The Sherlocks got Saturday off to a flying start, with frontman Kieron Crook saying “It’s a privilege to play here, as we’ve worked our way up the ladder from Festival Republic to Radio 1- it’s a real buzz playing this stage.”
They played a string of hits to warm the festival up, including Sing it Loud and Live for the Moment, and wound up the set with crowd-pleaser Chasing Shadows.
BBC Introducing saw an accomplished set by Gabe Coulter, including a stirring final rendition of I Heard a Whisper.
#Nuku Luk brought their signature style of electro-tinged rap rock to the 1xtra stage, while Dayglow performed a set full of sun-drenched, danceable pop.
The Lathums wasted no time in breaking into their set, kicking off with their usual fast-paced, guitar-driven rock and soaring vocals.
Frontman Alex Moore then took up a white and gold acoustic guitar for a more stripped-back performance of All My Life on Main Stage East.
A packed-out BBC Introducing saw a secret set from Loyle Carner, who brought out a guest for you You Don’t Know, and closed the set with Georgetown.
AJ Tracey took to the main stage shortly after, saying: “this is one of my favourite festivals, but I’ve only got half an hour set so I’ll try and fit it all in.”
His final song led to some of the biggest mosh pits the festival has seen so far.
Fontaines DC kept the energy going with their punk rock sensibilities whipping the crowd into renewed frenzy.
The band brought the sound that many associate with the classic rock acts of the festival’s history with corrosive, acid-washed guitar.
Another surprise set saw Pendulum take hold of the Dance Stage, including a brand new song.
Mid-way through, the band announced that they would be bringing in a special guest, before performing with Enter Shikari’s Ralph for a special collaboration.
While Sheffield’s Bring Me The Horizon was tearing up mainstage West, Glasgow-based powerhouse party rockers Uninvited shredded the BBC intro stage.
Ahead of their tour in September, the band burned through a tight, blistering set, including new single The Party Song, and politically charged Behind The Black Door.
A secret set from Pendulum saw them fill the Dance Tent, which broke into rapturous applause when the band welcomed Enter Shikari’s Rou Reynolds to the stage.
Meanwhile JPEGmafia was setting the Radio 1Xtra tent ablaze as he closed his set with his tribute to the now-defunct Brockhampton, before agreeing to an encore.
The encore of Call Me Maybe by Carly Ray Jepsen had the whole tent chanting along as he mixed the pop hit with his signature vocal effects.
Arctic Monkeys closed the evening on the Main Stage East, kicking off their set with the slow build of Do I Wanna Know.
After warming the crowd up, the band burst into the expected boisterous bombast with I Wanna Be Yours, swiftly followed by the creeping, bouncing Snap Out of It and Crying Lightning.
Midway through the set they slowed things down with Cornerstone, which had the crowd swaying and singing along.
Alex Turner, in his usual suit and tousled Pompidou haircut, complimented the crowd: “you’re looking good,” before slamming into a lurching rendition of Pretty Visitors.
After Why Do You Only Call Me When You’re High, they played I Ain’t Quite Where I Think I Am from their upcoming album, The Car.
With I Bet You Look Good on the Dance Floor, the set began to build to a crescendo, culminating in 505.
After a fake-out show closer, the band returned for One Point Perspective and Arabella, under a giant disco ball.
They closed the set, and the Saturday lineup, with their classic hit track, R U Mine?
Overall, Saturday saw some of the festival’s biggest acts at the top of their game and some of the weekend’s biggest surprises.
With Sunday’s acts yet to go, Charlie XCX, Bastille, Run the Jewels, Denzel Curry, and headliner The 1975 are still to come.
