opened his set with the louche funk of I Guess Time Just Makes Fools of Us All, a song so confidently carefree it came with two filthy saxophone solos.
The stage is set like a seedy downtown Vegas nightclub, all low lights and velvet curtains, as though Josh Tillman (real name) is Jarvis Cocker’s renegade transatlantic cousin. We’ve just had a whistling solo. There’s a big crowd spilling into the field, recharging their metaphorical batteries before the festival’s big night. James Hall
07:46 PM BST
The Red Arrows capped off Pulp’s set
...by doing a flypast of the Pyramid stage. One for the common people.
07:43 PM BST
Haim are now playing the Park stage
That’s another one of our Glastonbury rumours confirmed. The sister trio are back for their sixth visit at the festival.
Elsewhere at the farm, it’s Ezra Collective on the Other stage, and, on the BBC’s iPlayer hub, lots of replays – though not of you-know-who...
07:35 PM BST
An all-time great set from Pulp
“Those in the outside world will try to call you this,” Jarvis Cocker told the Pyramid stage crowd before breaking into Mis-Shapes, the jubilant anthem of the down-and-out and disillusioned.
Pulp were perhaps the least secret “secret set” in Glastonbury history, and marked 30 years since their 1995 headline slot with an hour-long collection of timeless bangers and new singles that proved, once again, just how special – and oh-so-very British – this band is.
A couple got engaged next to me during Babies, the future groom obviously having got hot under the collar while listening to Cocker’s confessions of teenage horniness. Something Changed was beautifully stripped back. Do You Remember the First Time? and Disco 2000 were yelled back word for word. Even 2025 single Spike Island went down a treat, evading that perennial curse of unfamiliarity that often sees fans of lesser bands succumb to boredom when faced with new material.
Of course, it was Common People we were waiting for. I’ve been dreaming of seeing that song, performed on this stage, since I was a teenager. And it was brilliant.
To sum up Pulp’s enduring appeal, even to the least likely of punters: two teenage girls in front of me, who had innocently asked an hour before the band started “Could this be Harry Styles?”, spent the whole 60 minutes jumping in the air and filming Cocker on their phone, eyes lit up. Looks like they caught the bug, too. Poppie Platt
Pulp’s Jarvis Cocker - Joseph Okpako/WireImage
Delighted Pulp fans - Guy Bell / Alamy07:30 PM BST
The most dangerous thing Kneecap did at Glastonbury was wear balaclavas in a heatwave
So says Neil McCormick, who argues: “The controversy around Irish punk-rap trio Kneecap’s rebellious political position is self-defeating. They are contrarian by design.” He continues: “Ironically, every time one of Kneecap’s critics speaks out, they are effectively shooting themselves in the foot.”
Read Neil’s full review of Kneecap here.
Do you agree? Let us know in the comments below!
Kneecap at Glastonbury - James Veysey/Shutterstock
The crowd at Kneecap’s performance - Guy Bell / Alamy
Kneecap supporters - Guy Bell/Shutterstock
Kneecap fans brought their flags - Guy Bell / Alamy07:14 PM BST
Kneecap recap their Glastonbury set
The controversial band seem pleased with how it went, at least (still no sign of their set on the BBC Glastonbury feed).
07:04 PM BST
Celebrity summer camp
Name your favourite Hollywood actor, they’re sipping a cold one backstage right now. Will Poulter, Andrew Garfield and his girlfriend Monica Barbaro (you might recognise her as A Complete Unknown’s Joan Baez), Top Gun: Maverick’s Glen Powell, even White Lotus’s Aimee Lou Wood. Tilda Swinton glides by in classic Tilda Swinton fashion: holding a big umbrella, made of paper and adorned with flowers, geisha-style. It’s like celebrity summer camp. LA Robinson
Monica Barbaro at Glastonbury - Samir Hussein/WireImageAnd there’s more!
