Glastonbury 2025: From mystery sets to first time headliners, Wonderland share the hottest takes on who are the must-see acts this year at Worthy Farm.
Flashback to middling May — I’m at Thorpe Park, queuing for Hyperia on one of the year’s hottest days so far. Despite booking the day off for a cheeky bit o’ thrill seeking, I’m an odds with relaxation — it’s New Music Friday after all. And so I unlock my phone and peak into my bulging inbox, eyes squinted from fear of uncovering unfriendliness in the form of an aggy email.
Suddenly, my stomach is awash with butterflies. There’s goosebumps on my arms and neck. I’ve been added to the notoriously tricky press list for Glastonbury. I let out a triumphant yelp; a small cry of surprise, relief, and excitement. The various groups of school kids that surround me in the ride’s line giggle and stare. But I’m barely present — already swimming with thoughts of Worthy Farm and its unspeakable magic.
If you are also one of the lucky chosen few, I’m sure preparations for the festival are well underway. How and when to get to Worthy Farm? How many pairs of shoes to bring? What’s the naughties order? How many scousers will I meet? How do I survive? These are all valid questions. But the most significant of all queries, of course, is how to make the most of the line up — the most stacked selection of stars of the summer.
From the biggest pop stars in the world (Olivia Rodrigo, Charli xcx) to long-standing legends (Neil Young, Rod Stewart). From arena-filling bands (The 1975, Wolf Alice) to the hottest new underground acts (Fcukers, Westside Cowboy). And from the most revered names in dance music (Four Tet, The Prodigy) to rap’s most interesting characters (Loyle Carner, Doechii). There’s something for everyone — in fact, there’s plenty for all.
It can all be a little overwhelming. So I’m here to lend a helping hand. The below isn’t a formatted, chronological setting-out of what you should see — you must embark on your own quest. Nor is it in keeping with my personal taste…well, some of it is, but I’m a shameless plug. What it definitely is though, is a detailed rundown of some of the standout acts performing that Wonderland readers should probably plug into it. There’s headliners, very familiar faces, and just a few hidden gems.
So study close and think deep — you don’t want to regret your decisions…
ddddd
Gracie Abrams
When Are They On?
Friday @ 18:45 – 19:45 on Other Stage
Favourite Track?
Why Should You See Them?
Last year’s album The Secret of Us took LA singer-songwriter and Taylor Swift prodigy Gracie Abrams traverse into the upper echelons of pop music. With a much sought after Friday early evening set on the Other Stage, expect glistening sad girl anthems under the sun in one of Gracie’s most defining moments to date.
ddddd
Ezra Collective
When Are They On?
Saturday @ 18:45 – 19:45 on Other Stage
Favourite Track?
Why Should You See Them?
If you haven’t seen Ezra Collective live yet, where have you been? The London jazz quintet are one of the most likeable acts around, have been quintessential in the genre’s renaissance, and have dropped two critically adored albums in three years — the first of which took home the esteemed Mercury Prize award. Playing the same set as Gracie but the following day, this one will be pure, unapologetic joy.
ddddd
KNEECAP
When Are They On?
Saturday @ 16:00 – 17:00 on West Holts Stage
Favourite Track?
Why Should You See Them?
One of the most talked about musical acts of the year, Belfast’s trio of rap provocateurs Kneecap have caused quite a stir of late — whether getting their stream cut off at Coachella, causing political discourse or delivering an iconic headline set at Wide Awake. With bangers aplenty and a piercing message, the West Holts field will be overflowing with expectant fans itching for another historic performance.
ddddd
Patchwork
When Are They On?
Saturday @ 18:15 – 19:15 on Pyramid Stage
Favourite Track?
N/A because we don’t know who they are yet!
Why Should You See Them?
Everyone likes a bit of mystery in their life. Glastonbury, through the years, is famed for its surprise sets, and this could be one of the most significant in recent times. Patchwork, on a primetime slot on the totemic Pyramid Stage, do not exist. There is no Patchwork. So who is it? Some say Britpop favourites Pulp, others think Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan, or sisterly trio Haim. One thing’s for sure — expectations are bubbling over.
ddddd
Olivia Rodrigo
When Are They On?
Saturday @ 21:45 – 23:15 on Pyramid Stage
Favourite Track?
Why Should You See Them?
