Glastonbury Festival 2025 officially kicked off on Friday, June 27, with a packed schedule across its iconic stages. A central moment of the day was the highly anticipated return of Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi to the Pyramid Stage, two years after his 2023 performance on the same stage was curtailed due to his ongoing struggle with Tourette’s symptoms. His powerful and emotionally resonant set captivated the large audience, reportedly reducing many to tears as he navigated the performance.
Capaldi’s Triumphant Return
Lewis Capaldi’s appearance was one of the most discussed events leading into the festival. His decision to step back from touring following the 2023 Glastonbury set, where the crowd famously helped him finish songs, highlighted the challenges he faced. His return to the prestigious Pyramid Stage on Friday, June 27, was seen by many as a significant step and a testament to his resilience. Reports from the site described the performance as a ‘triumphant return,’ with Capaldi connecting deeply with the festival-goers.
The emotional impact of his set was widely noted, with numerous attendees recounting being moved to tears by his performance. Beyond his live appearance, Friday, June 27, also marked the release of Capaldi’s new single, titled “Survive.” The new track adds another layer to his artistic output following a period of hiatus, signaling new music for his dedicated fanbase while coinciding with his high-profile festival appearance.
Pyramid Stage Lineup
The Pyramid Stage, Glastonbury’s main arena, featured a diverse lineup throughout Friday, June 27. Alongside Lewis Capaldi, the day saw performances from several prominent artists. The evening culminated with headliners The 1975, bringing their acclaimed show to the vast festival audience. Earlier in the day, attendees were treated to sets from the legendary Canadian singer Alanis Morissette, British soul artist Lola Young, Irish singer-songwriter CMAT, and iconic American R&B group En Vogue.
Each artist contributed to the vibrant atmosphere of the festival’s opening day on the main stage, covering a wide range of musical styles and drawing large crowds.
Noteworthy Moments and Performances
Beyond the scheduled sets, Friday, June 27, featured moments that generated significant discussion across the festival grounds and online. Among these was the performance by Irish artist CMAT on the Pyramid Stage. During her set, CMAT engaged directly with the crowd, performing songs from her repertoire.
A specific moment during her performance saw CMAT chanting “Free Palestine,” a statement met with notable reaction from the audience. She also performed “Take A Sexy Picture Of Me,” a track announced as being from her forthcoming third album, tentatively titled “Euro-Country.” CMAT highlighted the song’s viral dance trend, further interacting with the festival crowd.
Surprise Acts and Album Debuts
Glastonbury is renowned for its surprise appearances, and Friday, June 27, delivered on this tradition. The Woodsies stage hosted a confirmed surprise act in the form of acclaimed artist Lorde. Her unannounced performance provided a special moment for those gathered at the Woodsies tent.
Lorde’s set was particularly significant as she performed her new album, titled “Virgin,” in its entirety. The performance coincided precisely with the album’s official release date, which was also Friday, June 27. This live debut offered festival-goers the first opportunity to hear the new material performed live, marking a key event for fans of the artist and adding another layer of excitement to the festival’s opening day.
Friday, June 27, at Glastonbury Festival 2025 set a high bar for the weekend, marked by emotional headline-grabbing performances, significant new music releases, and unexpected appearances across its many stages.