Spotted backstage: actor Matt Smith with two friends, in a pair of sunglasses that make him just about blend in with the rest of the crowd. I wonder if he’s off to hang out with fellow Doctor Ncuti Gatwa, who is also living it up here. Lauren Shirreff
Ncuti Gatwa at Glastonbury - Joseph Okpako/WireImage06:57 PM BST
Gary Lineker talks Palestine and the BBC
The former Match of the Day presenter is not holding back in his interview with Andy Cato over at the Information stage. Lineker said of the broadcaster: “I think they have lost their way a little bit. There are thousands of brilliant people at the BBC but at the moment I don’t think that’s reflected right at the very top.” He continued: “I feel for Tim Davie, the director-general, because I believe there are people above him that have an agenda.”
Lineker then defended his use of his social media platform to talk about “beliefs that you believe to be right”, including the conflict in Gaza. He said: “I’ve been traumatised by the images of children in Gaza. I want to give a voice to people who have not got one.”
Lineker also quipped that would have liked to have seen Kneecap, but alas his talk was on at the same time. But he echoed their sentiments, saying: “Free Palestine.”
Once again, you’d be forgiven for thinking this is a political reality, not a musical festival...
06:49 PM BST
Metal head Numan
Gary Numan may be known for his soft synth-pop banger Cars but right now on the Park stage, for his first ever Glasto slot, he’s showing his love for heavy metal and earning plenty of new admirers in the process. The crowd is loving it. Fans are wondering why he isn’t on the Legend slot or with a higher billing. A fantastic performance. Eleanor Halls
Gary Numan - James Veysey/Shutterstock06:37 PM BST
Medical emergency
There’s a long line snaking out of the medical tent opposite the Other stage. One steward says something about food poisoning. Uh-oh – anyone thinking of using the neighbouring porta-loos better think twice… Eleanor Halls
06:32 PM BST
Pulp are rocking their comeback
Sorted for E’s & Whizz, Disco 2000 – the opening two songs today which, according to Jarvis Cocker, were “born at Glastonbury” 30 years ago. This is already shaping up to be an all-timer of a set. Poppie Platt
Jarvis Cocker of Pulp - Leon Neal/Getty06:30 PM BST
Will Charli pull the same crowd as last year?
When Charli XCX played a surprise DJ set at Glastonbury’s Levels stage last year (the destination for all things electronic and 2am pinging), it was one of the hottest acts of the entire weekend. Even my press pass couldn’t get me in to see her perform. The then-32-year-old had just released her now-multi-Grammy Award-winning album brat, which became a slime-green-coloured cultural phenomenon: Kamala Harris featured it in her presidential campaign and Collins Dictionary named ‘brat’ word of the year.
But that was 2024. Will people turn out the same way for the hyper-pop star this year? When I saw her perform at her Lido festival set two weeks ago, she projected the words “It’s a forever thing” on the screen, asking fans, “Please don’t let it be over.” There’s no doubt it’s been a banner year for Charli. But can she keep the party going or are her 365 days in the limelight up? LA Robinson
Charli XCX (right) is returning to Glastonbury - Katja Ogrin/Redferns06:20 PM BST
And Patchwork is… Pulp! (No surprise there then)
IT’S PULP! Of course it is. After months of speculation as to the identity of “Patchwork”, the abiding rumour – that it was actually Pulp, back on Worthy Farm 30 years after their triumphant headline slot in 1995 – has proven to be correct. Jarvis Cocker and co. have just taken to the Pyramid, introduced by loads of random people decked out in raincoats. Here we gooooo.
Opening with Sorted for E’s and Whizz, Jarvis Cocker surely is looking out on a crowd of much more 20,000 people! Poppie Platt
Of course, we called this one. Check out our other almost-certainly-correct Glastonbury rumour tips here.
06:12 PM BST
You can’t escape politics
...at this year’s Glastonbury. It’s not just Kneecap: former Little Mix singer Jade Thirwell led the crowd in a rousing F-you chant, in which she called out Reform, welfare cuts, transphobia, silencing protests, and justifying genocide.
