As the final morning dawns over Worthy Farm for Glastonbury 2025, a familiar scene unfolds. festival-goers emerge, perhaps a little weary from the weekend’s revelry, their expressions a mix of contentment and the slight haze of a glorious hangover. Yet, the energy quickly shifts. sunday at Glastonbury is a unique blend – a chance for recovery, reflection, and a final explosion of musical magic before the gates close for another year (and a planned break in 2026).
The weather, mercifully overcast this Sunday, offers a gentle reprieve from the heat of previous days, making navigating the sprawling site a touch more comfortable. Despite the lingering fatigue, anticipation hangs in the air. Today promises a star-studded lineup, mixing legendary icons with contemporary chart-toppers, powerful political voices with feel-good party starters. It’s the day where the full spectrum of the Glastonbury experience comes into sharp focus.
Starting the Sunday Soundwave
The early hours on Sunday often cater to those seeking a different kind of wake-up call. Forget the usual paracetamol and Berocca; some opt for something more sonically adventurous. Geordie Greep and his band, for instance, offered a dose of “brain-dissolving prog-jazz” on The Park stage.
More accessible than Greep’s previous outfit, Black Midi, his new project delves into unexpected genres like calypso, salsa, and even classic rock, moving away from Black Midi’s signature angular post-punk sound. Their performance was notably loose and improvisational, underlined by an opening four-minute drum solo and a seemingly fluid approach to their setlist. While this exploratory style initially led to some audience “befuddlement,” a turning point arrived.
The track “Holy, Holy,” described as Greep’s “lascivious Latin pop opus,” provided the moment of collective awakening. As its distinctive “gatling gun riff” kicked in, the crowd, previously in various states of repose, began to stir. This track, perhaps the closest Greep comes to a conventional “bop,” even boasts a vaguely hummable chorus. In his own unconventional way, Geordie Greep succeeded in salving some hangovers, proving that even experimental music can offer a unique form of Sunday morning recovery.
Diverse Voices on Early Stages
Beyond the avant-garde, other early acts set varied tones for the day. Mercury Prize nominee and Brit Rising Star winner Celeste graced the Pyramid stage ahead of her upcoming album. Her set was a deeply emotional affair, showcasing smoky, soulful vocals reminiscent of greats like Billie Holiday and Aretha Franklin, yet filtered through a distinctly English sensibility. Performing tracks like the powerful ballad “With the Show” and the resonant “Both Sides of the Moon,” Celeste appeared at times overwhelmed by the depth of feeling in her music. Themes of heartbreak and personal pain, including the loss of her father and experiences with misogyny, were palpable, presented with a raw vulnerability amplified by her unique stage presence.
Meanwhile, on the Other Stage, Nadine Shah made a powerful return, having previously foregone the festival due to financial constraints. Given a prominent stage slot, Shah didn’t shy away from using it for potent political commentary, particularly concerning Palestine. Her set featured striking AI-generated visuals, including one depicting political figures like Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump seemingly enjoying a relaxed scene on a Gazan beach – a pointed contrast to the ongoing conflict. Shah, a long-standing advocate for Palestinian freedom, wore a Palestine flag pin and read a statement supporting Palestine Action, directly addressing the UK government’s controversial plan to proscribe the group. Her music matched the gravity of her message, delivered with a “gigantically powerful,” gothic vocal style, even amidst darker themes and occasional moments of stage goofiness.
Also bringing socio-political messages, but with a celebratory ska beat, were West Midlands legends The Selecter on the Pyramid Stage. Celebrating 45 years, led by the charismatic Pauline Black, they promised to “fly the flags of two-tone.” Their energetic set tackled themes like racism, sexism, and unemployment with jaunty rhythms. Black’s powerful voice carried well, and moments like shouting out underpaid NHS workers during “Frontline” or the crowd helping with falsetto on “On My Radio” highlighted their enduring relevance and connection with the audience. Early risers were also treated to performances from artists like Louis Dunford.
Afternoon Legends and Anticipation
The afternoon builds momentum towards some of Glastonbury’s most anticipated slots. The Pyramid Stage, in particular, prepares for its coveted Sunday “Legends” performance.
The Rod Stewart Phenomenon
This year, that honour falls to Sir Rod Stewart, returning after a 23-year absence. His set is expected to be a highlight, blending decades of classics from his solo career (“Maggie May,” “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy”) and his time with Faces (“Stay With Me”). Stewart himself expressed immense enthusiasm, calling it a “cup final” moment. He plans a “glamorous” and “sexy” show, bringing an orchestra and potentially bagpipes. Adding to the excitement, his former Faces bandmate Ronnie Wood is confirmed to join him on stage, along with two other guests.
Interestingly, Stewart revealed the financial reality of playing Glastonbury’s Legends slot. While his fee is reportedly around £120,000, he stated the cost of transporting his full production, including gear from a recent Las Vegas residency, amounts to £300,000. This means he’s performing at a personal loss, underscoring the unique draw and prestige of the festival slot, where artists often accept significantly less than their usual fees to support the festival’s charitable contributions. Stewart successfully negotiated an extended 90-minute set (up from 75), aiming to pack in as many songs as possible by minimizing chat, despite acknowledging it’s still shorter than his typical two-hour-plus shows. He also playfully shared his dislike for the term “teatime slot,” feeling it sounded less dynamic than the show he intends to deliver, promising to be “in good voice” and solely focused on entertaining his fans.
