Glastonbury lineup: Insider's guide to the 10 best gigs to watch

Telegraph

3 days ago

Glastonbury has long since moved beyond being a fantastically diverse music festival to a British institution akin to Wimbledon or Ascot. Everybody feels they have a stake in it, whether they actually have a ticket to attend or not. The BBC has increasingly attempted to capitalise on this by asserting ownership in recent years, filling the fields with more DJs, talking heads and camera crews than you'd find dairy cows in a fallow year.
I have mixed feelings about this, because Glastonbury has never really been about the bill: it is about the setting, the people and an atmosphere that encourages friendliness, community and conspicuous freak flag-flying. And, honestly, I prefer my rock and roll without a side order of over-excited presenters filling downtime with empty patter about what minor celebrities they have just bumped into at backstage catering.
But (and it is a big but) there is probably more great music on TV over the Glastonbury weekend than any other time of the year, and those big sweeping crane cameras mean you can actually see what's going on. Plus, you don't have to walk endless miles back and forth trying to catch your mis-scheduled favourites on different sides of Worthy Farm's vast site. You can just sit on your sofa, turn up the volume and watch it all on catchup with a civilised glass of Pimms.
Indeed, when I return bruised, battered, happy but exhausted after days of weatherbeaten hedonistic revelry, my own family can hardly wait to tell me about what I missed, because they have probably seen more sets than me, and didn't lose sleep in an overheated tent with a ghetto blaster playing next door.
So, for the armchair Glastonbury reveller, here is my guide to the highlights.
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Friday
Saturday
Sunday
How to watch Glastonbury on TV
The full line-up
Friday
Supergrass (Pyramid, midday)
If this is the second summer of Britpop, then who better to kick it off than Britpop's favourite baby band? The 90s retro rock genre's cheekiest monkeys have matured with both arty adventure and soulful depth, and they still keep their teeth nice and clean. Hang around afterwards for feisty, wacky Irish pop-rock songstress CMAT on the Pyramid at 1.30pm. She's a star of the future.
Wet Leg (Other Stage, 3.45pm)
The snarky alt-pop duo have expanded into a thrilling rock quintet and still perform with a giddy sense of joy, as if they can't quite believe their own explosive success. Angular guitar riffs and tartly amusing vocals form the backbone of singalong songs poking fun at men, dating, sexism and all the absurdities of popular culture.
Self Esteem (The Park, 9.15pm)
Rebecca Lucy-Taylor has had a late blooming success under the guise of Self Esteem, concocting witty and emotional pop about the challenges of feminism and femininity in the 21 st century. Her richly theatrical live shows add dazzling choreographed pizzaz to her themes, like a grown-up Taylor Swift meeting Charli XCX at a Fringe musical of Bridget Jones. Settle into your armchair for a mini-spectacular sure to be one of the highlights of Glastonbury.
The 1975 (Pyramid, 10.15pm)
Britain's smartest and most provocative contemporary pop-rock ensemble, The 1975 will be pulling out all the stops for their only live appearance this year, with a specially designed set marking their ascendancy to Pyramid Stage headliners. The fact that frontman Matty Healey was the subject of Taylor Swift 's blockbusting The Tortured Poets Department album adds a frisson to proceedings, as he reclaims his own pop idol space. I've heard that they have spent four times their actual fee on the production. This is going to be spectacular: Glastonbury 2025's most unmissable show.
Saturday
Brandi Carlile (Pyramid, 1.30pm)
America's best-kept musical secret was introduced to the wider world by her fantastic new global chart-topping album with Elton John, Who Believes In Angels? The Americana singer-songwriter delivers Joni Mitchell-level lyrical and melodious songcraft with an incredible Roy Orbison-esque octave scaling voice, all wrapped in the lush harmonies of a band who could give Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young a run for their money.
Kneecap (West Holts, 4pm)
What will the BBC do about the incendiary Northern Irish rap trio, who have recently been getting into so much trouble for onstage pro-Palestine protests? There are censorious voices (including Prime Minister Keir Starmer) calling for them to be banned from Glastonbury and prosecuted to the full extent of the law, but there is more mischief than malice in their punk-rap rebellion. Their blend of hip hop beats, Gaelic folk song and rock attack is surprisingly compelling, and I suspect the Glastonbury crowd is going to show their support in full voice no matter how many people at home are shaking their fists at their TV screens.