Meanwhile Amy Taylor of Amyl & The Sniffers shared her views (with more colourful swearing). She said: “It’s so f---ing weird. The left and the right politicians don’t believe in anything at all.” She continued: “I’m thinking about the people in Palestine. Our governments – we’re from Australia – they aren’t doing jack s---. I know yours ain’t doing jack s---.” She then criticised the media and education systems, claiming: “They don’t want us to know. They want us to shut the f--- up,” and compared the situation in Palestine to the colonisation of indigenous people in Australia.
Jade Thirwell gave a fiery Glastonbury speech - Anthony Harvey/Shutterstock05:57 PM BST
Spotted: Chris Martin ready for Pulp
I’m sweating down at the Pyramid stage barrier, waiting for “Patchwork” – who, by the looks of the two blocks on stage, keyboards and inflatable Sky Dancers, are certainly Pulp (all three props were used at the band’s recent arena tour).
And watching from the side of the stage is none other than Coldplay’s Chris Martin, undoubtedly crippled with FOMO (fear of missing out) that he’s not headlining AGAIN. Poppie Platt
05:55 PM BST
Crimewatch
A high-speed chase through West Holts as a man clutching a rucksack is chased by two slightly bumbling stewards. No chance of him being caught. Meanwhile, over by the Other stage, a woman is handing over bricks of cocaine to several policemen. Eleanor Halls
05:50 PM BST
Rod who? John Fogerty rocked this pseudo-Legends slot
Phew, the tiny crowd soon grew – by the peak of John Fogerty’s set on the Pyramid, people had packed out the field and surrounding hills, ready to roar back scores of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s classic songs.
“I just got my songs back, and I’m going to play every one of ’em!” the 80-year-old rocker shouted, in reference to the end of his decades-long legal battle to regain ownership of his master recordings.
And play ’em he did. Over the course of an hour, Fogerty charmed the pants off every one of us in the crowd with his wit, warmth and humility (even when necking Prosecco in celebration mode).
John Fogerty performs on the Pyramid stage - Robin Pope /Camera PressBorn on the Bayou had you saying to yourself in disbelief “This man CANNOT be 80” as he hit the high notes of his youth with ease; Have You Ever Seen the Rain? and Cotton Fields were met with jubilant singalongs. Fortunate Son, which Trump recently tried to use at one of his rallies, to Fogerty’s open chagrin, became a rallying cry for an end to innocent people being packed off to war, while closer Proud Mary brought the heat.
Playing with his sons Shane and Tyler, there was lots of prolonged jamming and guitar solos, as Fogerty regaled the crowd with tales from CCR’s glory years – Woodstock and the like – and praised his beautiful wife, Julie, who had a vital role in regaining his masters.
He’s a legend, that’s for sure, even if Rod Steward is officially filling that slot tomorrow afternoon. Fogerty lays claim to one of the most magnificent catalogues in the great American songbook, and here at Glastonbury, six decades on from those songs’ conception, us lucky revellers were treated to them in all their glory. Poppie Platt
The crowd cheering on John Fogerty - Poppie Platt05:43 PM BST
There’s nothing to see here
Incidentally, if you’re wondering how the BBC is handling all of the Kneecap drama, the answer is: total avoidance. There’s no mention of the band on the Glastonbury iPlayer channel hub, and the main BBC Two feed just devoted 10 minutes to stained-glass artist Edgar Phillips. Can he fit the pieces of his glass dragon together in time for the festival to open? It’s all anyone’s talking about!
A Kneecap fan holds up a BBC-critical sign at the band’s performance - Oli SCARFF / AFP/Getty05:40 PM BST
Spotted: Andrew Garfield
With his Mrs enjoying the Bob Dylan tribute act on Acoustic stage. Sadly the rumours were false: no Timothée Chalamet. Eleanor Halls
Andrew Garfield with fans at Glastonbury 2025 - Richard Gray/Alamy Live News05:36 PM BST
Time for the first proper Legend: c’mon John Fogerty!
