Glastonbury 2023, Saturday live: Lewis Capaldi pulls Ed Sheeran prank during Pyramid Stage set

Glastonbury continued in earnest on Saturday (24 June), with Rick Astley kicking off a Pyramid Stage line-up that today includes Lewis Capaldi, Lizzo, and Guns N’ Roses.

Later, UK pop star Tom Grennan celebrated his second No 1 album with a sun-drenched set on the Other Stage, while Britney Spears sparked a fan frenzy ahead of Elton John’s headline performance on Sunday.

The night before, Arctic Monkeys took to the festival’s main stage, marking the third time the Sheffield-formed band have headlined the festival. And Brighton-based rock duo Royal Blood performed on the main stage three weeks after their controversial gig at BBC Radio 1’s Biggest Weekend in May. Read Jazz Monroe’s two-star review here.

Meanwhile, US rock band Foo Fighters were confirmed as mystery band “The Churnups”, as they raced onto the Pyramid Stage for a raucous set comprising their biggest hits.

The BBC is broadcasting the festival across all of its main channels, including BBC Radio, iPlayer and BBC Sounds.

Glastonbury 2023 highlights

• Lewis Capaldi pranks the audience during his Pyramid Stage set

• Full lineup and stage times for Glastonbury 2023

• Billy Nomates asks BBC to remove footage from iPlayer after wave of ‘personal abuse'

• Too cool to love these acts 10 years ago? This year’s Glastonbury is for you

13:02 , Louis Chilton

A replacement was announced earlier for Japanese Breakfast, who withdrew from the festival this morning amid travel issues.

Eaves Wilder is currently taking their spot on The Other Stage.

12:47 , Louis Chilton

A matter of hours now until Elton John performs his last ever live set.

We’ve been told to expect four special guests.

Could Britney Spears be one of them? Stranger things have happened...

Britney Spears ‘drops clues’ she’s performing at Glastonbury

12:44 , Louis Chilton

A matter of hours now until Elton John performs his last ever live set.

We’ve been told to expect four special guests.

Could Britney Spears be one of them? Stranger things have happened...

Britney Spears ‘drops clues’ she’s performing at Glastonbury

12:21 , Louis Chilton

ICYMI: Mark Beaumont’s full review of Guns N’ Roses last night.

He didn’t mince his words...

Guns N’ Roses are frontrunners for the worst Glasto headliners of all time - review

11:51 , Louis Chilton

A very moving moment from Lewis Capaldi’s set yesterday...

11:31 , Louis Chilton

Glastonbury have issued some advice before what’s sure to be a sweltering day of music at Worthy Farm.

It’s hot enough here in London – I’m told the festival site was a “furnace” yesterday.

11:11 , Louis Chilton

This just in on social media: Japanese Breakfast have to cancel their set today. The band, led by Michelle Zauner, were struck by late-in-the-day travel issues.

“Well Glasto… we hustled out of Luxembourg at 9 pm, woke for customs at 3 am, and again for a 6 am ferry, hired an additional driver to floor it for our 12:30 set and due to various travel delays out of our control we are just not able to make it in time. We are devastated.

“I’ve always wanted to play Glastonbury and we did everything we could to be there. Hopefully we will be back for another year.”

Gutted for them.

11:03 , Louis Chilton

Checked in with The Independent’s people on the ground at Worthy Farm. Some fallout from Lana Del Rey’s abrupt ending...

“Summertime Sadness” was apparently one of the songs cut off.

“Lots of frustration in the press tent/hospitality that Lana got cut off, when she wasn’t exactly going to be keeping anyone in Exeter awake with her music...”

Here’s a full review of the (not so full) set, if you’ve not read yet:

Lana Del Rey’s Glasto set was a promising performance with a devastating end - review

10:32 , Louis Chilton

A wee look back at some of the highlights from yesterday.

Just one day to go – which will include Elton John’s final ever performance.

10:17 , Louis Chilton

Astley certainly had a ball yesterday.

This is a photo from the evening, after his full set of Smiths covers alongside Blossoms.

10:00 , Louis Chilton

Another moment from yesterday: the Red Arrows fly over Worthy Farm during Lewis Capaldi’s set

09:46 , Louis Chilton

Spotted during Guns N’ Roses’ set last night. They don’t make ’em like they used to...

09:30 , Louis Chilton

Here’s a look at the moment the crowd started singing Lana Del Rey’s “Video Games”, after her microphone was cut.

“I was so f***ing livid that I am about to rush this set today,” she said, shortly before the set finished.

“If they cut power, they cut power, I’m super f***ing sorry... my hair takes so long to do, I love you. Let’s keep on running this set as it’s supposed to go.”

