As the sun rose over Worthy Farm on July 1, 2025, the sprawling Glastonbury Festival site began to empty out, marking the end of another vibrant chapter in its storied history. Over 200,000 music lovers, having immersed themselves in days of unforgettable performances and moments of both celebration and controversy, started their journeys home under a blazing 30C sky. The festival, which draws fans from across the globe to Somerset, will now enter a fallow year in 2026, giving the land time to rest before the next edition in 2027.
The final headline act, US pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo, delivered a stunning closing set on the Pyramid Stage the night before. Rodrigo's performance was a highlight of the weekend, featuring a surprise duet of The Cure's classic "Friday I'm in Love" with the band's frontman Robert Smith. The crowd was left breathless as fireworks lit up the night sky, and Rodrigo expressed heartfelt gratitude to the thousands gathered in person and millions watching remotely.
But Glastonbury 2025 was far from just music and merriment. The festival was marked by episodes of discord and heated political expression. Notably, punk duo Bob Vylan sparked controversy with chants of "death to the IDF" during their Saturday set, a statement that Avon and Somerset Police have since launched an investigation into. The BBC, which streamed the performance live, described the comments as "deeply offensive." Bob Vylan’s frontman, Pascal Robinson-Foster, stood firm on social media, stating, "I said what I said."
Irish rap trio Kneecap also drew police scrutiny after their provocative stage remarks, including calls to "start a riot" and explicit criticism of UK Labour leader Keir Starmer. The Prime Minister himself weighed in, condemning the remarks and demanding the BBC explain how such content was broadcast. Meanwhile, acclaimed singer-songwriter Kate Nash publicly praised Kneecap’s activism, emphasizing Glastonbury’s roots as a "political festival" centered on anti-corporate values and community spirit.
The festival’s atmosphere was an eclectic mix of highs and lows. Charli XCX, who faced accusations of miming and overusing autotune, dismissed the criticism as a "boring take," standing by her innovative performance style. Meanwhile, indie legends The Libertines experienced an awkward moment when their microphone was cut off after drummer Gary Powell displayed a Palestine flag on stage, highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding political expression at the event.
Other standout performances included Sir Rod Stewart’s nostalgic set on the Pyramid Stage. Stewart, who recently recovered from flu, delivered classics like "Maggie May" and "Forever Young," accompanied by guest appearances from Lulu, Mick Hucknall, and Ronnie Wood. An emotional tribute to Christine McVie was projected on the big screen, further underscoring the festival’s blend of reverence and celebration.
While the music and moments made headlines, the practicalities of closing down such a massive event came sharply into focus on Monday. Volunteers, easily spotted in their blue shirts, began the monumental task of cleaning up the site. They tackled thousands of discarded items ranging from paper cups and food containers to camping chairs, inflatable mattresses, and abandoned tents. Lee Jones, a litter picker from Poole volunteering for 15 years, found a pair of silver sparkly shorts during the clean-up and decided to wear them, adding a touch of festival spirit to the laborious work.
Hannah Collins, a volunteer at the Muddy Lane Campsite, explained that tents are no longer collected for charity as in past years, due to their incomplete or poor condition. Instead, festival-goers are urged to take all belongings home. However, leftover food donations were still welcomed and collected for Shepton Mallet Food Bank, reflecting the community’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and support.
The "Duck Gang," a group of volunteers clad in matching duck shirts, worked tirelessly to support SOS Africa, despite concerns about the intense heat. Angela Saxbee admitted feeling anxious about the amber heat health alert extended by the UK Health Security Agency until 9:00 BST on July 2. Kirstine Carr, a litter picking team leader attending her fifth festival, emphasized the importance of finishing clean-up swiftly to ensure everyone’s safety before temperatures peaked.
Travel conditions posed another challenge as thousands of attendees left the festival grounds. The A303 eastbound near Stonehenge experienced severe delays, with travel times stretching to around 65 minutes. Organizers advised leaving between midnight and 6:00 BST to beat the queues and heat. For those departing later, light clothing, sunscreen, and hydration were recommended to combat the expected 31C temperatures.
Traffic management plans directed vehicles from different parking areas along varied routes to ease congestion. Journey times on the A39 back to the M5 were estimated at a couple of hours, while trips on the A37 to Bristol could take up to four hours. Shuttle buses ran between the festival bus station and Castle Cary railway station, with queues expected but less severe than on arrival days. Additional bus services connected festival-goers to Bristol Temple Meads station.
Despite the logistical hurdles and controversies, Glastonbury Festival 2025 once again demonstrated its enduring appeal and cultural significance. Organizer Emily Eavis reflected on the event’s future, telling the Glastonbury Free Press, "We're always looking to make it better. The detail is critical. Even just a small touch – like putting a new hedge in – can make a real difference. And that's what fallow years are for: you lay the ground to rest and you come back stronger."
As the festival site settles into quiet for the year ahead, the memories of electrifying performances, impassioned protests, and the communal spirit of tens of thousands linger. Glastonbury remains a beacon for music lovers and activists alike, a place where art and expression collide under the Somerset sky.