Those of us who grew up with long drives soundtracked by Creedence Clearwater Revival – or, if you’re older than me, were lucky enough to see them live in their heyday – will be all too familiar with the swamp rockers’ timeless brilliance. But harder to explain is CCR’s new label: TikTok’s favourite band. Gen Z have adopted their tunes as the backing music to videos covering everything from fashion to break-ups.
Strange, then, that the crowd here at the Pyramid for John Fogerty’s solo set is largely 50-plus – and minute in number (everyone must be at Kneecap). Like my colleague Neil McCormick wrote in his interview with the veteran rocker earlier this week, young people certainly know the songs, but they don’t seem to know the man behind them.
Hey-ho. More space for the rest of us to enjoy Have You Ever Seen the Rain, Proud Mary and more! Poppie Platt
05:33 PM BST
Family-friendly stoner rock at Weezer
Elsewhere at Glastonbury, over on the Other stage, it’s a rather different vibe, writes LA Robinson.
Here’s something I didn’t expect: the chunky riffs of emo geek rockers Weezer are a father-daughter bonding tool. Here I was thinking it would be all beer-slingers and middle-aged party bros, but the turnout is decidedly more wholesome: young girls on their dads’ shoulders doing the Weezer “W” with their thumbs and forefingers.
This set is packed, but it’s full of happy-go-lucky folks enjoying the 1990s throwbacks: Island in the Sun, Beverly Hills, Buddy Holly. Unlike Kneecap across the farm, there’s nothing political here – everything is sun-baked and easy-going in this 27-degree heat. Makes sense for stoner rock that was born in the sunshine of Los Angeles. On that note, rumour has it that fellow Angelenos Haim are playing a secret set this evening…
Weezer perform at Glastonbury - HIGG / MATT HIGGS / BACKGRID05:10 PM BST
Kneecap leaves the stage to chants of ‘f--- Keir Starmer’
Kneecap ended their set as they started, with chants of “free Palestine” and more appeals to the crowd about the events in Gaza, before departing to a final round of ‘f--- Keir Starmer’. It has proven one of the most controversial days in Glastonbury history.
Mo Chara, who rallied fan support for his court date next month - Scott A Garfitt/InvisionBefore the final song, they said, “One day it’ll be controversial for the bands and the celebrities who didn’t speak out about Palestine.”
In defiance to the BBC, one woman near the front of the crowd began livestreaming the set on TikTok and by the end 1.8million people were watching.
A mosh pit opens up in the crowd while Kneecap are on stage - Oli Scarff/AFP04:49 PM BST
A political pantomime
The BBC cut the live feed for Kneecap as promised but, in a sign it may have been taken by surprise at the content, the broadcaster had earlier broadcast Bob Vyan’s set without edits or bleeps to cover any chants or lyrics that might be deemed offensive. All the livestreams come with a clear warning about strong language, and Bob Vylan regularly referenced the fact that they were being aired live on the iPlayer, suggesting that they were actually tempering their message.
DJ Próvaí reveals his Palestine Action t-shirt - Yui Mok/PAOn stage, Kneecap say that it’s the British government who should be proscribed as a terrorist organisation. After more anti-Starmer chants, they say, “You’re just a s--- Jeremy Corbyn.” It’s a political pantomime.
Rod Stewart also has stirred their ire. From James Hall: Kneecap ask if anybody’s going to see Rod Stewart tomorrow. Too a crowd of boos, they call him “Rod the Prod” and say that he’s “older than Israel”.
DJ Próvaí goes crowdsurfing surrounded by Palestinian and Irish flags - Yui Mok/PA04:36 PM BST
Kneecap address the controversy – and thank the Eavis family
Northern-Irish rappers Kneecap led chants of “f--- Keir Starmer” as they took to the stage at Glastonbury amid pro-Palestine chants and cries of “death to the IDF” – a chant that was started by preceding band Bob Vylan (see below).
