Saturday at Glastonbury Festival delivered an incredibly packed schedule. Music lovers faced tough decisions across Worthy Farm’s iconic stages. The evening spotlight shone brightly on four diverse headliners: pop sensation charli XCX, legendary rocker Neil Young, disco favourites Scissor Sisters, and rising rap star Doechii. This created one of the most jammed lineups in the festival’s history, promising unforgettable performances.
Charli XCX Electrifies The Other stage
Commanding the largest audience of the night, Charli XCX transformed The Other Stage into a pulsating, sweat-soaked nightclub. Alone on stage, she became a captivating blur of motion. Her dynamic presence included continuous hip-rolls, hair tosses, stomach crunches, and knee-drops.
“Brat” Summer Continues at Worthy Farm
Charli XCX kicked off her set with an energetic mash-up. She combined “360” and “Von Dutch,” two standout tracks from her critically acclaimed Brat album. The record’s distinctive logo ignited in flames behind her. This visual cue hinted at her potential readiness to move beyond the era. However, a later message on the video screens declared, “Brat is forever.” This confirmed her deep connection to the culture-shaping album.
The set drew heavily from the Brat era. Charli XCX asked the crowd about their own “Brat summer” experiences. She seamlessly integrated other fan favourites. The high-energy lineup included “Unlock It (Lock It),” “Party 4 U,” “Vroom Vroom,” and “Speed Drive.” The latter track gained prominence on the Barbie movie soundtrack.
While rumours suggested special guests, anticipated appearances didn’t materialise. Lorde wasn’t present for “Girl, So Confusing.” Billie Eilish missed her cue on the chart-topping hit “Guess.” The sole famous face to join Charli XCX was US singer Gracie Abrams. Abrams appeared via video screen, performing the viral “Apple dance” trend.
Fans were momentarily disappointed by the guest no-shows. Yet, nothing overshadowed the powerful performance. Tracks like “Club Classics” and “Sympathy Is A Knife” showcased Charli’s unique artistic edge. She even reclaimed “I Love It,” the bubblegum anthem she gave to Icona Pop in 2012. This demonstrated her evolving relationship with her musical past. Charli XCX closed her set by reassuring the audience. She wasn’t truly ready to abandon her breakthrough album’s legacy.
A Night of Visuals and Hits
The show was a sensory feast. Charli XCX utilised the festival’s entire smoke machine budget. Lasers sliced through the night sky. During “Blame It On Your Love,” water poured from the stage ceiling. Her performance culminated with pyrotechnics exploding overhead. The music dissolved into glitched siren sounds. This intense finale cemented her status as a festival headliner. Based on the crowd’s reaction and her success, a return after Glastonbury’s 2026 fallow year seems likely.
Neil Young Delivers a Masterclass
Headlining the iconic Pyramid Stage, Neil Young offered a starkly different yet equally compelling experience. The 79-year-old rock legend walked onto the stage alone. Hunched over, face obscured by a corduroy cap, he began with a hushed acoustic “Sugar Mountain.” This intimate opening proved to be a clever misdirection.
Raw Energy and Timeless Classics
Young’s new band, The Chrome Hearts, quickly joined him. They launched into a furious onslaught of guitar-driven anthems. Powerful renditions of “Be The Rain,” “Cinnamon Girl,” and “Hey Hey, My My” filled the field. The band delivered jagged chords and intense, searing solos. This electric fury showcased Young’s enduring power.
The set expertly balanced intensity with moments of reflection. The crowd swooned as Young switched back to acoustic mode. He performed beloved tracks like “The Needle and The Damage Done” and “Harvest Moon.” Cheers erupted when he announced he was playing Hank Williams’ old, battered guitar. He used the historic instrument for the Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young song “Looking Forward.”
Despite his age, Young’s voice proved remarkably supple and youthful. It cut through the evening air with crystalline clarity. The Chrome Hearts provided close-knit harmonies, perfectly supporting his vocals. They shone brightest during the heavier material. The expansive, time-bending guitar solo on “Like A Hurricane” was a particular revelation. Young visibly enjoyed playing this song, creating a mesmerising spectacle.
A Powerful Political Statement
Neil Young concluded his peerless set with “Tear Your Hatred Down.” This savage takedown criticised politicians and the war machine. It contrasted the idealism of the 1960s with the harsh realities of the modern world. As both a protest song and a lament, it offered a powerful and poignant closing statement. While his set started with a thinner crowd on the vast Pyramid Stage, people steadily arrived. Most attendees stayed for the duration, clearly drawn into the legendary performance.
Doechii Marks Herself as a Future Star
Drawing a huge crowd to the West Holts Stage, Doechii captivated attendees, including pop superstar Harry Styles. Styles was spotted dancing freely in the field, seemingly unbothered by the surrounding fans. Despite a relatively short 45-minute set, the Florida-born rapper made a significant impact. Her performance strongly suggested she is a future headliner in the making.
A Dynamic Hip-Hop Showcase
Known to fans as the Swamp Princess, Doechii’s show was themed as a lesson in hip-hop history. She showcased her flawless flow across breakout tracks. These included “Persuasive,” “Anxiety,” “Denial Is A River,” and “Alter Ego.” Her dynamic performance blended singing, rapping, and dancing. She changed outfits multiple times on stage.
Doechii also embraced viral internet culture. She playfully recreated a popular social media clip from the Met Gala. The moment featured her overheard demanding “more umbrellas” for privacy during an outfit change. She was aided by her eight skilled dancers. They climbed over props, twerked, and even vogued while descending a slide. Doechii’s rise over the past year has been phenomenal. This slick, bespoke Glastonbury performance felt like a major milestone. Fans eagerly await her debut album after this impressive showing.
