You’re smart people. You don’t need us to tell you that Arctic Monkeys smashing out a glitzy greatest hits set on the Pyramid stage will be brilliant or that Elton John’s last ever UK show will be one for the history books, even if Dua Lipa, Eminem and Harry Styles don’t show up for it.
But beyond that, the Glastonbury 2023 is a sprawling, hodge-podge of living legends, shining new talent and unexpected gems, which is where we come in. We’ve rounded up the top ten sets you absolutely must see at Glastonbury 2023 (or watch on iPlayer at a more convenient time). You’re absolutely welcome.
The Last Dinner Party
Sure, people may turn up at the newly named Woodsies tent because of the online buzz The Last Dinner Party have been generating in recent months but live is where this band flourish. They have their origins in the vibrant South London scene but quickly evolved into something far more theatrical and extravagant than your typical guitar band. Watching them turn 10,000 people into true believers is worth the price of admission alone.
Woodsies, Saturday 11:30 – 12:15
Maggie Rogers
It’s impossible to think of an album more perfect for Glastonbury than Maggie Rogers’ ‘Surrender’. Twisting heartache, fear and desperation into something far more free-spirited and empowering, this set has magic written all over it.
Other Stage, Saturday 17:15 – 18:15
Maisie Peters
Maisie Peters has basically been in training for her slot on Glasto’s Pyramid Stage after spending the past year playing stadiums around the world with Ed Sheeran. To make it even more exciting, Maisie’s brilliant second album ‘The Good Witch’ is out the very same day and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate than thousands of people falling under her spell.
Pyramid Stage, Friday 13:15 – 14:15
VLURE
Some dark corners of the internet claim that VLURE are kickstarting the pill-punk scene but all we know is that their pulsating, electro-punk is going to absolutely tear Glastonbury apart.Their music is vicious and euphoric while their live show only dials up that ferocity. Condensing all that energy into a 30-minute set means that VLURE are going to hit hard, then harder, then you’ll probably need a lie down.
BBC Introducing, Saturday 15:50 – 16:20
CHVRCHES
For an album born out of the horrors of lockdown and the misery of life in general, CHVRCHES’ ‘Screen Violence’ has gone on to become a real beacon of light over the past two years. The band’s prestigious slot at Glastonbury is the last UK show of this entire era and you know the trio will want to say goodbye with a blood-soaked, glitter covered bang.
Other Stage, Friday 18:45 – 19:45
Lizzo
The people’s Saturday night headliner is Lizzo. Sure, Guns N’ Roses have a handful of classic rock anthems in their back pocket but I think we all know Lizzo’s jubilant pop and defiantly empowering attitude to live music in general is going to make her set an absolutely unmissable experience.
Pyramid, Saturday 19:30 – 20:30
Rina Sawayama
Social media may be tying itself in knots asking “where are all the headliners of the future”, but Glastonbury goers just need to head to the Woodsies tent on Saturday night to see one of the most interesting, vibrant and kick-ass pop stars around. Musically, Rina is an ambitious, unpredictable force but live, she’s never anything else but top tier. Let’s meet back here next week and talk about how she’s an obvious future bill-topper.
Woodsies, Saturday 21:00 – 22:00
CMAT
There are two types of people in the world. Those who love CMAT, and those who haven’t seen her yet. If you’re the former, you already know CMAT’s live shows are an all-out spectacle of humour and cowboy bangers, while if you’re yet to be converted, it’s probably best to get it done sooner rather than later.
Woodsies, Sunday 12:30 – 13:30
Nova Twins
The UK metal scene is going through something of a renaissance right now and leading the charge are breakout stars Nova Twins. Fresh from a phenomenal set at the spiritual home of metal, Download Festival, the duo are set to bring their hammering rock & roll to Glastonbury’s Other Stage and our money’s on them absolutely owning that mammoth space.
Other Stage, Sunday 13:45 – 14:30
Lovejoy
For a while, Lovejoy could put in a good claim for being the world’s biggest cult band but in recent weeks, it seems the secret is very much out. Their sun-drenched, emo anthems are perfect for a Sunday afternoon but the relative confines of the BBC Introducing Stage might prove an issue unless you turn up early. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
BBC Introducing, Sunday 18:00 – 18:30
Glastonbury 2023 runs from 21st to 25th June.