Mo Chara and Móglaí Bap - Leon Neal/GettyLauren Shirreff writes: “Has anyone been watching the news anyway? Have you seen us, have you heard us?” The crowd chant back “Mo Chala”. The rapper says he’s “back in court for a trumped up terrorism charge”, to a chorus of boos.
On August 20, Mo Chara’s next court date, they ask people to come out in support and “start a riot outside the courts” and yell “f--- the Daily Mail”, before clarifying, “A disclaimer: no riots, just love and support, and support for Palestine.”
James Hall adds: After three tracks – including Your Sniffer Dogs Are S---- – the band says that member Mo Chara, between court dates on a terrorism charge which he denies, has been a victim of a miscarriage of justice. They thank the Eavis family for “standing firm” for not caving in to demands for this show to be cancelled.
04:18 PM BST
Kneecap have arrived
Liam Óg Ó Hannaidh, who goes by the stage name Mo Chara, Naoise Ó Cairealláin, stage name Móglaí Bap, and JJ Ó Dochartaigh, known as DJ Próvaí, have taken to the West Holts stage.
DJ Próvaí gestures to the crowd as he arrives on stage - Leon Neal/GettyLauren Shirreff writes: Before the band came out, they showed footage of different news clips (such as “Glastonbury have ruined it all with one band”) and stated “we’ve come a long way since last year”.
There’s already a mosh pit opening at the front of the stage. The band shout: “I don’t give a f--- if it’s four o’clock, if anyone falls down, you have to keep each other safe.”
The band have also just led a chant of “F--- Keir Starmer”.
03:45 PM BST
Sweaty balaclavas
It’s sweltering in the crowd waiting for Kneecap at the West Holts Stage. We’re near the front as we got here 90 minutes ago, but I gather there are tens (and tens) of thousands of people behind us. Access to the stage also closed at 3pm to avoid a crush. People in those Irish balaclavas (and I’ve seen a few) are going to be incredibly hot. Twenty minutes until Glastonbury’s most controversial set for years. James Hall
03:39 PM BST
Ships in the night
Is it just me, or does everyone have that one stranger from their morning commute that they see every day but have never met? Mine’s here at Japanese Breakfast. I have never talked to him before but I know for a fact he does not wear that orange slice-print bucket hat to work in the mornings. We give each other a knowing nod and carry on; I look forward to seeing him on the Victoria line next week. LA Robinson
03:38 PM BST
Bopping along to 1975 labelmate beabadoobee
beabadoobee performs on the Other Stage - Joseph Okpako/WireImageWhen you’re raised in London, you tend to grow up fast: Bea Kristi, better known as beabadoobee was signed to The 1975’s record label when she was just a teenager, opened for Taylor Swift on the Eras tour and is set to join Coldplay at Wembley this August. Now 25, she’s playing her second Glastonbury, bringing her brand of 1990s-inspired candied grunge-pop to the Other Stage.
Surrounded by cherry blossom trees and a blue sky projected onto the screen behind her, she’s playing a bop-along afternoon set. East London girls jump around in their miniskirts and scrunchies, while I catch other revellers sitting with blank stares on their faces as the sun beats down – I think they just stumbled here in a hungover haze. Weezer is up next – that’ll wake them! LA Robinson
03:33 PM BST
I predict a riot! Or not…
Ricky Wilson of Kaiser Chiefs performs in an off-site press tent - Poppie PlattI’ve stumbled upon a packed Kaiser Chiefs secret set in an off-site press tent, which is seemingly filled with every political researcher I’ve ever met in Westminster, as well as a few finance bros and journalists. Some people will be here for the Leeds indie rockers yelling through hits like I Predict a Riot and Ruby, but I suspect a large number – myself included – are just chuffed about the air-con (and free drinks) in the tent. Poppie Platt
03:28 PM BST
Bob Vylan: ‘We aren’t the pacifist punks, we’re the violent punks’
Credit: BBC
From Lauren Shirreff: “We aren’t the pacifist punks, we’re the violent punks,” says Big Bob, dedicating his next song to “all the bands who use their platform to stand up for Palestine”, which ends: “I’d rather kill you.” Then it’s “death to the IDF”. Are the BBC still streaming?