Lizzo review, Glastonbury 2023: Life-affirming performance leaves you baffled as to why she wasn’t a headliner

09:01 , Kate Hutchinson

Glastonbury got it in the neck this year for its lack of women headliners. Watching Lizzo’s exceptionally glammy live performance ahead of Guns N’ Roses on the Pyramid Stage, you’re left baffled as to why she wasn’t in the top slot. Earlier this year she sold out two nights at London’s O2 Arena as part of a mammoth tour, won Record of the Year at the Grammys for her 2022 album Special, and was immortalised playing flute on The Simpsons. Her punchy power-disco-pop, zinging with self-love and sassy empowerment messages, is exactly the pep up Glastonbury needs after a burning hot day.

And Lizzo has more pep and fizz than a Berocca dropped in Prosecco. There’s Shirley Bassey drama as she enters to “Cuz I Love You”, dressed in an incredible PVC lace-up catsuit, and flanked by dancers in pink lamé. The song’s stellar high note, meanwhile, serves as a reminder that she is a singer and rapper with astonishing range. Beyond the high-concept slogans and fun choreography, Lizzo is an artist at the top of her game.

Lizzo’s Glastonbury set leaves you baffled as to why she didn’t headline – review

Guns N’ Roses review, Glastonbury 2023: Frontrunners for the worst Glasto headline set of all time

08:30 , Mark Beaumont

If Noel Gallagher’s wading into a Glastonbury headliner debate, you know matters are taking a significant turn. Back in 2008, Noel was “not having” Jay-Z headlining; this year, indie music’s sagest commentator finds it “crazy s***” that Guns N’ Roses are topping Saturday night’s bill. And this time, rather than his comments being brushed like dirt from the shoulder of progress, he has a point.

After 15 solid years of widening the cultural remit of Britain’s most legendary festival, booking Guns N’ Roses is Glastonbury’s biggest backward mis-step since Mumford & Sons. The festival could have honoured a rich and influential songbook, like those of the Pyramid Stage’s other heritage heroes Paul McCartney, Elton, Bowie or The Rolling Stones. But from the moment GN’R arrive – with uncharacteristic punctuality – to corny, cartoonish visuals of skulls in Slash hats, they represent everything dated, rockist, indulgent and macho that Glastonbury has rejected since its inception.

Guns N’ Roses are frontrunners for the worst Glasto headliners of all time - review

Too cool to love these acts 10 years ago? This year’s Glastonbury is for you

08:01 , Roisin O'Connor

They’re older, but that’s OK!” Bill, a 22-year-old from Bristol, is telling me his thoughts on Guns N’ Roses, this year’s Saturday night headliner at Glastonbury Festival, and a band potentially more ancient than the Sphinx. Bill, though, is unbothered. “You gotta have something for everyone, you know what I mean?” He’s en route to see his fave anyway. “Everyone’s seeing Fred Again, mate.” I nod politely.

No one can accuse this year’s Glastonbury of being the most cutting edge of events. Arctic Monkeys, Friday’s headliner, have long been in their elder statesmen era, while Elton John, headlining Sunday, is a genius but one who was probably at his peak in 1973. This is also just one more stop on his farewell tour (although he has promised an entirely different set), and nothing screams dance-floor mood-killer faster than imminent retirement. But as I make my way through throngs upon throngs of teenagers spilling through Worthy Farm as if Lord of the Flies met up with The Belles of St Trinian’s and everyone was wearing Day-Glo sunglasses, I realise this is a place built on specific kinds of nostalgia anyway. The age of the headliners is irrelevant when you’re on the ground.

Glastonbury fans think Paul McCartney might be one of Elton John’s surprise acts

Lana Del Rey review, Glastonbury 2023: A promising performance with a devastating end

07:30 , Roisin O'Connor

Lana Del Rey’s Glasto set was a promising performance with a devastating end - review

‘I’ve had enough’: Rina Sawayama appears to takes swipe at Matty Healy during Glastonbury set

07:00 , Roisin O'Connor

Rina Sawayama seemingly took a swipe at The 1975 frontman Matty Healy during her Glastonbury 2023 set.

While introducing the song “STFU!” on the festival’s Woodsies stage, the 32-year-old Japanese-British artist made reference to Healy’s recent racism controversy, as well as his self-admitted pornography habits.

Crouching on the floor, Sawayama said: “Tonight, this goes out to a white man that watches Ghetto Gaggers, and mocks Asian people on a podcast... he also owns my masters... I’ve had enough.”

Rina Sawayama appears to takes swipe at Matty Healy during Glastonbury set

Lewis Capaldi review, Glastonbury 2023: An emotion-charged singalong of everyman heartache

06:01 , Roisin O'Connor

Despite having to cut his set short, Capaldi still managed to pull off one of the most moving moments at Glastonbury this year.

