Glastonbury highlights: Liam Gallagher, Chic and Katy Perry impress revellers, while opinion remains split over Ed Sheeran

Sunday morning got off to a remarkably loud start

Katy Perry wowed the audience (Getty)

Where last year's Glastonbury was filled with dread thanks to the Brexit vote and sloshy mud, this year’s atmosphere has been utterly jubilant in comparison. Not only have the gods graced Worthy Farm with barely any rain, but Jeremy Corbyn's triumphant appearance has set everyone alight.

Widely publicised chants of ‘Oh, Jeremy Corbyn’ echoed out countless times around the campsite, silent discos and before bands take to the stage. ‘That man's a f**king legend’, Loyle Carner told his sizeable audience midway through his excellent set on the John Peel Stage.

Of course, Glastonbury is certainly not about politicians. We’re here for the music, and this year hasn’t disappointed.

Kicking off Thursday was Circa Waves, warming up for Everything Everything – the two groups playing the William's Green secret sets. Having performed an apparently storming set in London the night before, Everything Everything repeated exactly that, blasting through some excellent songs from the upcoming album. Meanwhile, the festival’s nightlife was wide awake, with electronic beats blasting from the Beat Hotel into the early hours.

Come Friday, and Glastonbury was in full swing, starting with The Pretenders on The Other Stage – a highlight for all. Soon after, newcomers Blossoms and The Lemon Twigs played the Pyramid and John Peel stages respectively, winning over legions of new fans through showmanship and great tunes.

Despite a triumphant show from Royal Blood – the duo celebrating their second album reaching number one – Future Islands mark one of the day’s finer sets, their frontman bringing raw emotion to every song. Then, with Radiohead as the day’s headliners, Thom Yorke’s crew split opinion among festivalgoers.

“I love Radiohead so much, I thought it was great,” says one 20-something year old woman with braided hair. Conversely, another punter “walked away” early because of the deeper cuts. For those who waited for the hit-laden second encore, though, patience was certainly rewarded.

Saturday kickstarted with The Bootleg Beatles on the Pyramid Stage, a welcome singalong as they played through Sgt Peppers... with a backing orchestra. “I went on my own and had an absolute blast,” says a bandana-wearing man, singing their praises.

Soon after on the John Peel Stage was another band hoping to take over the world: the heavy Inheaven, blasting through a solid set. Thundercat then took to West Holts, playing extended, jazzy versions of Drunk tracks.

A mad rush later, and the biggest crowd of the festival has arrived for man-of-the-hour, Corbyn, giving a startlingly positive speech featuring digs at Donald Trump and calls for world peace. “Highlight of the weekend,” says festivalgoer Paul. “Or perhaps Foos. I dunno, mate, Corbs is a hero. We were all buzzing.”

Following Run the Jewels, our kid Liam Gallagher plays a rip-roaring set on the Other Stage, featuring an acoustic version of Oasis’ ‘Don't Look Back In Anger’. A subtle dig at the brother? Almost certainly.

At the same time, Katy Perry knocked out the hits on the Pyramid Stage, dozens forgetting just how many of her songs they actually know. “I f**king love K-Pez,” someone shouts midway through 'Roar'.

Then, a one-two punch from two of the biggest bands of the moment: The National into Foo Fighters. Both have hugely charismatic frontmen, Grohl looking particularly awestruck by the huge crowd. A ten-minute singalong to 'Best of You' later and the band cemented themselves as an excellent choice for theGlastonbury headliner.


 Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl at Glastonbury 2017 (Getty)
 (Getty Images)

Sunday morning marked a remarkably loud start, with Slaves opening the Other Stage with a rapturous set. Across the farm, Laura Marling played the Pyramid Stage, the majority of the bleary eyed crowd sitting down to be serenaded.

Excitement for Barry Gibb into Chic was been split somewhat by rumours that The Killers might have been playing the TBA at the John Peel Stage. A Sunday afternoon of disco hits or Indie anthems? “I'm gonna stay for Chic, ’cause it‘s nice innit,” says Lewis – something many agree with.

Opinion also remained split on Ed Sheeran. “I’ll would have a bop to 'Shape of You', but I’m not waiting around when Justice are on,” says Alex. Another festivalgoer called Sheeran one of the “worst headline act choices ever”.

Conversely, Nikki went for “a bit of a boogie.” “There’s just no one else who appeals to me,” she added, her cohort also excited for the singer-songwriter.