Patchwork (Pyramid, 6pm)
The worst-kept secret at this year's Glastonbury is that mysterious surprise act Patchwork are actually Pulp, returning to the Pyramid Stage three decades on from their Britpop-crowning headline set in 1995. A fantastic live band with one of the great English eccentric frontmen in Jarvis Cocker, Pulp songs are so embedded in the modern British pop psyche that this might actually rival the great Sir Rodney for crowd size and singalong volume.
Raye (Pyramid, 8pm)
Raye is the most all-round talented pop and dance singer-songwriter Britain has produced in a decade, with a warmth of character, vocal range and musical depth to bring the sunshine to any occasion. The 27-year-old hitmaker has been climbing festival bills since the release of her luscious and masterful debut album My 21st Century Blues in 2023, and it surely won't be too many years before she is atop the Pyramid herself.
Charli XCX (Other Stage, 10.30pm)
Pop maximalist Charli XCX bestrode 2024's charts, the sassy electropop of Brat delivering a zeitgeist-surfing global smash album for a woman who has been mischievously poking pop culture's edges for nearly two decades. Last year, her DJ set at Glastonbury's 7,000 capacity Levels stage was so over-attended it brought the festival to a standstill. This year, she headlines the 50,000 capacity Other Stage – but might just achieve the same feat again.
Neil Young (Pyramid, 10pm – BBC slot unconfirmed)
Rock veteran Neil Young is scheduled against the British star on the Pyramid, but will his epic wonky guitar solos and passionate sincerity be enough to hold the attention of Glastonbury's partygoers? The BBC is being very circumspect about whether it will be broadcasting Young's set, in any case, since the old curmudgeon is no fan of the Corporation. But if they do go with Young over the younger star, expect some anti-Trumpian political broadsides.
Sunday
Rod Stewart (Pyramid, 3.45pm)
The Sunday afternoon legends slot has become a standout feature of Glastonbury, when everything comes to a halt and the entire festival gathers in front of the Pyramid for a massive singalong of cherished favourites. Veteran superstars don't come any more super than Rod Stewart, who rose in the Sixties as a soulful rock belter, bestrode the Seventies in tight flares and tartan scarves, slipped into the shoulder pad suits of 80s power pop, was sustained as an icon of laddism in the Britpop 90s, commandeered the Great American Songbook in the 2000s and revived his own characterful songwriting with a clutch of chart-topping albums in the 2010s.
At 80, he's still got the voice, he's still got the hair, he's still got the energy, and he's definitely got the songs. I suspect the whole nation will be sailing with Sir Rod on Sunday afternoon. And dedicated groovers will stay tuned for Nile Rodgers & Chic at 6pm.
St Vincent (Woodsies, 6.30pm)
The Woodsies stage is hosting a lot of fine bands and solo artists over the weekend from alternative rock and pop's boldest edges. You could log onto this all day every day and not be disappointed, catching sets from an (unannounced but widely rumoured) Lorde, Lola Young, Pink Pantheress and Floating Points on Friday; Nova Twins, TV on the Radio, Father John Misty and Scissor Sisters on Saturday; and Gurriers, Sprints, Black Country, New Road, AJ Tracey and Jorja Smith on Sunday. I'll catch you down the front for St Vincent, a phenomenal singer and guitarist who blends Bowie with Prince and comes up with something unique.
Wolf Alice (Other Stage, 7.45pm)
The British alt-rock quartet have made some of the most adventurous guitar based music of recent years, but still felt like they were keeping something in reserve, perhaps to protect fabulous frontwoman Ellie Rowsell, whose emotive songs speak to the anxieties of modern youth. But they now have a new major label and new album in the works, and recent spruced up publicity shots – and an ironically sexy video – suggest Rowsell is freeing herself of the leash. They really are something special, and this could be their moment to demonstrate that world-beating British rock is not dead.
Olivia Rodrigo (Pyramid, 9.45pm)
The 22-year-old US star is going to have her work cut out ending the 2025 festival on a high. She is a smart pop-rock singer-songwriter with a clutch of contemporary mega hits, including Driver's Licence, Good 4 U and Vampire. Yet with only two albums and a very young demographic, her Pyramid headline status seems premature. She is not as culturally all-encompassing as her (former) heroine Taylor Swift, nor as brash and shamelessly populist as her rival Sabrina Carpenter. I expect a slick, entertaining set that will look fantastic on TV … but with the Prodigy belting out vintage electro smashes on the Other Stage, I wouldn't bet against Rodrigo drawing the smallest Pyramid crowd of the weekend.
