This is a Glastonbury of round numbers. The youngest ever headliner, Billie Eilish, is 20. The oldest, Paul McCartney, is 80. If not for two years of Covid this festival would have been the 50th anniversary. “We’ve been through some shit,” said St Vincent during her extraordinary Friday sunset performance, “but miraculously we’re here”.
McCartney’s delayed return to Glastonbury (he last headlined in 2014) has been stoked even hotter by his birthday celebrations and heroic role in the Get Back documentary. He could have coasted to glory on his reputation and songbook alone, but McCartney doesn’t coast. He is still competitive enough to want to exceed himself.