Following Rod Stewart, the legendary Nile Rodgers & Chic continue the feel-good vibe on the Pyramid Stage, promising a set packed with disco anthems guaranteed to get the crowd moving. Other stages also host compelling acts throughout the afternoon, including Cymande on the West Holts Stage, praised as Britain’s “undiscovered supergroup” for their “groovy music and good time vibes.” The Libertines also played the Pyramid stage earlier in the afternoon, though reportedly faced some technical difficulties with the main screens.
Building Towards the Grand Finale
As the sun begins its descent, the pace quickens across the site. The evening lineup features a diverse array of artists, setting the stage for the closing headliners. Expect high-energy performances from acts like Shaboozey, Turnstile, and Snow Patrol on the Other Stage, while Woodsies hosts artists like St Vincent, AJ Tracey, and Jorja Smith. Over on The Park stage, anticipation builds for Future Islands and an emotional return set from The Maccabees, recommended for their anthemic sound in the stage’s intimate ambience.
The final hours culminate with the main headliners closing the festival on the two largest stages.
The Prodigy and Olivia Rodrigo Take the Helm
On the Other Stage, The Prodigy are set to deliver what’s expected to be a hard-hitting, high-energy spectacle. Known for their intense stage shows and anthems like “Firestarter” and “Smack My B*h up,” they are a quintessential festival act guaranteed to unleash the crowd’s remaining energy with their powerful beats.
Closing the Pyramid Stage and the entire festival is 22-year-old American pop superstar Olivia Rodrigo. Her headline slot is anticipated to be a high-energy pop-punk party, bringing the weekend to a vibrant close. With her angst-fuelled anthems like “Good 4 U” and “Vampire,” Rodrigo’s performance is expected to be full of songs the audience can’t resist singing and dancing along to. Following her notable 2022 appearance which featured a surprise guest (Lily Allen), speculation is naturally high about who might join her on stage this time around.
Beyond the Music: Context and Controversies
Glastonbury is, of course, more than just the music. Sunday’s events unfolded against the backdrop of other significant aspects of the festival.
One unfortunate shadow cast over the final day was the controversy stemming from chants made by some acts on Saturday, specifically Bob Vylan and Kneecap. Reports of chants including “Death, death to the IDF” and calls to “start a riot” drew widespread condemnation. Glastonbury Festival and the Eavis family issued a statement expressing they were “appalled” and that the language “crossed a line,” emphasizing zero tolerance for antisemitism, hate speech, or incitement. Police are investigating the incidents. This sparked significant public and political reaction, highlighting the complex platform the festival provides for both artistic expression and political messaging.
Other weekend reflections continued into Sunday. Divided opinions surfaced regarding Saturday headline sets, particularly Charli XCX’s dynamic performance on the Other Stage and Neil Young’s veteran turn on the Pyramid Stage, with some debating his suitability for the main headline slot. Earlier in the weekend, Example had to pull out of a Friday set due to voice strain from unexpected sound issues. Positive reviews, however, continued to pour in for many acts, with Charli xcx, Doechii, and Neil Young all reportedly receiving five-star reviews from some outlets for their Saturday performances.
Practicalities of festival life also remained relevant. The hot Sunday weather prompted reminders for attendees to stay hydrated using the site’s water taps, seek shade, and wear sun protection. Fashion trends were also noted, with ankle-length wellies proving popular this year, perhaps reflecting the drier conditions compared to past muddy festivals.
Looking ahead, the festival has implemented site changes this year, selling fewer tickets to create more space. Rumours of potential secret sets persisted throughout the weekend, with acts like Pulp, Lorde, HAIM, and Lewis Capaldi among those speculated to make surprise appearances. And for those wanting a tangible memento, official festival merchandise featuring the lineup and artist-specific gear, including items for headliners like Rod Stewart and Olivia Rodrigo, remained popular buys across the site.
Sunday at Glastonbury 2025 truly encapsulates the festival’s spirit: a tapestry woven with recovery and revelry, legendary status and emerging talent, powerful statements and pure musical joy. It’s a day designed to send attendees home with ringing ears, full hearts, and memories to last until Worthy Farm opens its gates once more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of music can I expect to hear on the final day of Glastonbury 2025?
Sunday at Glastonbury offers an incredibly diverse musical palette. The day often starts with more unique or recovering vibes like Geordie Greep’s prog-jazz, moves through soulful acts like Celeste, politically charged performances from artists like Nadine Shah, and classic ska from bands such as The Selecter. The afternoon features legendary pop and rock acts like Rod Stewart and Nile Rodgers & Chic, while the evening ramps up with high-energy electronic (The Prodigy) and major pop headliners (Olivia Rodrigo) to close out the festival.
Where can I find the full schedule and set times for Glastonbury Sunday?
Detailed schedules and set times for all stages, including the Pyramid, Other, West Holts, Woodsies, and The Park, are typically available through official festival guides, the Glastonbury website, and dedicated media coverage like that provided by outlets such as Radio Times. These resources allow attendees to plan their day and catch the acts they want to see, from early afternoon legends to late-night electronic sets.
What practical advice is relevant for attending Glastonbury on Sunday, June 29, 2025?
Given the forecast for hot weather (up to 27°C), staying hydrated is crucial – make use of the numerous free water taps across the site. Seeking shade, wearing hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also highly recommended. Prepare for diverse musical experiences, from chilled recovery sets to high-energy closers. Be aware of site changes like slightly reduced capacity aimed at creating more space. Also, factor in travel arrangements as many attendees begin departing later in the day or on Monday.