By Neil McCormick
How to watch Glastonbury on TV
1. BBC iPlayer is your one-stop rock shop
Glastonbury used to be an outdoor rock festival. Then, it became a TV event. Now, it exists largely on the internet, with the BBC carrying live streams of all five main stages from Friday through to Sunday. There will also be a separate highlights channel – called The Glastonbury Highlights Channel, surprisingly enough. Plus, the BBC's Glastonbury YouTube channel will also allow you to catch up with the day's heaviest hitters.
2. Just like a real festival, don't overdo it
Festival anxiety and fatigue can set in quickly if you try to cram in too many acts. The same applies to the couch-bound Glastonbury-goer. So take it steady and don't try to watch everything – though, thanks to all those BBC channels, you probably could if you wanted to. If it ever feels too much, switch on the new season of Squid Game instead – after half an hour of Noah Kahan singing with his eyes closed, all that mindless violence will come as a welcome relief.
3. There's no need to stay up all night
One of the advantages of Glastonbury at home is that you can avoid staying up until the wee hours. For instance, The 1975 won't be taking to the Pyramid Stage on Friday until 10.15pm and play until close to midnight. So if you'd prefer some shut-eye over watching Matty Healy doing his ironic prat routine, call an early night – and then catch up on Glastonbury Highlights the next day.
4. BBC One is for the 'Glastonbury Lite' experience
A 'curated' Glastonbury is what's on the table on BBC One, where Friday's big draw are The 1975; Saturday, for its part, welcomes Raye and Charli XCX; and Sunday has US star Olivia Rodrigo – preceded by Rod Stewart in the afternoon 'Legends' slot. In other words, Glastonbury, but not too much of it. BBC Two, meanwhile, is for Glasto grazers, with Lauren Laverne and Jo Whiley presenting a nightly highlight package of the best of each day. Think of it as Match of the Day with temporary tattoos and wellies instead of goal-mouth replays.
5. For more obscure acts, stick with BBC Four
While pop fans and rock dads are busy enjoying Olivia Rodrigo and Rod Stewart on BBC One, those of a more 'indie' persuasion are advised to throw on BBC Four and not switch channels all weekend. For it is on the BBC's clever-clogs channel that you can watch Franz Ferdinand and Wunderhorse on Friday, Amyl and the Sniffers and Beth Gibbons of Portishead on Saturday, and Snow Patrol and St Vincent on Sunday. The same advice applies to ageing electro-loving headbangers, as the Prodigy's Sunday night slot will also be broadcast on BBC Four. Psychosomatic addict insane! Just don't rave too hard or you will scare the cat. Ed Power
The full Glastonbury line-up
Pyramid Stage
Friday June 27
Supergrass: 12-1pm
CMAT: 1.30-2.30pm
Burning Spear: 3-4pm
TBA (rumoured to be Lewis Capaldi): 4.55-5.30pm
Alanis Morissette: 6.15-7.15pm
Biffy Clyro: 8.15-9.25pm
The 1975: 10.15-11.45pm
Saturday June 28
Kaiser Chiefs: 12-1pm
Brandi Carlile: 1.30-2.30pm
The Script: 3-4pm