Read Mark Beaumont’s three-star review:

Lewis Capaldi’s Glastonbury set was an emotion-charged singalong - review

Lewis Capaldi teases Glastonbury fans with fake Ed Sheeran announcement

05:30 , Roisin O'Connor

Britney Spears ‘drops multiple clues’ she’s en-route to Glastonbury

05:01 , Roisin O'Connor

Britney Spears ‘drops clues’ she’s performing at Glastonbury

Billy Nomates performs at Glastonbury

04:30 , Roisin O'Connor

Glastonbury 2023: Full line up and stage times for Sunday at Worthy Farm, from Elton John to Lil Nas X

04:00 , Roisin O'Connor

Glastonbury 2023: Full line up and stage times

Rick Astley covers AC/DC’s ‘Highway to Hell’ on drums during impressive Glastonbury set

03:30 , Roisin O'Connor

Glastonbury fans think Paul McCartney might be one of Elton John’s surprise acts

03:00 , Roisin O'Connor

Glastonbury fans believe they may have uncovered the identity of one of Sir Elton John’s four guest collaborators during his headlining act.

John is set to perform his last ever UK show at the Worthy Farm festival on Sunday 25 June, which also marks his debut on the Pyramid Stage.

While the musical acts began on Friday 23 June, Glastonbury co-founder Emily Eavis opened the festival gates to attendees on Wednesday 21 June. This year’s hefty line-up includes performers such as Lana Del Ray, Lizzo, and Cat Stevens, with headlining acts by Arctic Monkeys, Guns N’ Roses, and John.

Rina Sawayama appears to call out The 1975 frontman Matty Healy over podcast controversy

02:30 , Roisin O'Connor

Lizzo review, Glastonbury 2023: Life-affirming performance leaves you baffled as to why she wasn’t a headliner

02:00 , Roisin O'Connor

Lizzo’s Glastonbury set leaves you baffled as to why she didn’t headline – review

Guns N’ Roses review, Glastonbury 2023: Frontrunners for the worst Glastonbury headline set of all time

00:53 , Roisin O'Connor

A painful two stars in this withering but brilliantly written (and well argued) review of Guns N’ Roses by Mark Beaumont:

Guns N’ Roses are frontrunners for the worst Glasto headliners of all time - review

And on that very dramatic note

00:21 , Roisin O'Connor

I’m ducking out to help edit our critics who’ve filed their Guns N’ Roses and Lana reviews... Thanks all for following along and see you again tomorrow!

Lana Del Rey’s set has been cut short!

00:09 , Roisin O'Connor

This is astonishing, it’s absolute chaos down at the Woodsies stage as Lana’s set was cut, after she started her set 30 minutes late. Fans are screaming and crying, and Lana is trying (not very successfully) to get them to sing a cappella. You can’t hear a word she’s saying.

Lana Del Rey appears to blame the 30-minute delay on her hair

23:49 , Roisin O'Connor

Unless I heard that wrong, Lana seemed to say just now that it was her hair that caused the 30-minute hold up on her set tonight.

“I was so fucking livid that I am about to rush this set today,” she said. “If they cut power, they cut power, I’m super fucking sorry... my hair takes so long to do, I love you. Let’s keep on running this set as it’s supposed to go.”

Rina Sawayama appears to takes swipe at Matty Healy during Glastonbury set

23:30 , Roisin O'Connor

Rina Sawayama seemingly took a swipe at The 1975 frontman Matty Healy during her Glastonbury 2023 set.

While introducing the song “STFU!” on the festival’s Woodsies stage, the 32-year-old Japanese-British artist made reference to Healy’s recent racism controversy, as well as his self-admitted pornography habits.

Crouching on the floor, Sawayama said: “Tonight, this goes out to a white man that watches Ghetto Gaggers, and mocks Asian people on a podcast... he also owns my masters... I’ve had enough.”

Full story:

Rina Sawayama appears to takes swipe at Matty Healy during Glastonbury set

23:02 , Louis Chilton

Judging by Twitter, fans are having their patience tested by the “Summertime Sadness” singer...

Lana is late...

22:45 , Roisin O'Connor

... for a very important date! Lana Del Rey, babe, where you at?

Rina Sawayama ramps up the drama

22:42 , Adam White

Rina Sawayama’s hour set was a throwback riot, the singer-songwriter and actor embracing outrageous theatricality on a festival budget: costume changes, wind and fog machines, a tearaway suit hiding a latex corset (plus whip) underneath.

Sawayama is undeniably a student of the pop form, riffing on everyone from Shania and Gaga to Evanescence and Loreen throughout her hour — but when the effect is this good, it doesn’t matter all that much.

Highlights include the dreamy “Lucid” (“This song is about queer masturbation!” she boasts in her intro), along with the show’s line dancing closer “This Hell”. “It’s pride month and I’m wearing latex and my p**** is about to pop out,” she yells.

Surprise best show at the festival this year?

Rina Sawayama appears to call out Matty Healy during her set on Woodsies

22:11 , Roisin O'Connor

Rina Sawayama, currently slaying over on the Woodsies stage, just took a moment before going into her song “STFU”.