Just to confirm further that Kneecap won’t be streamed live, a little bit of text has just popped up on the iPlayer screen saying that Yussef Dayes will be on next at 5.30pm.
03:09 PM BST
Bob Vylan tear up the stage as Kneecap fans arrive at West Holts
Lauren Shirreff writes: Kneecap fans have started to roll into the West Holts Stage for the controversial group’s 4pm set. There are lots of people in green (which works well for those heading to Charli XCX later too) – and lots of Irish (and Palestine) flags. The set isn’t set to start for more than an hour, but with access to the stage set to close from 3pm, it’s clear that plenty here are happy to sacrifice other shows for a spot at what should be a riotous gig.
Flags are flying as Kneecap fans await the band - James HallThat said, Bob Vylan (pronounced like Bob Dylan), the preceding act, is leaving people a bit miffed. More than a few people laughed when the singer tried to draw the crowd to chant “what is going on” loud enough for the Pyramid Stage at the other end of the site to hear. His opening song, with the lyrics “heard you want your country back / can’t have that”, was met with a bit more enthusiasm.
James Hall, however, disagrees on Bob Vylan: They take to the stage and announce that we’re to do “some light stretching and some meditation”. So the whole crowd touch their toes and loosen their shoulders to crunching rock. This is fun. At the back of the stage, a logo says “Bob Vylan is killing punk rock”. They’re absolutely not.
Bobby Vylan goes for a crowdsurf - Ben Birchall/PAWithin the first song, rapper Bobby Vylan (or Bobbie Vylan – he and the drummer share a name) is in the audience crowd-surfing, wearing tennis whites. “F---ing boiling out here, man,” he says. Imagine Rage Against the Machine meets the UK rap of Kano. It’s a fantastic melding of punk, hip hop and grime. Then Big Bob brings his daughter on, who leaps and raps around the stage with her pa.
No pressure, Kneecap.
Bobby Vylan brought out his daughter - Ben Birchall/PAReaders should be warned, they might too political for some tastes, but there’s no doubting their energetic presence. But what will happen to the livestream once Kneecap arrive?
02:51 PM BST
Dominic West talks about sex, baby
LA Robinson writes: ‘He’s hot,” says The Telegraph’s very own Ed Cumming to me in the press tent. When I tell him I’ve been assigned to check out hunky Dominic West read poetry in the hippie hangout Crow’s Nest, he has to loosen his collar.
Dominic West reads from The Faber Book of Love Poems - LA RobinsonWhen West arrives on the intimate stage, he announces that the poetry is of the “hangover” variety. It seems he might be nursing one himself – he forgets the words of his first poem, but he laughs it off, and the audience, lounging in the grass and arguably too comfortable putting their bare feet so close to total strangers, happily forgive him.
West’s kids are here too – his sons get on the acoustic and electric guitars to sing a couple of surprisingly decent teenage love songs, and his daughter Martha brilliantly delivers a cheeky poem she wrote about Guinevere getting her rocks off with Lancelot. This is clearly a family that’s comfortable talking about sex.
02:46 PM BST
Almost every set is political this year
Nilufer YanyaTalented indie rocker Nilufer Yanya is bringing exactly the kind of mellow vibe sleepy, sunburnt ravers need right now. The guitarist, singer songwriter, who only a few years ago played at a Telegraph event predicting the stars of tomorrow, is performing hits from her last two albums to a large crowd at West Holts, who are not so much dancing as swaying in a kind of mass stupor. Everyone is lathering themselves with sun cream and turning to friends to repeat the same phrase: “I’m so hot, aren’t you hot?”