John Fogerty: 4.30-5.30pm
Patchwork (rumoured to be Pulp): 6-7pm
Raye: 8-9pm
Neil Young And The Chrome Hearts: 10-11.45pm
Sunday June 29
The Selecter: 11.15am-12pm
Celeste: 12.30-1.30pm
The Libertines: 2-3pm
Rod Stewart: 3.45-5.15pm
Nile Rodgers & Chic: 6-7pm
Noah Kahan: 7.45-8.45pm
Olivia Rodrigo: 9.45-11.15pm
Other Stage
Friday June 27
Fabio & Grooverider And The Outlook Orchestra: 11.30am-12.30pm
Rizzle Kicks: 1-1.45pm
Inhaler: 2.15-3.15pm
Wet Leg: 3.45-4.45pm
Franz Ferdinand: 5.15-6.15pm
Gracie Abrams: 6.45-7.45pm
Busta Rhymes: 8.30-9.30pm
Loyle Carner: 10.30-11.45pm
Saturday June 28
Alessi Rose: 11.30am-12.15pm
Good Neighbours: 12.45-13.30pm
Beabadoobee: 2-3pm
Weezer: 3.30-4.30pm
Amyl & The Sniffers: 5-6pm
Ezra Collective: 6.45-7.45pm
Deftones: 8.30-9.30pm
Charli XCX: 10.30-11.45pm
Sunday June 29
Louis Dunford: 11.15am-12pm
Nadine Shah: 12.30-1.15pm
Shaboozey: 1.45-2.30pm
Joy Crookes: 3-3.45pm
Turnstile: 4.30-5.30pm
Snow Patrol: 6-7pm
Wolf Alice: 7.45-8.45pm
The Prodigy: 9.45-11.15pm
West Holts Stage
Friday June 27
Corto.Alto: 11.30am-12.30pm
Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso: 1-2pm
Glass Beams: 2.30-3.25pm
Vieux Farka Toure: 4-5pm
En Vogue: 5.30-6.30pm
Denzel Curry: 7-8pm
Badbadnotgood: 8.30-9.30pm
Maribou State: 10.15-11.45pm
Saturday June 28
Infinity Song: 11.30am-12.30pm
Nilüfer Yanya: 1-2pm
Bob Vylan: 2.30-3.30pm
Kneecap: 4-5pm
Yussef Dayes: 5.30-6.30pm
Greentea Peng: 7-8pm
Amaarae: 8.30-9.30pm
Doechii: 10.15-11.45pm
Sunday June 29
Thandii: 11am-12:00pm
Abel Selaocoe & The Bantu Ensemble: 12.30-1.30pm
Cymande: 2-3pm
Black Uhuru: 3.30-4.30pm
Goat: 5-6pm
The Brian Jonestown Massacre: 6.30-7.30pm
Parcels: 8-9pm
Overmono: 9.45-11.15pm
Woodsies
Friday June 27
Myles Smith: 12.45-1.30pm
Fat Dog: 2-2.45pm
Shed Seven: 3.15-4pm
Lola Young: 4.30-5.30pm
Blossoms: 6-7pm
Pinkpantheress: 7.30-8.30pm
Floating Points: 9-10pm
Four Tet: 10.30-11:45pm
Saturday June 28
The Amazons: 11.30am-12.15pm
Sorry: 12.45-1.30pm
Fcukers: 2-2.45pm
Jade: 3.15-4pm
Nova Twins: 4.30-5.30pm
TV On The Radio: 6-7pm
Father John Misty: 7.30-8.30pm
Tom Odell: 9-10pm
Scissor Sisters: 10.30-11.45pm
Sunday June 29
Westside Cowboy: 11.15am-12pm
Gurriers: 12.30-1.30pm
Sprints: 2-3pm
Djo: 3.30-4.30pm
Black Country, New Road: 5-6pm
St. Vincent: 6.30-7.30pm
AJ Tracey: 8-9pm
Jorja Smith: 9.30-10.45pm
The Park
Friday June 27
Horsegirl: 10.30am-12.10pm
John Glacier: 12.45-1.30pm
Jalen Ngonda: 2-2.45pm
Faye Webster: 3.15-4pm
English Teacher: 4.30-5.30pm
Osees: 6-7pm
Wunderhorse: 7.30-8.30pm
Self Esteem: 9.15-10.15pm
Anohni And The Johnsons: 11pm-12.15am
Saturday June 28
Yann Tiersen: 11.10am-12.10pm
Ichiko Aoba: 12.45-1.30pm
Japanese Breakfast: 2-3pm
Lucy Dacus: 3.30-4.15pm
Pa Salieu: 4.45-5.30pm
Gary Numan: 6-7pm
TBA (rumoured to be Lorde or Haim): 7.30-8.30pm
Beth Gibbons: 9.15-10.15pm
Caribou: 11pm-12.15am
Sunday June 29
Melin Melyn: 11.30am-12.15pm
Geordie Greep: 12.45pm-1.30pm
Katy J Pearson: 2pm- 2.45pm
Royel Otis: 3.15-4pm
Girl In Red: 4.30-5.30pm
Kae Tempest: 6-7pm
Future Islands: 7.35-8.35pm
The Maccabees: 9.15-10.30pm