Remarking on how she’s sick of microaggressions, she said: “Tonight, this goes out to a white man that watches Ghetto Gaggers, and mocks Asian people on a podcast... he also owns my masters... I’ve had ENOUGH.”

In case you missed the story earlier this year, The 1975 frontman Matty Healy went on the controversial Adam Friedland podcast, where he engaged in some unsavoury conversations with the hosts that included derogatory comments about women, racism towards Asian people, and a number of remarks about rapper Ice Spice, including several attempts at guessing her ethnicity.

Healy was, until recently, a director at the UK record label Dirty Hit, until his role was terminated on 4 April 2023. Sawayama has been signed to the label since 2019. Following Healy’s podcast appearance, she commented on an Instagram post discussing it: “What the actual f***.”

Matty Healy sparks backlash over podcast interview that mocks Japanese people

Spotted: Macca watching from side of stage

21:54 , Roisin O'Connor

Rumours are swirling that Paul McCartney will come out for a session with GNR at some point. My source confirms that he’s currently watching their show from the side of the stage.

I just asked people on Twitter what they reckon of the set so far.

“I know its Glasto but Lizzo into GnR is a Venn diagram I’m not sure exists,” says Brandon Egley. “Might liven up when they reach the hits, bit deep cuts so far...”

“Mick Hucknell is giving a good go,” Cameron Clark-Dhir says, rather generously.

My colleague Jacob, who’s onsite, just told me he found getting away from the Pyramid Stage to head to the Acoustic Stage was “a doddle” when it’s usually impossible, which is telling...

And from Julian Stockton: “Surely the real question is why they were booked at all? They don’t care about Glastonbury, it’s clearly just another gig for them. You should ask Emily and Nick why they thought they were Saturday night headliners. Blaming the band seems to be missing the point doesn’t it?”

I’m not sure about that - I think if you say yes to headlining Glastonbury you’re putting yourself up for criticism, no? I’ve spent the months building up to this calling out festival bookers for that very reason, as well, so I think I’m covered.

Countdown to Guns N’ Roses on the Pyramid Stage

21:22 , Roisin O'Connor

I’m not sure quite how they’ll follow Lizzo’s set, but Guns N’ Roses are scheduled to take to the Pyramid Stage in the next 10 minutes. I need surprise guests, I need the biggest hits, and I need them to turn up on time.

21:13 , Louis Chilton

Dave Grohl’s been busy this weekend... the Foo Fighters frontman joined the Pretenders on drums for a rendition of “Tattooed Love Boys”

20:58 , Louis Chilton

Lizzo fans have all been saying the same thing after that barnstorming performance.

“Nahhh this is a headline set from Lizzo,” one wrote on Twitter. “Should have been top of the bill, I’m so embarrassed for the men who have to follow her.”

I guess the ball’s in GNR’s court now...

Lizzo fans say singer ‘should have headlined’ Glastonbury after knockout performance

20:39 , Louis Chilton

For anyone wondering when Guns N’ Roses will be making their way onstage.

Not too long to go, but a bit of a wait - imagine everyone will need a minute to catch their breath after Lizzo anyway.

Everything you need to know about Guns N’ Roses at Glastonbury 2023

‘Happy Pride, bitch!'

20:14 , Roisin O'Connor

This is going to go down as one of the best Glastonbury sets in history. Lizzo isn’t putting a foot wrong, from the Coldplay cover (from her song, “Coldplay”) to the flag she brought out to celebrate Pride Month, to the flute performance to the all-round spectacle of it. This is pure joy, and I’m actually mad that Glastonbury didn’t book Lizzo to headline this year. She could have done it - just look at the crowds, they’re going absolutely nuts!

Lewis Capaldi review, Glastonbury 2023: An emotion-charged singalong of everyman heartache

20:02 , Mark Beaumont

Despite having to cut his set short, Capaldi still managed to pull off one of the most moving moments at Glastonbury this year.

Lewis Capaldi’s Glastonbury set was an emotion-charged singalong - review

Badly Drawn Boy moves fans at the Acoustic Stage

19:43 , Adam White

Glastonbury is very good at reminding you of artists far better than you may remember them being.

Case in point: Badly Drawn Boy, the alias of singer-songwriter Damon Gough, who packed out the Acoustic stage on Saturday afternoon with a set of melancholy classics from the peak of his commercial success, and some newer tracks.

The instantly recognisable “Silent Sigh” is dedicated to his brother, who died of cancer at the peak of Covid. “Something to Talk About” — immortalised in the Hugh Grant vehicle “About a Boy” — is a sweet highlight.

Gough is also lovely company, very dryly introducing many of his tracks with mention of the advertising campaigns they soundtracked. “This was in one for the electronics company Comet,” he says of “All Possibilities Still”.

“Edith Bowman narrated it.”

Didn’t we used to have it all?

Lizzo wows on the Pyramid Stage!

19:40 , Roisin O'Connor

Oh Lizzo, how we love thee. She just hit the biggest note on the Pyramid Stage and is currently proving to everyone that she should have headlined this year. It’s About Damn Time.

