Glastonbury 2022: Six of the biggest talking points from the Worthy Farm festival

US rapper Kendrick Lamar’s headline set closed an impressive weekend of live music

Kendrick Lamar performs at Glastonbury

The final day at Glastonbury ended with a jaw-dropping performance by American rapper Kendrick Lamar.

Over the course of five days, fans had danced to performances by top artists such as Paul McCartney, Little Simz, Pet Shop Boys, Sam Fender, and Billie Eilish.

On the last day of the festival, George Ezra turned up at the John Peel stage in what was possibly the worst-kept secret set in Glastonbury history, while jazz-fusion legend Herbie Hancock delighted crowds relaxing at the Pyramid stage with a virtuosic performance.

Here’s a look back at six of the biggest talking points from the entire Glastonbury 2022 festival...

Roe v Wade

News of the US Supreme Court’s highly controversial legal ruling broke on Friday, and it was clearly on a lot of people’s minds at Glastonbury. It certainly didn’t escape the attention of the artists, many of whom were American. From Billie Eilish, to Phoebe Bridgers, to Olivia Rodrigo, to Kendrick Lamar, lots of the performers included powerful statements about abortion rights in their sets.

From the youngest ever headliner…

Eilish made history with her Friday night headline slot, delighting fans with an intimate but lively set of songs from the 20-year-old’s two albums. As the festival’s youngest ever solo headliner, the pressure was certainly on Eilish’s shoulders, but as Mark Beaumont’s five-star review attests, she pulled it off with aplomb.

Billie Eilish at Glastonbury 2022 (Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)

…to the oldest

On the other end of the spectrum, we had Paul McCartney, who delivered an absolute barnstormer of a set on Saturday. Performing a range of hits from his Beatles and Wings repertoires, as well as his solo career (and a couple of covers), Macca delivered a Glastonbury experience for the ages. At 80 years old, he became the festival’s oldest ever headliner.

Kendrick Lamar

Closing the festival on Sunday was Kendrick Lamar, who held the Pyramid Stage in the palm of his hand from the start of his electrifying, career-spanning set to the end. The stunning climax of his set – a rendition of “saviour” performed while blood dripped from his diamond crown of thorns, before he began a furious chant about women’s rights – was pure chills-down-the-spine stuff.

Ukraine

The ongoing war in Ukraine was also a core political issue for many of the festival’s acts and attendees. Ukrainian flags were spotted commonly around the festival site, with McCartney holding one aloft in solidarity as he took the stage for his encore. The Pyramid Stage also played host to Ukrainian band Dakhabrakha on Sunday, one of several Ukrainian artists the festival championed.

A little help from my friends…

While Kendrick’s set may have been all him, many of the festival’s other acts deployed some heavyweight guest stars. McCartney brought Bruce Springsteen and Dave Grohl on stage towards the end. Olivia Rodrigo welcomed Lily Allen for a duet of “F*** You”. Phoebe Bridges joined forces with Arlo Parks (who had her own full set at the festival) for a couple of numbers. Pete Doherty even showed up on stage during Hak Baker’s performance, having performed with the Libertines shortly before. It was a festival chock-full of unexpected – but thoroughly enjoyed – cameos.

Look back at our live blog below:

Glastonbury 2022 talking points

• Everything that went down at Glastonbury 2022
• Kendrick Lamar closes Glastonbury with powerful call for women’s rights
• Paul McCartney – the best Glastonbury has ever seen? The Independent’s review
• Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds review – Pyramid Stage
• Olivia Rodrigo and Lily Allen say ‘F*** You’ to the Supreme Court in smashing Other Stage performance

[23 June 2022 21:40 · Annabel Nugent]

Up to date weather forecast for Worthy Farm

It wouldn’t be Glastonbury without some rain. Hope you packed your wellies!

[23 June 2022 22:00 · Annabel Nugent]

Lineup and set times for this year’s biggest acts

Hundreds of acts are performing at Worthy Farm this weekend. Here’s a list of the big names that you’ll likely want on your radar – including when and where they’re playing.

[23 June 2022 22:20 · Annabel Nugent]

How to get tickets to the next Glastonbury festival

If you aren’t at Worthy Farm, by now the FOMO has likely set in and you’re wondering how to get tickets for the next Glastonbury.

Find out everything you need to know about 2023 registration here, including ticket prices and when they will become available to purchase.

[23 June 2022 22:40 · Annabel Nugent]

Glastonbury 2022 in pictures

Curious to see what this year’s festival looks like? See below for a rolling list of pictures from Glastonbury 2022.

Warning: If you didn’t have FOMO before, you’ll definitely feel it after seeing these photos.

[23 June 2022 23:00 · Annabel Nugent]

The 22 greatest Glastonbury performances ever, from Beyoncé to The Cure

Ahead of the glorious return of the world’s greatest festival, headlined this year by Paul McCartney, Billie Eilish and Kendrick Lamar, here’s a look back at the best ever Glastonbury performances.

From Patti Smith and Jay-Z to The Cure and The Smiths, here’s the 22 greatest sets of all time to take place at Worthy Farm – in our humble opinion, at least.

[23 June 2022 23:20 · Annabel Nugent]

Paul McCartney at Glastonbury: Day, time and stage details for musician’s second headline set

Paul McCartney is one of three headliners to be taking the stage this weekend.

The former Beatle will headline the Pyramid State alongside Billie Eilish, the festival’s youngest ever solo headliner, and Kendrick Lamar.

Find out when and where McCartney performs below.

This is the musician’s second Glastonbury headline performance after performing in 2004.

Speaking about that set, he said: “My best memory was that moment we walked out on stage, when we performed there in 2004. The sheer size of the crowd, and the banners and the flags that they all hold up which reminded me of the battle of Agincourt.”

[23 June 2022 23:40 · Annabel Nugent]

Glastonbury in pictures: Day 2

Between laughter yoga workshops, burning sunsets, and outrageous festival outfits, Glastonbury certainly makes for a brilliant photo opportunity.

Catch up on Day 2 of the festival in pictures below...

[24 June 2022 00:00 · Annabel Nugent]

Kendrick Lamar at Glastonbury: Day, time and stage details for rapper’s festival debut

A number of artists will be making their Glastonbury debut this year, but few are as highly anticipated as Kendrick Lamar.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper will headline the Pyramid Stage on Sunday, the final night.

His appearance follows the release of his critically acclaimed fifth album Mr Morale & the Big Steppers. You can read The Independent’s five-star review of the record here.

Find out the details for Lamar’s performance, including when and where his set will be, below.

[24 June 2022 00:20 · Annabel Nugent]

Up-to-date weather forecast for Worthy Farm

With a Yellow Warning issued for thunderstorms, anyone at Worthy Farm right now will no doubt be keeping an eye on the weather.

Worst comes to worst, though, what’s Glastonbury without some mess and mud?

Keep up to date with all the weather updates for the festival below.

[24 June 2022 00:40 · Louis Chilton]

For those not able to be there, here’s how to watch this year’s Glasto coverage on TV