Alternative pop-rock band The 1975 made their headline and Main Stage debut at Reading Festival this Friday night. They headlined the BBC Radio 1 Stage in 2016, and since then they’ve become one of the biggest and most important bands in the world.

The Brit award-winning band made an explosive entrance with a debut of angsty new track ‘People’ – an in-your-face punk anthem calling out for everyone to take action against climate change. “There’s not enough time for the universe”, frontman Matty Healy declares, as he uses his platform to shout about the shocking impact of climate devastation. Before the finale kicked off, their collaboration with environmental activist Greta Thunberg, ‘The 1975’ was played out, with the words of her very important essay plastered across the Main Stage screens. The band aren’t shy when it comes to political statements – with hit track ‘Loving Someone’ quickly becoming a pride anthem across the world.

With Matty’s iconic treadmill, groove-fuelled dancing and constant interaction with the crowd, their performance made for an unforgettable and intimate show. Matty was repeatedly thankful for the crowds support on their big night, but we should be the ones thanking him.

Highlights included ‘Give Yourself a Try, ‘Somebody Else’ and hooky dance indie classics ‘Chocolate’, ‘Sex’ and ‘Girls.’ Each track was met with screams from the crowd who were equally as excited as the band for them to be headlining this year’s festival.

The 1975 rounded off Friday’s music in style with feel-good anthem ‘The Sound’, which left the crowd screaming for more. Coupled with an incredible light show and mesmerising performance – The 1975 have certainly proved their worth and cemented their place as the perfect choice for a headliner for years to come.