Glastonbury kicked off with a bang with the viral star flowerovlove, who floating around the stage, looking positively angelic as their vocals soared up above the lonely hearts club at midday. Like the weather, their set list was light and windswept singing out their hit ‘Girl like me’ as well as newer songs like ‘Boys’ and even encouraging an audience karaoke version of Dancing Queen as the festival moved into full swing. The upbeat songs skimmed along the uneven path, drawing fans old and new with a cheerful band to back them.
Playing at the Glade, Bel brought the soul. Songs were performed such as ‘Unsafe house’ and a tribute from latest single ‘Comet’. Vocals as rich as ever, her slowed down cover of Bill Withers ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’ stretched and soared over the tent.
Amplified by a six piece band, the interaction was fun and felt by everyone in the room, special shout out to the trumpeter who added playful melodic motifs that glistened above the ensemble throughout Bel’s set.
Although there was a slight chill to the air, Bel Cobain’s blend of R&B runs and ballads brought sunshine to the chilly weather.
Woodsies was heaving for Kenya Grace, who played all of their hits, as the crowd leaned forward thirsty, Kenya seemed full of glee by the turnout, as the crowd sung their hearts out for tunes like her biggest hit ‘Strangers’ as well as an incredible remix of Britney Spears’ ‘Toxic’ with the green lasers to fit.
After a quick stretch and a bite, we headed back to Woodsies to witness the incredible Arlo Parks, who greeted their fans at the barrier and sang classic like Caroline with all the crowds swaying together, caught up in Arlo’s virtuoso.
With a brief look in at Leftfield, we came across Sprints, the irish band that brought hard heavy base and a punk anger to our current political climate.
Performing inside a circus tent on the Avalon Stage, Kate Nash brought out all kinds of camp and glitter, bejeweled from head to toe and starting off with a loud rendition of Foundations. With songs old and new, the crowd were mesmirised, as Nash jumped, crawled and kicked her way along each and every act of her incredible career. A prominent highlight of the night was when the crowd continued to repeat Nash’s lyric ‘Stop being a dickhead’ filled with delicious rage and catharsis.