Pulp’s surprise headline set at Glastonbury Festival was elevated to unforgettable heights when the Red Arrows performed a striking flypast above the Pyramid Stage during their iconic song “Common People.”
Revealed as the secret “Patchwork” act, the Sheffield band kicked off their set with energetic renditions of “Sorted For E’s And Wizz” and the anthemic “Disco 2000” from their acclaimed 1995 album Different Class. Festival-goers enthusiastically sang along as “Pulp Summer” lit up the stage backdrop. Other fan favourites included “Spike Island,” “Acrylic Afternoons,” and “Do You Remember The First Time?”
The unforgettable climax came as Pulp launched into “Common People,” their defining hit. At precisely the right moment, the Red Arrows jet formation roared overhead, creating a uniquely British spectacle that social media described as “peak British” and “the best place on earth.” Fans flooded online platforms with excitement, praising the impeccable timing and the surreal fusion of music and aerial display.
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This special performance also marked 30 years since Pulp stepped in for The Stone Roses at Glastonbury following guitarist John Squire’s accident, adding a layer of nostalgia to their set. The band paid homage by showcasing footage from their legendary 1995 performance as part of their modern-day appearance.
For many festival-goers, the combination of Pulp’s classic Britpop set and the iconic Red Arrows flypast was a once-in-a-lifetime moment—an extraordinary celebration of British culture and music at one of the world’s greatest festivals.