Scissor Sisters Bring Reunion Joy
Continuing their much-anticipated reunion, Scissor Sisters packed out the Woodsies tent. Their set served as a joyous reminder of their extensive catalogue of hits. The crowd revelled in classics like “I Don’t Feel Like Dancing” and “Laura.” The atmosphere intensified for the ever-so-sleazy “Filthy/Gorgeous.”
Star Guests and Iconic Moments
The band brought out special guests to elevate the performance. Beth Ditto joined them for a powerful rendition of “Filthy/Gorgeous.” Jessie Ware added a celebratory strut to “I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’.” Perhaps the most memorable moment involved Sir Ian McKellen. The acclaimed actor reprised his iconic monologue from the 2010 single “Invisible Light.”
As McKellen stood in the wings, the audience began chanting his name. They adapted the tune of The White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army.” The actor’s reaction was priceless. He clasped his hands to his face in visible shock and delight. Despite the difficult clashes on Saturday night, none of the main acts suffered from small crowds. Scissor Sisters proved their enduring appeal.
Other Notable Performances
Beyond the four featured artists, Glastonbury Saturday offered a wealth of talent across its stages.
Main Stage Openers and Country Soul
Kaiser Chiefs opened the Pyramid Stage earlier in the day. They strode out to the familiar strains of Was (Not Was)’s “Walk The Dinosaur.” The band poked fun at their 20 years in the industry. Hits like “Every Day I Love You Less And Less” and “I Predict A Riot” sounded remarkably fresh.
US country star Brandi Carlile was a revelation for many in the crowd. Though a huge star in America, her recent Elton John collaboration marked her first UK Top 40 album. Despite an early slot, she captivated the audience. Highlights included a gorgeous cover of Radiohead’s “Fake Plastic Trees.” Her acoustic ballad “You Without Me” moved some to tears. By the set’s end, she received supportive “olé” chants. Carlile beamed, declaring she had finally played “the greatest festival on earth” at 44 years old.
Pop Power and Award-Winning Returns
Jade showcased her 17 years of pop experience on the Woodsies stage. Her set was slick and high-concept, filled with pop bangers. A thrilling medley of songs from her former band, Little Mix, delighted fans.
Raye drew one of the day’s largest crowds on the Pyramid Stage. Backed by a miniature orchestra, she delivered jazzy versions of her hits. These included “You Don’t Know Me,” “Oscar Winning Tears,” and her award-winning psychodrama “Escapism.” Raye’s career has exploded since her last Glastonbury appearance just two years ago. Her recent record haul of six Brit Awards underscored her remarkable turnaround. She expressed her joy, feeling “up home” on the stage where she was once nervous near the bottom of the bill.
Raye inherited her massive audience from a “secret” set. Pulp performed under the pseudonym “Patchwork.” The disguise fooled virtually no one. The band celebrated the 30th anniversary of their surprise headline performance in 1995. Frontman Jarvis Cocker recalled the intense nerves of that last-minute booking. This time, he felt completely relaxed.
Haim also drew a humongous crowd as special guests on The Park stage. Their rhythmic take on classic rock proved incredibly popular. Standout tracks included their set opener “The Wire,” the sleazy groove of “Gasoline,” and the R&B party jam “Relationships.”
Controversy and Unexpected Moments
Saturday wasn’t without its politically charged moments. Rap trio Kneecap and punk-rap band Bob Vylan delivered consecutive, critical sets on the West Holts Stage. They criticised the UK government and Israel’s actions in Gaza. Police are reportedly assessing videos of comments made by both acts.
Drama struck The Other Stage when Deftones cancelled due to illness. UK rap supremo Skepta quickly stepped in. He delivered an impromptu “victory lap” performance with minimal crew and production. He declared his readiness to “shut Glastonbury down.”
Earlier on the same stage, Mercury Prize winners Ezra Collective brought infectious energy. Their life-affirming jazz and Afrobeat grooves created a carnival atmosphere. Special guests like Loyle Carner joined them. Drummer Femi Koleoso described the audience making space to sway and dance together. He reflected on the festival’s power to dispel myths of division, celebrating the existence of love and respect among strangers.
Saturday at Glastonbury Festival truly offered something for everyone. From pop anthems and rock legends to rising stars and unexpected controversies, the day was a vibrant tapestry of music and culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the main headliners on Saturday at Glastonbury?
Saturday featured four key artists drawing large crowds concurrently. These were pop artist Charli XCX on The Other Stage, rock legend Neil Young on the Pyramid Stage, disco group Scissor Sisters at Woodsies, and rap sensation Doechii on the West Holts Stage. Attendees often faced difficult choices between these major acts.
What were some notable highlights from Charli XCX’s Glastonbury set?
Charli XCX delivered a high-energy, club-like performance focused heavily on her Brat album. Highlights included dynamic choreography, mash-ups of hits like “360” and “Von Dutch,” reclaiming her older hit “I Love It,” and visual elements like lasers and pyrotechnics. Gracie Abrams also appeared via video screen for the viral “Apple dance.”
Which other significant artists performed on Saturday?
Beyond the four main evening acts, Saturday’s lineup included many other popular artists. Kaiser Chiefs and Brandi Carlile played the Pyramid Stage. Jade and Scissor Sisters were at Woodsies. Raye and Pulp also performed on the Pyramid Stage. Haim were special guests on The Park stage, while Skepta and Ezra Collective played The Other Stage after a last-minute cancellation.
