Glastonbury 2024 Hails Triumphant Artist Returns

From Tears to Triumph: Unforgettable Moments from a Scorching Glastonbury

The music has faded, and the colourful flags have been lowered. Following an intense five days of sweltering heat, spectacular performances, and surprise appearances, Glastonbury's gates have closed on Worthy Farm, not to reopen until 2027. The festival delivered a whirlwind of activity, from epic shows by Olivia Rodrigo and Pulp to viral dance moments with Charli XCX and CMAT. It was a weekend where two separate actors who played Doctor Who appeared on stage and where setlist clashes caused frantic dashes across the fields. As ever, processing the sheer volume of events was an impossible task. Many missed Gary Numan’s festival debut, while others were shut out of the Scissor Sisters' packed-out performance. Here, we revisit several unforgettable occurrences from a weekend of beautiful mayhem.

Lewis Capaldi’s Emotional Return to the Stage

In a moment charged with emotion, Lewis Capaldi made a triumphant, unannounced return to the Pyramid Stage on Friday. The appearance was especially poignant, coming two years after his 2023 set was cut short when Tourette's syndrome affected his singing. That difficult moment, where the crowd famously sang "Someone You Loved" for him, became a powerful display of collective support. Capaldi took a two-year hiatus to focus on his health, making this comeback a personal mission. Addressing the crowd, he said it was amazing to be back and that a second attempt on this stage was the charm for him, bringing tears to many eyes.

A Performance of Resilience and Gratitude

The performance was brief but packed with feeling. He appeared confident and did not exhibit the physical tics that previously affected him, his distinctive sandpapery voice as powerful as ever. He performed his biggest hits, including "Before You Go" and concluding with "Someone You Loved," with the entire field singing along in a show of affection. He candidly shared that the past two years had been difficult, and his goal had been to get back to that very stage. As he finally put his Glastonbury demons behind him, he remarked that finishing this set was also proving difficult, but for entirely positive reasons this time.

Image Credit - BBC

Star-Studded Sightings Across the Farm

A festival experience at Worthy Farm is never quite complete without spotting a famous face, and this year’s event was brimming with celebrities. Backstage zones were a hub for acting royalty, with Taron Egerton watching Lewis Capaldi’s performance shirtless, and sightings of Lily James, Paul Mescal, and Eddie Redmayne. Andrew Garfield even took part in a question-and-answer session with fans, where he discussed his latest movie, We Live in Time, and read some of the more effusive online posts composed by fans. It was a classic Glastonbury mix of high glamour and laid-back festival energy.

Pop Royalty and Festival Veterans

The fields were also filled with music stars enjoying the atmosphere. Followers of One Direction were thrilled to spot both Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson in attendance, presumably there for The 1975's headline performance. Styles was later seen dancing with a man-bag over his shoulder during Doechii's set. Numerous artists from the weekend’s lineup were also seen relaxing after their performances concluded. Lorde was seen at NYC Downlow, dancing, while Charli XCX marked her headlining appearance by dancing with her fiancé George Daniel, the drummer for The 1975, during a late-night DJ set. Glastonbury veterans like Pixie Geldof, Daisy Lowe, Lily Allen, and Alexa Chung were also present, proving their effortless style.

Alanis Morissette’s Spectacular Debut

Alanis Morissette's first-ever Glastonbury show was a stunning sunset slot on the Pyramid Stage, marking the 30th anniversary of her groundbreaking album Jagged Little Pill. The record holds the title of history’s top-selling debut release, having sold 33 million copies globally. At 51, the singer delivered one of the strongest vocal performances of the weekend, her voice so resonant she needed to hold the microphone a good three feet away. She demonstrated that iconic tracks like "One Hand In My Pocket" and "You Oughta Know" still possess their original intensity and captivating allure over the past three decades.

A Surprising Tribute of Spoons

When Morissette performed her hit song "Ironic," the audience was ready with a special tribute. Many people lifted spoons high into the air during the lyric about needing a knife but only having ten thousand spoons. The gesture was a playful nod to comedian Ed Byrne's famous routine, where he pointed out that the line was not ironic, just "frickin' stupid." He had joked about the absurdity of someone owning so many spoons. The visual of the crowd brandishing cutlery created a fun, communal moment, adding another layer of memorable absurdity to the festival experience and celebrating a song that has defined a generation.

The Unlikely Sport of Sock Wrestling

Within the Kidz Field, an unusual extreme sport referred to as Sock Wrestling drew huge queues. The concept is straightforward: two youngsters stand opposite one another on a mat, and each of them has on a single sock. They then circle, taunt, and grapple until one competitor successfully yanks off their rival’s piece of footwear to claim victory. It is a pure, low-stakes contest of agility and determination that provides endless entertainment for young festival-goers. The event captures the playful and often surreal spirit that thrives in Glastonbury’s family-oriented spaces, offering a fun alternative to the main stage music.

