SIR Elton John said goodbye to the Yellow Brick Road (in the UK, at least) in unforgettable fashion as he closed Glastonbury 2023.

There was Elton fever wherever you looked at Worthy Farm on Sunday, as hundreds of people donned replicas of his most iconic outfits and accessories before his Pyramid Stage set – his final live show on these shores.

It was standing room only as the Rocket Man, 76, shone in his gold suit, joined by four hotly anticipated special guests throughout his two-hour set.

Watched by thousands live and 7.3 million more on the BBC, he said: “I never thought I would ever play Glastonbury, and here I am.

“It’s a very special and emotional night for me because it might be my last show ever in England, so I had better play well and I had better entertain you.

“You’ve been standing there so long, and I really appreciate all the outfits and everything.”

Somerset County Gazette: There was plenty of confetti and fireworks as Sir Elton closed the historic set with ‘Rocket Man’.There was plenty of confetti and fireworks as Sir Elton closed the historic set with ‘Rocket Man’. (Image: PA)

And he didn't disappoint: his near-endless list of classics flew by.

As night drew in, the crowd savoured ‘Benny And The Jets’, ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’, ‘Your Song’, ‘Crocodile Rock’ and ‘I'm Still Standing’.

Rumours had been rife about collaborators such as Dua Lipa or Britney Spears joining him on stage, but Sir Elton instead chose to perform with four of his friends.

Jacob Lusk of Gabriels was the first to be welcomed to the Pyramid to sing ‘Are You Ready For Love?’, before Sir Elton was joined by US singer Stephen Sanchez to perform Sanchez’s song ‘Until I Found You’. 

The Killers frontman Brandon Flowers got the biggest reception of them all when he came out to help Sir Elton perform his 1971 smash hit ‘Tiny Dancer’.

Somerset County Gazette: Sir Elton and Brandon Flowers embrace after singing ‘Tiny Dancer’ together.Sir Elton and Brandon Flowers embrace after singing ‘Tiny Dancer’ together. (Image: Ben Birchall, PA Wire)

Japanese-British singer Rina Sawayama was his final guest, dueting ‘Don’t Go Breaking My Heart’, the studio version of which starred Kiki Dee.

Sir Elton then treated the crowd to ‘Cold Heart’, his 2021 dance-pop collaboration with Dua Lipa, who was present only in videos shown on the big screens. 

There was a touching moment towards the end, when Sir Elton paid tribute to George Michael on what would have been his 60th birthday.

Before singing ‘Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me’, he said: “I want to dedicate this to his memory and all the music that he left us with, which is so beautiful.”

Somerset County Gazette: There was standing room only at the Pyramid Stage, and hundreds of fans wore their best Elton-inspired outfits.There was standing room only at the Pyramid Stage, and hundreds of fans wore their best Elton-inspired outfits. (Image: Ben Birchall/PA Wire)

Before closing the show with an extended, fireworks-laden version of ‘Rocket Man’, he thanked the crowd for the love and loyalty they have shown him over 52 years.

“I want to thank you for all dressing up in your costumes and your glasses and your outfits. It makes me feel so happy,” he said.

“It's been an amazing journey and I've had the best, best time. I will never forget you. You're in my head and my heart and my soul.”

After the emotional show, he wrote on Instagram: “Thank you Glastonbury!

“The energy last night was like nothing else, and I couldn’t be more grateful to the crowd and the people watching at home for all your love and support.

“You will be in my heart and soul forever. UK, what a farewell. I love you.”

Somerset County Gazette: Night drew in as Sir Elton performed his countless hits in front of a massive audience.Night drew in as Sir Elton performed his countless hits in front of a massive audience. (Image: PA)

Festival co-organiser Emily Eavis wrote: “Elton John closing the Pyramid last night was an incredible moment in our history.

“The field was full of joy and love. The show was majestic, just unbelievable. A magical moment indeed.”

Former County Gazette editor and Glastonbury Festival devotee Paul Jones has written a book charting the first 50 years of the event’s history, featuring the memories and experiences of dozens of artists who have performed at Worthy Farm.

View From The Stage: 50 Years of Glastonbury by the People that Played has been described as a “brilliant collection of beautifully-written interviews” about some of the festival's brightest and quirkiest moments.

Interviewees include members of Oasis, Status Quo, Napalm Death and Toploader.

You can buy the book online for £6.50 (including UK P&P) HERE.