As the vibrant energy of glastonbury Festival 2025 pulsed through Worthy Farm, Saturday delivered an unforgettable cascade of performances, surprises, and headline moments before live coverage paused for the night. This day cemented its place in festival history, featuring everything from poignant artist returns to electrifying stage debuts and unexpected unveilings.
Saturday’s lineup was a powerhouse, drawing massive crowds to the iconic stages. Festival-goers navigated the increasingly warm conditions, which saw temperatures rising and are expected to climb further. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation, capturing the unique spirit that defines Glastonbury. Here’s a deep dive into the highlights that captivated attendees and viewers alike.
Reliving Saturday’s Biggest Moments
The main stages played host to some of the day’s most anticipated sets. From legendary rock to pop royalty, the performances spanned genres and generations, each leaving a distinct mark on the day. The sheer scale of talent on display underscored why Glastonbury remains a global cultural phenomenon.
Emotional Triumphs on the pyramid Stage
Saturday saw the Pyramid Stage host moments of profound emotional resonance. Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi made a highly anticipated return. His set was particularly significant, marking his first major performance on that stage since his widely reported struggle in 2023 due to Tourette’s syndrome. Stepping onto the stage to thunderous cheers, Capaldi delivered a set clearly intended to “finish what I couldn’t finish first time around.” The crowd offered overwhelming support, singing along through hits like “Before You Go” and “Someone You Loved,” actively “willing Lewis Capaldi through the short set.” Witnessing his tearful gratitude and the audience’s unwavering support was described as one of the festival’s most “moving and heartwarming sights.”
Earlier on the Pyramid Stage, Alanis Morissette celebrated the 30th anniversary of her seminal album Jagged Little Pill. Her performance proved the timelessness of her hits, which still sounded “fresh” after three decades. Morissette showcased both the sardonic wit and underlying optimism of her songwriting. While her stage presence has mellowed from earlier “teeth-baring anger” to a “beaming grin,” her voice retained its raw power. An anecdote highlighted this vocal strength: she reportedly held the microphone “three feet away from her mouth” during “Hand In My Pocket” for most of the song.
Headline Power: From Other Stage Drama to West Holts Energy
The Other Stage provided some of the day’s most dramatic moments. Pop sensation Charli XCX delivered her headline set, drawing massive crowds. Her performance was not just musically dynamic but also visually symbolic, reportedly closing out her ‘Brat’ album era by setting a large sign of the album title on fire. This spectacle underlined the energy and intensity of her show, solidifying her status as a compelling live performer.
Across the site, the West Holts Stage hosted the high-energy Doechii. Her Glastonbury debut was met with an enthusiastic reception. Doechii showcased her versatility, seamlessly blending rapping, singing, and dynamic dancing. Her performance was fierce and captivated the audience, proving why she is a rapidly rising star in the music scene.
Legendary Headliner Takes the Pyramid
Saturday night culminated with rock legend Neil Young & the Chrome Hearts headlining the Pyramid Stage. The 79-year-old veteran opened with an acoustic rendition of ‘Sugar Mountain’, his voice carrying a weathered richness that resonated with the audience. Neil Young’s appearance followed a notable development regarding his set’s broadcast. Initially, he had requested his performance not be televised live by the BBC. However, this decision saw a reversal, allowing his set to be broadcast live on BBC platforms, including BBC iPlayer and BBC Two, a change that delighted fans watching from home. This performance was a significant moment, marking his return to headline billing 16 years after his last top slot at Worthy Farm alongside Bruce Springsteen and Blur.
The Thrill of the Unexpected: Secret Sets Unveiled
Glastonbury is famous for its surprise acts, and Saturday delivered on this tradition with two notable secret sets that had the rumour mill buzzing for days.
Pulp’s Not-So-Secret “Patchwork” Set
One of the most anticipated “secrets” was the identity behind the act listed simply as “Patchwork” on the Pyramid Stage lineup. Despite official denials, speculation heavily pointed to British icons Pulp. The band confirmed these rumours during their set, walking onto the stage to celebrate 30 years since their legendary 1995 Glastonbury appearance. They kicked off their set with classics like ‘Sorted for E’s and Wizz’ and ‘Disco 2000’. A particularly memorable moment saw the Red Arrows perform a flyover during their performance of the iconic hit ‘Common People’, creating amazing scenes that perfectly blended music and spectacle.
