Glastonbury Festival 2025: Stars Shine on Opening Day of Music

The Glastonbury Festival, a hallmark of British music culture, kicked off its 2025 edition on Friday, June 21, with a spectacular lineup featuring renowned artists such as The 1975, Alanis Morissette, and a host of surprise guests. The festival's opening day unfolded under a mix of excitement and anticipation, as fans gathered to witness performances from an array of talent, including Wet Leg, Rizzle Kicks, Denzel Curry, PinkPantheress, Loyle Carner, and Busta Rhymes.

Headlining the Pyramid Stage at 22:15 BST, The 1975 delivered a highly anticipated set, marking their first performance of the year. Fronted by Matty Healy, the band reportedly invested four times their festival fee into a custom-designed stage setup, underscoring the significance of this performance for both the band and their dedicated fan base. Jamie Oborne, the band's manager, expressed the gravity of this event, stating, "It’s such a big gig, and it’s the only show that we’re playing this year. Matty thought doing it in isolation would be a really powerful thing."

Adding to the day’s intrigue, Lewis Capaldi hinted at a potential return to the stage after a two-year hiatus, following a challenging performance in 2023. He announced the release of a new single, "Survive," which raised expectations for his rumored appearance in the Pyramid Stage's "TBA" slot at 17:00 BST. Capaldi's past struggles with anxiety and Tourette’s syndrome have drawn considerable support from fans, making his return a focal point of interest at this year’s festival.

The festival's opening day also welcomed a surprise act set to grace the Woodsies tent, formerly known as the John Peel Tent, at 11:30. Speculation surrounds this mystery guest, with names like Olivia Dean, Jamie xx, Lorde, and Haim circulating among festival-goers. The Woodsies tent is dedicated to showcasing alternative pop and indie artists, further enriching the festival’s diverse musical offerings.

Beyond the music, this year’s Glastonbury Festival is poised to engage with pressing political and social issues. Former Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker is scheduled to participate in a panel discussion titled "Standing Up for ‘Getting Along’ in a World that’s Being Pushed Apart," addressing themes of division and the need for unity in contemporary society. Lineker conveyed his sentiments about the current climate, emphasizing the importance of kindness and togetherness.

Festival founder Michael Eavis reaffirmed the event's commitment to its progressive values, which include supporting organizations such as Oxfam, WaterAid, and Greenpeace. Eavis stated, "I think the people that come here are into all those things. People that don’t agree with the politics of the event can go somewhere else."

The Glastonbury Festival, which sold out in a record 40 minutes last November, has already begun to create a vibrant atmosphere with various activities leading up to the main performances. The festival's opening ceremony featured captivating theater and circus acts, while attendees participated in a "ravers to runners" 5k race amidst challenging weather conditions.

As the festival continues through the weekend, the combination of star-studded performances and timely discussions on socio-political issues promises to make Glastonbury 2025 a memorable celebration of music and community engagement. The implications of this year's event extend beyond entertainment, inviting reflection on current global challenges and the role of music in fostering dialogue and unity.