But despite the mellow lunchtime rock-out, Yanya has brought on a pro-Palestine banner for her final song, as the words “more action, more noise, less fear, free Palestine” flashes on the screen behind her. The exhausted crowd only manages a feeble whoop.
Nilufer Yanya brought on a pro-Palestine banner - Eleanor Halls02:42 PM BST
Sorry, moshers… Deftones have cancelled
Those hoping for a late night mosh along to Californian rockers Deftones will be disappointed to hear they’ve pulled out of tonight’s co-headline slot on the Other Stage, reportedly due to illness within the band. It would have marked Chino Moreno and co’s first time at Glastonbury in almost 30 years – hopefully we won’t have to wait that long again before the thrashing sounds of Change or Be Quiet and Drive ring out around the farm.
Fans waiting patiently for Charli XCX’s headline set will now have to be content with grime pioneer Skepta, who is rumoured to be stepping in for Deftones. He has more of a crossover demographic with Charli, so he should easily get the crowd revved up. Poppie Platt
02:39 PM BST
Bob Vylan are about to take the stage
All the focus has been on Kneecap, but Bob Vylan are no less outspoken than the Irish rap band. The duo from London are a lively and thrilling live act with songs that tackle political issues head on, with a strong dose of rage. If you’re strict about enjoying your entertainment without politics then this is definitely not for you. They also swear a lot. But they are so energetic that one of the duo has begun the set with a group stretch.
02:29 PM BST
This might be the best Pyramid set so far
The sprawling crowd that had gathered for Noughties lad rock staples Kaiser Chiefs, today’s Pyramid Stage opener, massively thinned out – a shame, given Seattle-born singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile is armed with far better songs than Ricky Wilson and co’s brash karaoke anthems.
“Look at this mum, I made it to Glastonbury!” beamed Carlile as she took to the Pyramid Stage. You never would have guessed this was her first time performing on the farm; having rightly been hailed as one of the brightest talents of her generation, an Americana singer in the rich, quietly rebellious vein of Lucinda Williams or Crosby, Stills, Nash (and Young, of course, tonight’s main headliner), it was one of the strongest sets of the weekend so far.
Brandi Carlile performs on the Pyramid Stage - Shutterstock /ANDY RAINHer breakthrough single, The Story, was a stunning reflection on seeking truth in relationships; Broken Horses brought out the gorgeous, gravelly tones of her voice, as her fingers travelled effortlessly around her guitar; her band are also brilliant. But the highlights were a cover of Radiohead’s Fake Plastic Trees (Brandi, if you’re reading this, please put it on Spotify) and the foot-stomping, Dolly Parton-esque Hold Out Your Hand.
Fans braving the midday blazing sun will have inevitably been hoping Carlile brings out Sir Elton John, after the pair released collaborative album Who Believes in Angels? earlier this year. But that’s a pipe dream – and, as my colleague Eleanor Halls wrote yesterday, just another indicator of this recent (annoying) obsession with special guests. There was no Elton – but when the music’s this good, who cares? Poppie Platt
02:19 PM BST
Should we boycott Rod Stewart?
Eleanor Halls writes: That’s the question I hear a punter in his deckchair casually asking the stage at Leftfield tent following a discussion of Israel, as I pass by on my way to West Holts to catch indie rocker Nulifer Yanya. Stewart recently denounced Netanyahu for “annihilating” Palestinians. The compère isn’t having it: “I’m not answering that.”
Lauren Shirreff says: Labour MP Zarah Sultana and journalist Carol Cadwalladr sat on a panel this morning about the rise of the far right, moderated by John Harris. The only relevant news stories from the weekend are that Keir Starmer has said that he “deeply regrets” referring to Britain as an island of strangers, and that Rod Stewart has said that we should all “give Nigel Farage a chance”. Will it dampen the rock legend’s Pyramid stage show tomorrow afternoon?