Image Credit - BBC

A Family Feud in the Kidz Field

The sock wrestling took a chaotic turn on Saturday when a child challenged their father to a match. The friendly competition quickly devolved into a theatrical showdown, as years of pretend familial tension seemed to boil over. The father was not willing to concede easily, leading to an unnecessarily and dramatically tense standoff. In the end, as 6 Music’s Steve Lamaq put it, the child soundly defeated his father, to the eruption of the spectators. The hilarious display of family rivalry prompted calls for the sport to be commissioned for a prime-time television slot on BBC One.

Fatboy Slim Achieves a Festival Century

The legendary DJ and producer Fatboy Slim reached a remarkable milestone this weekend, playing his 100th, 101st, 102nd, and 103rd shows at the festival site. He has become a Glastonbury institution, and his performances consistently draw enormous crowds wherever they happen. He marked his centenary set with a creative blend of his iconic tune "Praise You" and the Beatles classic "Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band." As expected, the combination was a massive hit, sending the audience into a frenzy. He has certainly evolved over the years.

The Prodigy’s Powerful Return

Pioneering rave act The Prodigy made a spectacular return to Glastonbury, taking the top slot on The Other Stage on Sunday, exactly three decades after their initial appearance. Their set was incendiary, a fitting "Firestarter" to close the weekend. However, the performance also carried a notable sense of sadness. This was the group’s first Glastonbury show since the passing of their frontman Keith Flint in 2019. His absence was felt deeply, but his spirit was undeniably present throughout the explosive show, creating a powerful mix of celebration and remembrance for the thousands who gathered to watch.

A Fierce Tribute to Keith Flint

Maxim, the group's vocalist, took the lead, delivering blistering versions of tracks like "Breathe" and "Omen" that created a frenzy in the completely full crowd. At one point, he declared to the thousands in attendance that he believed Mr. Flint would have felt great pride in them. The band dedicated the entire show to their late bandmate, ensuring his memory was at the heart of the performance. The late star’s legacy was also celebrated at Glastonbury's renowned Carhenge area, where a new art piece captured his intense punk persona, honouring his profound impact on underground culture.

Carhenge: A Monument to Counter-Culture

The Carhenge installation, overseen by artist Joe Rush, honours individuals whose life's work influenced the counter-culture that is now a core part of Glastonbury's identity. The monumental sculpture, made of 24 mutated vintage cars, emulates the prehistoric wonder of Stonehenge. Rush first brought a version of Carhenge to the festival in 1987 after his Mutoid Waste Company was prevented from attending a festival at the real Stonehenge. This year's installation included a car dedicated to Keith Flint, connecting his legacy directly to the rebellious, artistic spirit that Rush's work celebrates.

The Ascension of CMAT

Irish musician CMAT stated that her show on the Pyramid Stage represented the most significant event of her entire career. Afterwards, she admitted to being in a state of shock, telling reporters she would likely comprehend it all in a few months. The 29-year-old artist, born Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, explained that she was speechless for nearly an hour after her performance concluded. She confessed to still feeling scared, as if the monumental event was still on the verge of occurring even though it was over. Her raw honesty was as captivating as her performance.

Image Credit - BBC

A Star Is Born on the Pyramid Stage

CMAT mentioned that getting to the Pyramid Stage required relentless effort, but the work was worthwhile, as she captivated the audience with her strong singing and unique on-stage character. The performance felt like a significant turning point, a moment where a rising talent fully arrives. It was the kind of star-making set that Glastonbury is famous for, leaving a distinct impression that she will be back on this hallowed stage again very soon, likely in an even more prominent slot. Her energy and talent were undeniable.

Olivia Rodrigo Anoints a Legend

During her headlining performance, Olivia Rodrigo introduced her next guest, describing him as possibly the greatest songwriter from England, a Glastonbury icon, and a personal idol. She was referring to Robert Smith, The Cure's leader for the last 49 years and an artist who has headlined Glastonbury four times. The announcement drew audible gasps, particularly from younger audience members unfamiliar with the gothic rock icon. However, any confusion was quickly erased by their utterly brilliant collaboration upon the Pyramid Stage, which was a real high point of the festival.

A Duet for the Ages

The pair performed The Cure’s classic songs "Friday I'm in Love" and "Just Like Heaven," and their strikingly different singing styles complemented each other beautifully. Throughout her set, Rodrigo expressed her deep affection for British culture, confessing her love for Marks and Spencer's Colin the Caterpillar cake. She also admitted to having consumed three portions of sticky toffee pudding since her arrival at the festival site. Her charming and enthusiastic embrace of all things British, coupled with a legendary collaboration, further solidified her status as a beloved headliner.