Maggie Rogers takes it to church on the Other Stage

19:27 , Adam White

Maggie Rogers recorded her second album, last year’s Surrender, in Bath — a stone’s throw from Glastonbury and one of the many reasons she’s buzzing through her Other Stage set.

Rogers is a fantastic performer, shimmying around the stage and belting out tracks like she’s in church. Her sexy, anthemic “Want Want” goes down a storm, as does her closer, a bouncy rendition of single “That’s Where I Am”.

Much like her two albums so far, her set is one of two halves. Rogers is a lot more fun as a performer — and seems to be having a better time — on the uptempo alt-rock numbers that defined Surrender.

The lo-fi ballads that dominated her first album, 2019’s Heard It in a Past Life, are less arresting for a festival crowd — those vocals, in any case, are staggering.

The Manic Street Preaches recall their first ever set at Glastonbury

19:18 , Roisin O'Connor

From my colleague Jacob, watching Welsh rock band the Manic Street Preachers play the Other Stage.

Frontman James Dean Bradfield remembers the band’s late lyricist and rhythm guitarist Richie Edwards, who disappeared the year after the Manics made their Glastonbury debut in 1994.

Bradfield says everything that could have gone wrong did go wrong during that set, and it was “f***ing amazing”.

A lot of love for Lewis Capaldi after he was forced to cut his set early due to vocal trouble

18:59 , Roisin O'Connor

‘Stop f***ing crying'

18:50 , Roisin O'Connor

Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi brought his signature sense of humour to the Pyramid Stage on Saturday (24 June) at Glastonbury 2023.

The Grammy-nominated musician took to the main stage at Worthy Farm, Somerset, ahead of evening performances from US pop star Lizzo, and headliners Guns N’ Roses.

He played hits including his recent single “Forget Me”, from his No 1 album Broken by Desire to be Heavenly Sent, before which he managed to prank the audience into thinking his friend and co-writer Ed Sheeran was about to join him.

Singing 2019 single “Before You Go”, a ballad dedicated to his aunt, Capaldi found time to quip to the audience: “Stop crying. Stop f***ing crying.”

Full story:

Lewis Capaldi orders fan to ‘stop crying’ as he sings ‘Before You Go’ at Glastonbury

The Manic Street Preachers are about to play the Other Stage

18:45 , Roisin O'Connor

Meanwhile you’ve got Lizzo coming up on the Pyramid at 7.30pm, Ezra Collective at 7pm on West Holts, and a mystery set on the Park Stage at 7.45pm.

Full set times and stage performances here:

Glastonbury 2023: Full line up and stage times

If you’re not watching Lewis Capaldi...

18:09 , Roisin O'Connor

Go see The Pretenders, says producer/mixer extraordinaire David Wrench. Trust him, he has great taste (also me, because I’ve seen them twice this year and they were brilliant both times).

Raise your hand if you’ve felt personally victimised by Lewis Capaldi

17:58 , Roisin O'Connor

I fell for that prank before too, so don’t worry if you broke your neck to see if Ed Sheeran was coming out onto the stage. Oh, Lewis. As ever, his stage shows are half music, half comedy, as I said in my review of his Cardiff gig earlier this year.

Lewis Capaldi kicks off tour with a show that’s half music, half comedy – review

Look at the size of that crowd!

17:42 , Roisin O'Connor

Jesus, that’s a lot of people. Lewis is handling it like a champ, though, opening with recent single “Forget Me” (banger, I love it).

Lewis Capaldi to play the Pyramid Stage ahead of Lizzo and Guns N’ Roses

17:25 , Roisin O'Connor

Scotland’s finest, Lewis Capaldi, is about to take to the Pyramid Stage for the biggest show of his career to date. This slot comes after the release of his latest No 1 album, Broken By Desire to Be Heavenly Sent. His last Glastonbury appearance was a glorious riposte to some criticism from Noel Gallagher... what’s he going to do this time?

An interesting thread on Arctic Monkeys last night, and some additional thoughts from yours truly

17:16 , Roisin O'Connor

Everyone’s still talking about that Arctics headline set last night, along with this thread, which many seem to think chimes in with why not everyone was happy about the performance.

While I’m pretty much 100% in agreement with the fact that most artists want to develop and change over time, and that often means changing up the live performances of their classic / best-known songs, I don’t believe that’s why last night didn’t go down so well with everyone.

I think the problem last night was the band seemed to suffer a palpable loss of energy about five songs in. There was a shift - you could see it on TV and there were mutterings in the audience at the same time. At points the band seemed to be going through the motions.

Maybe it was because Alex was still feeling under the weather, having only just recovered from acute laryngitist. As a longtime tonsillitis sufferer, I can sympathise with how unpleasant that is and guess that he wasn’t back to 100% by the time Arctics stepped onto the Pyramid Stage. Also, maybe it was because the band did the same set they’ve been doing on tour and so they treated it like another gig.

