Glastonbury Festival, the iconic British music event, once again drew a massive crowd of over 200,000 people to a dairy farm in Pilton, Somerset. This year’s lineup featured headlining performances by Dua Lipa, Coldplay, and SZA, along with a host of other artists who brought the festival to life.
One of the most talked-about performances came from Little Simz, the London rapper who delivered a captivating set on the Pyramid Stage before Coldplay’s headlining performance. Her performance was raw and powerful, showcasing her undeniable talent and leaving no doubt that she is destined for headline status in the future.
Coldplay’s set on Saturday night saw a truly unforgettable guest appearance from Michael J. Fox, who joined the band to play guitar on their hit song “Fix You.” Fox’s presence was a poignant reminder of his legacy and his ongoing battle with Parkinson’s disease. The moment was particularly meaningful for Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, who was inspired by Fox’s performance of “Johnny B Goode” in the classic film “Back to the Future.”
After her energetic headlining set on Friday night, Dua Lipa opted for a more relaxed approach, spending time with her boyfriend, Callum Turner, and soaking up the festival atmosphere. She was spotted strolling through the VIP area, showcasing her effortless style with a look from Ann Demeulemeester.
Glastonbury also saw a strong showing from Irish stars. Paul Mescal, known for his role in “Normal People,” continued his penchant for micro-shorts, while his fellow Irish actors, Saoirse Ronan and Andrew Scott, were also spotted enjoying the festival. Ronan even took to crowdsurfing during Coldplay’s set, riding on the shoulders of her boyfriend.
The festival’s political undertones were evident, particularly the strong showing of Palestinian flags throughout the grounds. This year, the festival took place against the backdrop of Israel’s ongoing military offensive in Gaza. Several artists, including Dua Lipa and Coldplay, made their support for Palestine clear, with Coldplay inviting the Chilean-Palestinian singer, Palestinian, to join them onstage. The Irish band Lankum also performed a powerful rendition of “The Rocks of Palestine,” a reworking of a traditional folk song.
The festival’s musical offerings extended beyond the main stages, with Charli XCX delivering a high-energy DJ set at Levels. The set was a highlight of the weekend, with Charli bringing out fellow pop star Robyn for a performance of their song “.” While the performance took place on a non-televised stage, it quickly became a hot topic of conversation among festivalgoers.
And while Tom Cruise wasn’t officially on the bill, he made a surprise appearance at the festival, joining Simon Pegg and Gillian Anderson for an impromptu musical performance. It was a fitting end to a weekend that once again showcased Glastonbury’s unique ability to bring together music, performance, and political commentary.