Haim and Other Surprise Appearances
Adding to the day’s hidden gems, sister trio Haim took to The Park Stage for an unannounced secret set. These surprise performances inject an extra layer of excitement into the festival, rewarding those who follow the clues or happen to be in the right place at the right time. CMAT, who also had a significant set on the Pyramid Stage earlier in the day, reportedly played another unannounced secret set on the BBC Introducing Stage, further demonstrating her growing profile and the festival’s unique opportunities for artists.
Beyond the Music: Controversy and Crowds
Glastonbury isn’t solely about the headliners; it’s a melting pot of culture, politics, and the shared experience of navigating a temporary city. Saturday showcased these diverse elements.
Political Statements and Packed Stages
Politics often intertwines with performances at Worthy Farm. Irish rap trio Kneecap delivered a set on the West Holts Stage that was marked by controversy. Member Mo Chara referenced his recent legal charges from the stage, declaring, “Glastonbury, I’m a free man.” The performance featured overt political messaging, including a keffiyeh worn by Mo Chara and “We are all Palestine Action” on DJ Provai’s shirt. Access to the stage area was restricted due to the large crowd, with Irish and Palestinian flags prominently displayed. This followed a politically charged set by Bob Vylan on Friday, who also engaged the crowd in chants critical of government and supportive of Palestine. The BBC opted not to live-stream Kneecap’s set, citing editorial guidelines, though it was expected to be available on-demand later.
Logistical challenges also surfaced. The Woodsies Stage saw temporary closure due to overcrowding following Tom Odell’s set, illustrating the sheer density of attendees at popular stages. Meanwhile, alternative metal band Deftones had to withdraw from their scheduled slot on the Other Stage due to illness, with rapper Skepta stepping in as a surprise replacement, highlighting the festival’s need for flexibility and quick adaptation. Sound problems briefly affected Inhaler’s set on The Other Stage, though the band persevered, with Paul McCartney reportedly watching from the wings.
Weather, Vibe, and Festival Life
The weather played a significant role, with the sun beating down and temperatures climbing. Festival-goers were advised on staying hydrated and protected from the sun, especially in crowded areas. Despite the heat and congestion at peak times, the overall vibe remained positive. Beyond the scheduled music, moments like a marriage proposal in a field opposite the Pyramid Stage, involving friends dressed as bananas, captured the unique, joyful absurdity that makes Glastonbury special. Celebrity sightings, including Harry Styles and Eddie Redmayne, added another layer of buzz to the already vibrant atmosphere.
Looking Ahead: Sunday’s Grand Finale
As Saturday coverage concludes, the anticipation for the final day builds. Sunday is set to bring its own set of incredible performances and unforgettable moments, culminating with Olivia Rodrigo headlining the Pyramid Stage, a fitting end to this year’s festival magic. The legendary Sunday afternoon slot is also keenly awaited, with Sir Rod Stewart set to perform, potentially joined by Ronnie Wood.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were some of the biggest performances on Glastonbury 2025 Saturday?
Glastonbury 2025 Saturday featured a packed lineup of major artists across its stages. Key headliners included rock legend Neil Young & the Chrome Hearts on the Pyramid Stage, pop superstar Charli XCX closing the Other Stage, and dynamic artist Doechii making her debut on the West Holts Stage. Other significant performances included Lewis Capaldi’s emotional return to the Pyramid, Alanis Morissette celebrating 30 years of Jagged Little Pill, and surprise sets from Pulp and Haim.
Why was Lewis Capaldi’s appearance on Glastonbury Saturday so significant?
Lewis Capaldi’s set on Saturday was highly significant because it marked his return to the Pyramid Stage after a challenging performance in 2023 where he struggled with Tourette’s syndrome. His return set was explicitly aimed at completing the performance he couldn’t finish previously. The audience showed immense support, singing along with him and creating a deeply emotional atmosphere. His ability to return and perform, expressing gratitude amidst tears, made it one of the most moving moments of the festival.
Were there any surprise or secret sets at Glastonbury 2025 on Saturday?
Yes, Saturday featured several surprise and secret performances. The highly anticipated “Patchwork” act on the Pyramid Stage was revealed to be Britpop band Pulp, who played a secret set celebrating 30 years since their iconic 1995 appearance, complete with a Red Arrows flyover during ‘Common People’. Additionally, sister trio Haim played an unannounced secret set on The Park Stage. CMAT also reportedly performed a secret set on the BBC Introducing Stage, adding to the day’s unexpected highlights.
