Glastonbury 2025: 7 key highlights from the music festival

Glastonbury 2025 brought together music, art, and community in a five-day celebration that drew thousands of fans. The five-day annual music festival occurs at Worthy Farm in Somerset, attracting over 200,000 attendees. The music festival has long been renowned for its eclectic mix of big-name acts, emerging talent, and surprises. This year was no different, featuring several headline performances, creative installations, and social tributes.

With acts performing on various stages, Glastonbury offered a wide range of sounds and styles. The festival also introduced new areas focused on sustainability and celebrated aspects of UK history. From rock and pop to dance and activism, it had something for a diverse audience. These are seven of the biggest highlights from Glastonbury 2025 that made this year's festival special.

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7 key highlights from Glastonbury 2025

The 1975, Neil Young and Olivia Rodrigo headline the Pyramid Stage

Three headliners performed over the weekend on the Pyramid Stage lineup. Headlining on Friday night were The 1975, making their first appearance as headliners. They played their latest songs along with some of their well-known hits.

The band's sound caught the attention of indie-pop fans. Neil Young returned to the music festival on Saturday for the first time since 2009. His set was mostly acoustic. It included some of his greatest hits and songs about themes like nature and peace. His visit brought together older fans and new ones listeners.

Sunday was concluded with Olivia Rodrigo, who performed songs from her albums Guts and Sour. Her energetic performance appealed to a younger crowd. She was also the youngest of the three headliners, showcasing the diverse lineup of acts at the event.

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Surprise sets by Lorde and Lewis Capaldi

Glastonbury is known for its surprise acts. This year, Lorde gave an impromptu performance at the Woodsies stage. She played some of her popular songs, including "Royals" and "Solar Power." The small crowd quickly grew as news spread that she was performing.

Lewis Capaldi returned emotionally to the Pyramid Stage. He had taken a break from performing in 2023 due to health issues. His set included heartfelt moments and a message of thanks to fans. His return and show of support moved many in the audience.

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Rod Stewart’s Legends Slot and WaterAid collaboration

Rod Stewart performed during the Sunday Legends Slot, which is known for featuring seasoned artists. Stewart played his own hits from a long career, ending with crowd favorites like "Maggie May." He also collaborated on a one-time project with the charity WaterAid.

A toilet shaped like a boombox was unveiled at the festival to raise awareness about global sanitation issues. It combined music and a message to highlight basic health needs around the world.

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First-Time Glastonbury performers

This year, several artists performed at the music festival for the first time. Alanis Morissette also made her debut, playing tracks from her album Jagged Little Pill. Her performance attracted both longtime fans and new listeners. Busta Rhymes also performed at the festival for the first time, delivering hip-hop hits from the 1990s and 2000s. His performance was highly engaging, receiving praise for its energy and crowd interaction.

Brandi Carlile also took part in her first Glastonbury performance. She blended country, folk, and rock in her music. Her act was well-received, especially for her storytelling songs.

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Dragon’s Tail and Artistic Installations

A new section, Dragon's Tail, was added to the southeast corner of the festival. It featured a 40-meter stained-glass artwork created by artist Edgar Philips. This area offered revelers a spot to relax and escape the noise. Art installations were scattered across the festival grounds, including a plant-covered stage and a shattered Tesla sculpture. These pieces provided photo opportunities and places for people to explore beyond the music stages.

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Tributes to history and social movements

The Unfairground, known for its emphasis on activism, paid tribute to the New Travellers community. It also commemorated 40 years since the Battle of the Beanfield, a 1985 clash between police and members of the Peace Convoy. The area hosted talks, art, and music inspired by this event. These tributes showcased how the music festival connects music with history and social issues. It provided visitors with a space to reflect and learn through discussion.

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Green efforts and community events

The music festival continued its efforts toward environmental action. The festival partnered with green groups to manage waste, lower carbon emissions, and enhance recycling. Many vendors used compostable materials, and reusable water bottles were promoted.

Community events took place throughout the site. The Ravers2Runners 5K run brought people together for a morning jog. Free dance classes were held in the Latin Corner. Other activities included craft sessions, family-friendly zones, and wellness workshops.

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Glastonbury 2025 demonstrated how a music festival can be more than just performances. It showcased new artists, welcomed legends, and included spaces for rest, reflection, and community. From surprise acts to eco-friendly projects, each part of the festival contributed to making the experience unique. The combination of music, activism, and art kept the festival fresh while still honoring long-standing traditions.

As Glastonbury looks ahead, 2025 proved that it remains a leading event that unites people through shared experiences. The event is gaining momentum and is sure to grow even bigger and better in the future.

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