Either way, I think that’s the reason people felt let down and not because they didn’t play “Arabella” the way fans wanted. Artists also need to remember that only a fraction of people watching your festival set are diehard fans. The rest might know some of your music, others none at all. You need to work twice as hard to win them over, which includes playing “the hits”. Radiohead brought out “Creep” and “Paranoid Android” in 2017 (also their third time headlining). The Cure played “Lovecats” and “Friday I’m in Love” in 2019. And I don’t think that generosity and understanding that festivals are a unifying, community experience was quite there yesterday. That’s my two cents!

Secret Sparks fans, where you at

17:06 , Roisin O'Connor

Too cool to love these acts 10 years ago? This year’s Glastonbury is for you

17:00 , Roisin O'Connor

Adam White braves the festival crowds, toilets and ‘special guest’ rumours – Cate, Britney, Dua Lipa – for the first time since he was seven and finds Worthy Farm steeped in nostalgia

Too cool to love these acts 10 years ago? This year’s Glastonbury is for you

Britney Spears sparks fan frenzy over latest Instagram post

16:40 , Roisin O'Connor

Britney Spears’s Instagram activity has convinced some fans the American pop star is headed to Somerset for her Glastonbury Festival debut.

Rumour has it that Spears is one of Sir Elton John’s four guest collaborators, who will perform with the singer during his debut headlining performance this weekend.

Full story:

Britney Spears ‘drops multiple clues’ she’s en-route to Glastonbury

Rick Astley covers ‘Highway to Hell’ on drums during impressive Glastonbury set

16:20 , Roisin O'Connor

The full lineup and stage times for today

16:00 , Roisin O'Connor

Glastonbury 2023: Full line up and stage times

Amadou & Mariam are killing it on the Pyramid Stage

15:30 , Roisin O'Connor

Married Mali music legends Amadou & Mariam are generating infinite good vibes on the Pyramid Stage right now.

One fan writes: “They need to be a staple at every festival, their vibes are stupid good.”

Glastonbury fans think Paul McCartney might be one of Elton John’s surprise acts

15:00 , Roisin O'Connor

Speculation is rife over who Elton John could bring out for what will undoubtedly be a spectacular final headline show at Glastonbury.

My colleague Maanya spotted some fans who are convinced Sir Paul McCartney could be one of them.

Glastonbury fans think Paul McCartney might be one of Elton John’s surprise acts

Billy Nomates asks BBC to take down Glastonbury footage after wave of ‘personal abuse’

14:34 , Roisin O'Connor

Singer-songwriter Billy Nomates asked the BBC to remove footage of her Glastonbury 2023 set after being hit with a wave of online abuse.

The 33-year-old musician, real name Tor Maries, performed at the festival’s Park Stage on Friday afternoon (23 June).

However, after footage from her set was shared online, she was faced with a number of disparaging and abusive comments.

My colleague Louis Chilton reports:

Billy Nomates asks BBC to take down Glastonbury footage after ‘personal abuse’

13:15 , Louis Chilton

A guide to the most brutal set clashes this year – and some possible workarounds.

Of course, there’s always BBC iPlayer.

The 7 most brutal set clashes at Glastonbury 2023

13:00 , Louis Chilton

Just heard in the circus tent, per The Independent’s Jacob Stolworthy...

Compère: “Who here was at the Arctic Monkeys last night?”

*Crowd cheers*

Compère: “Were they good?”

*Deathly silence*

Seems like the set was just as divisive in person as it was on TV...

Arctic Monkeys accused of ‘butchering’ Glastonbury set

12:45 , Louis Chilton

He’s reportedly joining Blossoms for an unannounced set this evening.

Aside from word of mouth, news about who the performers might be is often shared via the Twitter account @Secretglasto, which claims to notify followers of suspected performances a few hours before they start.

For a complete guide to all the secret sets at Glastonbury 2023, check out The Independent’s guide here:

Glastonbury secret sets 2023: Rumours and how to find out who will play

12:23 , Louis Chilton

Astley is genuinely having the time of his life. And it’s obvious to everyone watching.

12:15 , Louis Chilton

Astley out on the Pyramid Stage now... and absolutely loving it

12:00 , Louis Chilton

Couple of on-the-ground tidbits from people at the festival:

Princess Beatrice was spotted in the DJ booth at the Rabbit Hole’s backstage party last night.

The compère at Woodsies just asked the crowd if they liked the change of name (the stage was formerly the John Peel stage), and was “loudly booed”.

The stage was renamed this year amid a controversy over the stage’s late namesake’s relationships with underage girls.

11:45 , Louis Chilton

Rick Astley on BBC Breakfast earlier. The “Never Gonna Give You Up” singer is heading onto the Pyramid stage in about 15 minutes.

He’s also rumoured to be playing a secret set this evening with Blossoms.

