The (wished for) downpours failed to dampen the festival spirit, and Green Man was in full swing on Friday, with an eclectic mix of music and comedy entertaining festivalgoers here in the Usk Valley.
Photography: Nici Eberl/Oliver Chapman/Marieke Macklon
Wilco brought the evening to a memorable close on the Mountain Stage, returning to headline the festival 17 years after their previous top-billing appearance. Their 20-plus-song set spanned a remarkable 30-year career, with favourites including ‘Handshake Drugs’, ‘Via Chicago’ and ‘I’m the Man Who Loves You’, alongside newer material from their 2023 album, Cousin.
Earlier, Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy made a surprise appearance during Dry Cleaning’s set. Together, they performed ‘My Soul/Half Pint’ for the first time, following Tweedy’s contribution to the group’s 2026 album, Secret Love.
Elsewhere on the Mountain Stage, Shame delivered an energetic dose of post-punk, while Westside Cowboy made the leap from the Rising stage, where they had made their Green Man debut just a year earlier. New Zealand artist Aldous Harding also captivated the crowd with songs from her new album, Train on the Island, during her only UK festival performance of 2026.
The Far Out stage demonstrated the breadth of Green Man’s musical offering, with Norwegian electronic duo Smerz followed by lively festival favourites Getdown Services and the distinctive deadpan technopop of Baxter Dury.
Comedy also played a major part in Friday’s programme. Joe Lycett brought his sharp humour and mischievous wit to the Last Laugh stage, while audiences were also entertained by Stewart Lee, Bridget Christie, Josie Long and rising star Jack Shep.
Now in its third decade, Green Man continues to bring an extraordinary mixture of music, comedy, film, literature, science and the arts to the Black Mountains. The independently owned Powys festival welcomed around 25,000 people each day and sold out in just 60 minutes – before a single performer had been announced. As well as attracting visitors from around the world, Green Man is estimated to contribute £28 million to the Welsh economy, while its Courtyard provides an important showcase for independent Welsh breweries and food producers.