Secret Sets Steal the Show

Glastonbury has a rich history of secret sets, and this year’s festival was overflowing with them. The unannounced performances were so high-profile their shows often felt more significant than the scheduled top-billed acts. First was Lorde, who walked onto the stage at Woodsies on Friday morning and performed her new album Virgin for a crowd of devoted fans. Lewis Capaldi received a massive ovation when he appeared in a slot labeled 'TBA' on the Pyramid Stage. Additionally, the enigmatic group advertised as Patchwork was, as everyone expected, the Britpop band Pulp, creating a massive buzz across the site.

Pulp's Anniversary Performance

The Britpop icons were commemorating their iconic 1995 headlining show. That performance, where they stepped in at the last minute for The Stone Roses, is considered a landmark Glastonbury moment that cemented their place as beloved national figures. This year, they finished their set with their anthem "Common People," assisted by a flypast from the Red Arrows. Watching from her boyfriend’s shoulders, Olivia Rodrigo, the Sunday night main act, sang the words loudly along with the rest of the ecstatic crowd. It was a fitting tribute to a historic performance.

More Surprises Across the Site

The secret shows did not stop there. In other locations, there were unplanned shows from Kae Tempest and CMAT at the BBC's Introducing Stage, and a spontaneous set from Olivia Dean inside the Strummerville area. Californian sisters Haim also attracted what a colleague called the largest crowd ever at The Park Stage for their Saturday evening show. The Californian sisters' sunny garage rock provided the ideal music as evening fell over the festival site. The sheer quality and quantity of these surprise sets indicated one thing: with no Glastonbury in 2026, the performers who might have headlined that year's festival were eager not to be absent.

A Festival Wedding, Plus Cake

At Glastonbury, almost anything feels possible, even getting married. Charlie and Charles Shires showed up at a live taping of the BBC's Sidetracked podcast, arriving directly from their own wedding at the festival’s Healing Fields area. They had just completed a handfasting ceremony, which is an old Celtic tradition where the hands of a couple are tied together. Charlie explained they had made their own cord from ribbons and that she cried throughout the gorgeous ceremony. Their story perfectly encapsulated the festival’s unique, spiritual side.

Image Credit - BBC

The Enduring Debate Over Flags

Flags at Glastonbury are an institution, but they are also a point of contention. For some, they are a practical way to find friends in a massive crowd. For others, they are an irritating obstruction that blocks the view of the stage. This year’s notable flags included one honouring TV figure Kim Woodburn and another, inspired by Charli XCX, which read "bratwurst." The division was captured in a poem by Robin Ince, who lamented that a "wind-blown patchwork" blocked his view of Jarvis Cocker’s dance moves, though he humorously added he wouldn't mind if it were to obstruct his view of The 1975.

A Confession from Benedict Cumberbatch

Actor Benedict Cumberbatch, star of Sherlock and The Avengers, was sharing old memories with Simon Pegg about his initial visit to Glastonbury, admitting his entry was not entirely legitimate. He admitted to the BBC that he had snuck in by crawling under the perimeter fence, using a tunnel to access the site. His primary motivation for the covert entry was specifically to watch Pulp play. It is a classic tale of youthful rebellion for the love of music. Cumberbatch cheekily added that his tent was pitched on a particularly steep hill, completing the picture of a less-than-glamorous first festival experience.

The BBC’s Bleeping Bandits of Broadcasting

Behind the scenes, a dedicated BBC team works tirelessly to produce "broadcast safe" edits of the music for daytime radio broadcast, navigating the complex world of Ofcom regulations. Stationed in a small office, they carefully edit out any curse words from the live performances. As the norms around explicit material have loosened over the years, their job has become increasingly challenging. On Friday evening, one weary editor was overheard sighing about the profanity in Self Esteem's set, remarking that after the second f-bomb, they knew it would be a very long shift.

Preparing for the Fallow Year

Glastonbury will not take place in 2026 to allow the land to recover. The break is a crucial part of the festival's ethos, giving the farmland a chance to rest from the impact of over 200,000 attendees. Organiser Emily Eavis told the BBC's Sidetracked podcast that they have ambitious plans for the time off. She explained they acquired some land adjacent to the current grounds and will undertake a large-scale planting effort. The initiative, which will involve planting 30,000 new young trees on the property, aims to rejuvenate the natural environment of the farm and its vicinity.

A Stronger Return in 2027

The fallow year is not just about rest; it is also about renewal. Emily Eavis spends the festival weekend wandering the site, making notes on her phone about potential improvements. She told The Glastonbury Free Press, the on-site newspaper, that she has a very long list of minor adjustments. She added that specifics are vital, and even a minor change, such as planting a new hedge, can create a significant improvement. The philosophy is simple: let the ground rest, and return with an even stronger event. This commitment to constant evolution ensures that when Glastonbury returns in 2027, it will be an even more magical experience.