A “Rickastonbury” indeed...

11:31 , Louis Chilton

A flashback, for those feeling nostalgic.

The best performances in Glastonbury history:

The 22 greatest Glastonbury performances ever

10:59 , Louis Chilton

Loads of people voicing support for Billy Nomates (real name Tor Maries) on social media after her statement.

Really puts into perspective the kind of harm that a vocal minority can wreck – her set seems to have gone down a storm with most people.

10:29 , Louis Chilton

It’s the fashion roundup!

All the best looks from this year’s festival. Everything here from matching group outfits, to flower crowns, to... some kind of extravagant wingsuit.

See them all here...

Glastonbury 2023: All the best fashion at the biggest UK festival of the year

10:00 , Louis Chilton

In one of the more depressing turns of events at this years festival, yesterday afternoon’s set from avante garde musician Billy Nomates prompted a wave of “personal abuse” aimed at the musician online.

She’s been flooded with support this morning, from voices including Billy Bragg, Robin Ince and Edith Bowman.

Read more:

Billy Nomates asks BBC to take down Glastonbury footage after ‘personal abuse’

09:31 , Louis Chilton

What’s the weather looking like for the remainder of the festival?

Festivalgoers would be pleased to learn that the forecast is warm and mostly dry – and with only two days left to go, it’s hard to see any major changes from that.

Read more here:

A day-by-day guide to the weather forecast for Glastonbury Festival

09:02 , Louis Chilton

A clip from last night.

Did you catch the set on TV?

08:32 , Louis Chilton

For those wondering what’s on today, here’s a full breakdown of everything playing at Glastonbury.

Glastonbury 2023: Full line up and stage times

Read Jazz Monroe’s five-star review of Arctic Monkeys...

08:00 , Roisin O'Connor

Arctic Monkeys begin their Glastonbury Friday night headline set in darkness, an ominous pulse ringing across the rammed fields like an elevator ticking off levels in a Kubrick film. Alex Turner walks on in a severely unbuttoned white shirt and open suit jacket, his hair manicured like vintage Roy Orbison. The choice of opener – the gorgeously chilly, Portishead-esque “Sculptures of Anything Goes” – could not signal their transformation more clearly, nor their faith in the experimental bent of their latest two albums. Here is a song they could never have written last time they headlined Glastonbury, in 2013 – a bold choice that doubles as justification for their return, just two divisive albums later.

They move swiftly into the hyperspeed Brianstorm and a string of crowdpleasers such as “Don’t Sit Down ’Cos I’ve Moved Your Chair” – from 2009’s Humbug, and “Snap Out of It”, from 2013’s stratospherically popular AM – that show the depth of their catalogue. Turner is in strong voice, with no sign of the laryngitis that forced them to cancel a midweek show in Dublin and threatened, until the last minute, to derail tonight’s set.

Full review:

Arctic Monkeys at Glastonbury was a masterclass in subversive showmanship – review

‘Just play your belters!’ - Arctics accused of butchering their Glastonbury set

07:30 , Roisin O'Connor

On the night, some fans were disappointed at the lack of songs from Arctic Monkeys’ earlier albums, including Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not and Favourite Worst Nightmare. This was their third time topping the bill at the legendary festival.

Arctic Monkeys accused of ‘butchering’ Glastonbury set

Royal Blood review, Glastonbury 2023: Rock duo’s chest-puffing doesn’t make up for these riskless songs

06:00 , Roisin O'Connor

Good morning! Why not start your day with a read of Jazz Monroe’s withering take on Royal Blood:

Royal Blood’s chest-puffing at Glastonbury can’t make up for riskless songs – review

Mosh pit erupts during Royal Blood’s 2023 Glastonbury set

04:30 , Roisin O'Connor

Still one of the best voices in music, Kelis does not disappoint at her first headline Glastonbury show

04:00 , Roisin O'Connor

Kelis delivers a sublime Glastonbury set that is more party than show – review

Relive the moment Emily Eavis opened the gates to Glastonbury Festival 2023

03:31 , Roisin O'Connor

Is Glastonbury happening next year, and how do I get tickets?

03:01 , Roisin O'Connor

Why yes, Worthy Farm will be opening its gates once more in 2024!

Co-organiser Emily Eavis has already confirmed that they have one, possibly two, headline acts in the bag.

For those keen-beans among you who want to know how you can get your hands on tickets for Glastonbury next year, here’s our handy guide:

How to get tickets for Glastonbury 2024

Video: Glastonbury veteran showcases his quirky bike after arriving at festival

02:30 , Roisin O'Connor

See all the stage times for this year’s Glastonbury lineup

02:00 , Roisin O'Connor

The Glastonbury poster can be a tad overwhelming: so many great bands, so little time!

Fortunately, there’s a breakdown of sets according to each day / stage the acts are playing on.

Here it is!