Hear me out. Yes, she’s a headliner. Yes, she’s a global star. But there’s a crunch and a character to Olivia Rodrigo and her eclectic effervescence. Closing out this year’s festival, the Californian becomes the second youngest headliner ever (only bested by Billie Eilish). Does she have what it takes? Only time will tell, and you should be there to form your own opinion.
ddddd
Scissor Sisters
When Are They On?
Saturday @ 22:30 – 23:45 on Woodsies
Favourite Track?
Why Should You See Them?
Cult legends of noughties pop, Scissor Sisters are back with their first live shows in more than 12 years. With a whole entourage of absolute gems, I’m hoping this one doesn’t take much convincing. You’d be foolish to miss it.
ddddd
CMAT
When Are They On?
Friday @ 13:30-14:30 on Pyramid Stage
Favourite Track?
Why Should You See Them?
Emerging as one of the year’s breakthroughs, Irish singer-songwriter CMAT is putting a fresh and endearing spin on country music. With her singalong choruses, boat loads of charisma and a vivacious musicality, her live shows have to be witnessed to be believed. A early slot on the Pyramid Stage offers an opportunity to further ameliorate her fast rising acclaim.
ddddd
The Prodigy
When Are They On?
Sunday @ 21:45 – 23:15 on Other Stage
Favourite Track?
Why Should You See Them?
Pure mayhem from the trailblazers of chaos. In the late 90s, Essex electronic producers The Prodigy re-shifted an entire landscape, bringing rave culture to the American masses. Undoubtedly one of the most influential acts of their genre, if you’ve never seen them up close and personal, you’ve got no excuse to miss this. It’s destined to be one of the festival’s most riotous sets, as well as the most emotional, with this being the first time that The Prodigy have appeared at the festival after cancelling last minute due to following the passing of the legendary Keith Flint.
ddddd
Westside Cowboy
When Are They On?
Sunday @ 11:15 – 12:00 on Woodsies
Favourite Track?
Why Should You See Them?
Westside Cowbooooyyyy! You probably don’t know who they are unless you are deep in the UK indie underground, but that might well change soon. With only three tracks out at the time of writing, the four-piece are winners of Glasto’s emerging act competition and have their debut EP on the way in August. You can catch them a couple of times at the farm, but the early shift on Sunday is my pick. Get out your tent, shrug of the hangover and come tear up with me.
ddddd
Chaos In The CBD
When Are They On?
Saturday @ 18:00 – 19:30 on Silver Haynes – Levels
Favourite Track?
Why Should You See Them?
In May, New Zealand-to-London brotherly production duo Chaos In The CBD quietly shared A Deeper Life — one of the best electronic music records of the year. They’re active on the UK festival circuit this summer, and this burgeoning slot at Silver Haynes will be one for the dreamers and ravers alike. Jazz? House? Hip Hop? Ambient? You can get it all for the price of one. Unrivalled vibes.
ddddd
Pa Salieu
When Are They On?
Saturday @ 16:45 – 17:30 on The Park Stage
Favourite Track?
Why Should You See Them?
Coventry’s Pa Salieu is one of the UK’s most important artists right now. There’s no measure to his authenticity, no boundary to his vision, no ceiling to his craftsmanship. He’s a man reborn, a rapper with a fierce and fervent approach. A voice of a generation. He’ll bring head bangers and moments of reflection alike — not to be missed.
Amaarae
When Are They On?
Saturday @ 20:30 – 21:30 on West Holts Stage
Favourite Track?
Why Should You See Them?
One of the most musically unique and expressive singer-songwriters in the globe right now, Amaarae’s live shows are golden drops of brilliance. Kicking off her next artistic epoch with a new album due in August, there’ll be new classics, old favourites and plenty of hip swaying.
Deki Alem
When Are They On?
Saturday @ 05:15 – 06:00 on Shangri-La – Lore
Favourite Track?
Why Should You See Them?
If, like me, you tend to find that enjoyment climaxes just as the sun is coming out, then Deki Alem is one for you. The enigmatic Swedish outfit are gearing up to share a new project, and what we’ve heard of it so far is blistering. In need of a sweaty 5am job from one of the most exciting acts in the underground? I’ll catch you there.
ddddd
glastonbury 2025, glastonbury 2025, glastonbury 2025 glastonbury 2025, glastonbury 2025, glastonbury 2025
Words – Ben Tibbits
