The final chords have rung out across Worthy Farm as Glastonbury Festival 2025 drew to a close on Sunday, June 29th, after a whirlwind five days of music, arts, and spirited debate. This year's festival saw electrifying headline performances from The 1975, Neil Young, and Olivia Rodrigo, with the legendary Rod Stewart captivating the crowd in the Sunday legends slot.
The festival, which ran from Wednesday, June 25th, was a vibrant tapestry of genres and generations. The Pyramid Stage witnessed a triumphant set from British indie-rockers The 1975, a raw and powerful performance from the iconic Neil Young, and a high-energy, pop-perfect conclusion from Olivia Rodrigo. Sir Rod Stewart's Sunday afternoon performance was a joyous singalong, proving his timeless appeal.
Beyond the main stage, Glastonbury's diverse offerings provided countless highlights. Charli XCX brought her electrifying hyperpop to the Other Stage, while The Prodigy delivered a blistering, high-octane set. The Woodsies stage saw a much-anticipated performance from Four Tet, and the West Holts stage was graced by the soulful sounds of Jorja Smith.
However, the 2025 festival was not without its share of controversy. Performances by rap-punk duo Bob Vylan and Irish rap group Kneecap sparked police investigations and widespread discussion. Chants of "death to the IDF" during Bob Vylan's set led to condemnation from some quarters and a defense from the band, who stated they were "targeted for speaking up" about the situation in Gaza. Kneecap's performance also drew scrutiny for its political statements. Festival organizers acknowledged the controversy, stating they were "urgently reminding everyone involved in the production of the Festival that there is no place at Glastonbury for antisemitism, hate speech or incitement to violence.”
As the clean-up operation gets underway to return the sprawling site to a working dairy farm, festival-goers and music lovers are already looking ahead. It has been confirmed that 2026 will be a fallow year for the festival, a traditional break to allow the land and the organizers to recover. The much-loved event is set to make its grand return in 2027.
With memories of unforgettable performances and thought-provoking moments fresh in their minds, the Glastonbury community now enters a period of reflection and anticipation for what the next chapter will bring in two years' time.