Glastonbury 2023: Full line up and stage times

Drone footage shows how big Glastonbury really is

01:30 , Roisin O'Connor

Royal Blood review, Glastonbury 2023: Rock duo’s chest-puffing doesn’t make up for these riskless songs

01:00 , Roisin O'Connor

Royal Blood’s chest-puffing at Glastonbury can’t make up for riskless songs – review

Saturday 24 June 2023 00:48 , Roisin O'Connor

Kelis review, Glastonbury Festival 2023: A sublime, genre-hopping performance that is more party than show

Kelis delivers a sublime Glastonbury set that is more party than show – review

Wedding bells at Glastonbury 2023

Saturday 24 June 2023 00:30 , Roisin O'Connor

That’s me done for the night

Saturday 24 June 2023 00:26 , Roisin O'Connor

Thanks for following our liveblog this evening - I’ll be back tomorrow afternoon to guide you through the latest news, gossip, comment, reviews, pictures and video from Saturday at Glastonbury Festival.

Jazz’s take on Arctic Monkeys is expected any moment now - I’m as keen as you are to find out what he made of it.

Night for now!

The fans are getting restless

Saturday 24 June 2023 00:02 , Roisin O'Connor

After dragging out calls for an encore for 10 minutes, Arctics return with... another ballad. “I Wanna Be Yours.” Actually, Alex, the fans just want the hits. Come on, man, it’s a Glastonbury headline set, even Radiohead conceded to doing “Creep”. And don’t even get me started on Paul McCartney’s set last year. This, by comparison, is a real snoozefest.

Glastonbury 2023: Full line up and stage times

Friday 23 June 2023 23:50 , Roisin O'Connor

Your full guide to the festival’s mammoth line up, including headliners Arctic Monkeys and Elton John, plus major draws such as Lizzo, Lewis Capaldi and Lana Del Rey

Glastonbury 2023: Full line up and stage times

Apparently the Ancient Futures tent is where it’s at

Friday 23 June 2023 23:45 , Roisin O'Connor

Ben Bryant, one of our on-site team, says it’s all kicking off away from the Pyramid Stage.

“Nothing but vibes,” he says of the Ancient Futures tent, sharing a video clip that shall never see the light of day. Just because I’m scarred for life doesn’t mean you need to be, too.

‘Let’s leave the past behind’ - Alex Turner

Friday 23 June 2023 23:36 , Roisin O'Connor

Maybe I spoke too soon

Friday 23 June 2023 23:27 , Roisin O'Connor

OK, so I love Arctic Monkeys - nowhere near as much as my colleague, Jacob, but a fair bit. But things have definitely slowed down to a somewhat sluggish pace, I think. We’ve had the hits, sure, but all relatively sedate renditions, perhaps with the exception of “Brianstorm”. I wonder if it has something to do with Alex Turner’s vocal chords still being on the sore side, but also, he does tend to switch it up at their live shows.

On to “Do I Wanna Know?”

How fans are reacting to the Arctics’ set on social media

Friday 23 June 2023 23:07 , Roisin O'Connor

Foo Fighters thank Glastonbury festival-goers after Churnups set

Friday 23 June 2023 23:04 , Roisin O'Connor

This is shaping up to be one of the Arctics’ finest shows in years

Friday 23 June 2023 22:57 , Roisin O'Connor

I know we were all worried, but wow, what a spectacular return to Worthy Farm for the Arctic Monkeys. Perhaps there’s a slight strain to Alex Turner’s voice, but it’s barely perceptible as he croons his way around “Cornerstone” and “Arabella”, then hollers on hits including “Teddy Picker” and “Brianstorm”. The band are superb, responding to one another with near-psychic precision.

Royal Blood review, Glastonbury 2023: Rock duo’s chest-puffing doesn’t make up for these riskless songs

Friday 23 June 2023 22:37 , Roisin O'Connor

Two stars for Royal Blood’s Pyramid Stage set from Jazz Monroe, OUCH.

Sandwiched between a surprise Foo Fighters set and headliners Arctic Monkeys, Royal Blood take to the Pyramid stage Friday night in second billing – a milestone, or stumbling block, for any great band. But the stakes are higher still for the West Sussex duo, as they emerge from an international incident at Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Dundee, when singer Mike Kerr lashed out against a “pathetic” crowd that failed to appreciate their rock bona fides, before flouncing off stage with middle fingers raised.

The vainglorious outburst was rooted in the authenticity fetishism that is at the heart of every argument about rock’s supremacy – which explains its intrigue, and hilariousness, to a streaming-era audience that is broadly unfactional and genre-agnostic. Then again, in an age of asinine, media-friendly posturing, it was so uncalculated as to be almost admirable – a rare case of a band whipping up a PR storm, in these enlightened times, not by patronising pop-star women or consorting with far-right provocateurs, but through the old-fashioned medium of being a bit of a dick.

Full review:

Royal Blood’s chest-puffing at Glastonbury can’t make up for riskless songs – review

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website