Green Man Festival 2025 hit full swing, and a sun-drenched Saturday delivered a day packed with standout performances. Among them, CMAT’s long-awaited Welsh debut on the Mountain Stage was nothing short of monumental, drawing one of the biggest crowds in the festival's history. Describing the show as "one of the best of her life," the Irish star, draped in the Welsh flag, captivated festival-goers with her signature blend of wit and charm. CMAT and her band filled the stage with a vibrant energy, with the crowd two-stepping to hits like "I Wanna Be A Cowboy, Baby!" and "Take A Sexy Picture of Me," solidifying her place as a festival highlight.
As the sun set, electronic music legends Underworld, who formed in South Wales nearly four decades ago, closed out the night. Their pulse-pounding set, filled with techno beats and hypnotic visuals, culminated in a triumphant rendition of their hit "Born Slippy" that sent the crowd into a frenzy.
The day also featured remarkable performances from other artists who lit up the stages. On the Mountain Stage, Seattle's Perfume Genius entranced audiences with a captivating set from his critically acclaimed catalogue, while North Carolina's MJ Lenderman and his band The Wind delivered an electrifying, extended set of gritty indie-rock. Wales' own Gwenno mesmerized fans with her ethereal vocals and electronic soundscapes.
Elsewhere, the festival welcomed back familiar faces. 2024 Mercury Prize winners English Teacher returned to the Far Out stage, where crowds sang every word of their breakout anthem "Nearly Daffodils." Welsh surf-pop favorites Melin Melyn also sparked a technicolor dance party with their psychedelic flair. Over at the Walled Garden, emerging star Lucy Gooch left crowds breathless with her dreamlike ambient soundscapes, creating a magical atmosphere against the ancient stone backdrop.
Photo credit: Patrick Gunning