02:09 PM BST
Will the BBC be showing Neil Young on TV?
Hey hey, my my, it turns out that yes they will. It’s been a rollercoaster since Young was announced as the Saturday headliner. First, he pulled out altogether over the BBC’s involvement. A day later, he changed his mind. Then, when the BBC confirmed their schedules last week, there was a very conspicuous hole where old man Young should be, and, when prodded, the BBC released a vague statement that suggested he wouldn’t be shown, but they were continuing negotiations.
When Neil Young performed at Glastonbury in 2009, he only let the BBC broadcast a portion of his set - Jane MingayBut good news has come for any baby boomers not out on a weekend and hoping to watch tonight with a whisky in hand, the BBC announced today that he will be broadcast after all. Other Stage headliner Charlie XCX has already been given the BBC One slot. So Young’s set will air on BBC Two from 10pm. He has a heart of gold after all.
02:05 PM BST
Will the BBC be showing Kneecap on TV?
A Glastonbury festival-goer in a tricolour balaclava - Yui Mok/PAIrish rap group Kneecap are set to perform on the West Holts Stage at 4pm. The live stream from that stage will be available on the iPlayer – although it seems unlikely that Kneecap’s set will be shown live. The BBC’s television broadcast doesn’t begin until 5pm, on BBC Two, so they were never going to be broadcast live on old-fashioned linear television. There may well be highlights shown on TV later in the evening, but it sounds like the BBC will make that decision once they’ve considered the band’s performance.
A BBC spokesperson said: “Whilst the BBC doesn’t ban artists, our plans ensure that our programming meets our editorial guidelines.
“We don’t always live-stream every act from the main stages and look to make an on-demand version of Kneecap’s performance available on our digital platforms, alongside more than 90 other sets.”
We shall see what happens.
02:01 PM BST
Which celebrities let their hair down backstage last night?
There will be quite a few sore heads among the A-list set this morning, since I have heard reports that a topless Andrew Scott, Rita Ora, Ncuti Gatwa, Tilda Swinton wearing a stick-on moustache and someone who looked suspiciously like Harry Styles were key players on the dance floor at riotous gay club NYC Downlow last night.
In fact, Swinton was originally denied entry by an overzealous bouncer until someone swooped in to hiss “that’s Tilda Swinton” in his ear. If it was indeed Mr Styles, then perhaps we might expect him to come out with Olivia Rodrigo tomorrow night. Or maybe he’s doing some field research ahead of his rumoured headline slot in 2027 – after 2026’s fallow year. Eleanor Halls
Andrew Scott performing during Letters Live on Friday - Jim Dyson/Redferns01:57 PM BST
Welcome to Glastonbury Saturday live blog
Once again, we have our six journalists (Neil McCormick, Eleanor Halls, Poppie Platt, James Hall, LA Robinson and Lauren Shirreff) sending back reports, reviews, photos, videos and anything else they can rustle up. They seem to have survived the heat, mayhem and very high step-counts of Friday.Manning the blog from the office is Catherine Gee, and later Marianka Swain.
The weather forecast today is sun and cloud with a high of 25C, so there won’t be any pictures of rain-soaked festival-goers, I’m afraid. Probably a fair bit of sunburn, though.
Eleanor Halls writes:
Yesterday’s headliner The 1975 went down well in the field, despite initial apprehensions, with punters streaming out looking exhilarated – you can read our four-star review here. But today is the biggie: Kneecap will be riling things up on the West Holts Stage from 4pm, and Neil Young – who the BBC will be broadcasting after all – is competing against Charli XCX (Other Stage) and Doechii (West Holts) for eyeballs this evening, no doubt creating the festival’s clearest demographic split of the weekend. Considering the madness of Lorde’s secret set yesterday morning, there are concerns for a possible crush ahead of Charli’s show on the Other stage.
If you’re watching from your sofa, make sure you have a look at our music critic Neil McCormick’s top gigs to watch and catch up on our Friday live blog.
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