Download and Isle Of Wight passed without at hitch, and in case you hadn’t noticed the heavens have opened and that must mean it’s time for the granddaddy of the festival season Glastonbury!

So whether you’re camping in the mud and in need of inspiration or wondering who to watch on the BBC, we’ve gathered three of our finest writers to offer their top picks and name the weekend’s unmissable sets.

So let’s get to it…

David Hayter

The One Act You Have To See:

Beyonce (21:45, Sunday, Pyramid Stage)

Beyonce has almost flown under the radar this year in the wake of U2-gate, but make no mistake she is the event, and the spectacle. This is pop/r’n’b at it’s most serious and brazen, this is not Lady Gaga’s mad cap stage show, this is straight laced power pop, and finding out whether Queen B conquerors the Pyramid Stage or becomes it’s next victim will be a must see event.

She has an incredible, wrenching voice, there is no doubting that fact, but it’s also her greatest weakness. She over-sings, blasting away the subtlety of some of her most shapely written album tracks to the point where her music can become unlistenably annoying. In the live arena, this penchant could leave Worthy Farm crowd cold, or it could bowl them over as Beyonce plays to the back row with piercing ballads “Halo” and “If I Were A Boy”.

I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I know I can’t wait to hear Queen B and a legion of backing dancers belting out “Run The World”, and I’m curious to see what will happen when she attempts “Sex On Fire” and “Bohemian Rhapsody”. It could be a disaster, it could be a triumph, but one things for sure; it will be a Glastonbury moment, because eyebrow raising bookings is what Michael Eavis and Glastonbury are all about.

The Act You Might Not Know, But You Probably Should See:

Nicholas Jaar (13:45, Saturday, West Holts)

Space Is Only Noise… was one of the funniest, coolest and sexist electronic albums of 2011, and up and till now, Nicholas Jaar has been confined to the Deejay decks, but come Glastonbury, he’ll be performing live and showcasing his critically acclaimed materiel. So if you’re a fan of sublimely minimal beats, a sly sense of humour, and haunting atmospherics, go give Nicholas Jaar your support, I’m sure he’ll need it in the early morning sunshine (fingers crossed).

John Grant (18:30, Sunday, The Park)

Okay so sue me with so much on offer I couldn’t pick just one, how could I resist giving some love to John Grant. The former Czars lead singer produced one of last year’s finest offerings, The Queen Of Denmark. A heartbreaking and hilarious LP that saw Grant coming to terms with his homosexuality and his awkward outcast nature. Midlake were on hand to provide a wonderful score to help fully realize Grant’s show stopping croon and incisive lyricism. John Grant is a must see.

Do: See someone unexpected!

It’s Glastonbury, you have all this choice, don’t play it safe, don’t watch the same old same old that you get at every festival. Even if you’re sitting at home, mix it up! Also be nice to Lily Allen/Cooper if you bump into her.

Don’t: Get too drunk!

No I’m not a buzz kill, but it’s Glastonbury, and you have to pace yourself, there will be a day with 18 bands you want to see, and the last thing you want to do is wake up at 4pm with a hangover, and miss all those acts who you’ll never find in the same place ever again.

Tom Brooks

(Lead Guitarist For The Missive)

The One Act You Cannot Miss:

Paul Simon (16:30, Sunday, The Pryamid Stage)

The now regular Sunday lunchtime legend slot has thrown up some great names in the past (Tom Jones and Shirley Bassey anyone?), and this year sees American Singer-Songwriter Paul Simon take to the Pyramid Stage at this year’s Glastonbury Festival. Severely underrated as a guitarist and possibly one of the best Songwriters of the past 40 years, Paul is bound to entertain with so many great songs in the wings. This definitely promises to be one of the most memorable and enchanting sets of the weekend.

The Act You Might Not Know, But You Probably Should See:

City And Colour (21:15, Avalon Stage, Sunday)

I struggled to really think of anyone THAT unknown to suggest as there’s a lot for me personally on this year’s lineup, which I just haven’t had the time to explore. I would like to throw City and Colour out there though, Dallas Green’s (Alexisonfire) acoustic solo project has been slowly gathering pace and recognition over the past couple of years and a high up slot on the Avalon stage shows the progress he’s been making under the City and Colour guise. I would highly recommend anyone with a gap in their schedules on Sunday evening to try fitting in City and Colour if you can!

Do: Take time to explore everything else Glastonbury has to offer aside from the music, I know I will!

Don’t: Watch Brother!

Lewis Lowe

The One Act You Have To See:

Wu Tang Clan (15:00, Friday, The Pyramid Stage)

If there is one set this weekend that cannot be missed it has to be Wu Tang Clans Friday Main stage billing. After Snoop Doggs highly successful booking last year there is no hip hop act better to take the reins than Staten Island’s finest and the Pyramid Stage definitely won’t know what’s hit it. The group which consists of GZA, Method Man, Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, U-God, Masta Killah, Inspectah Deck and RZA (Making his only appearance of the European tour at Glastonbury) rose to fame in the early 90’s off the back of their critically acclaimed debut album Enter The Wu Tang: 36 Chambers and have since continued to please the fans and critics alike with their gritty style of Hip Hop. Despite the death of highly popular and hugely influential band member Ol’ Dirty Bastard in late 2004 the ‘Clan have remained a great live act pleasing fans all over the world and Glastonbury Festival will be no exception. Expect a very lively performance and a great reception for these true Hip Hop Legends.

The Act You Might Not Know, But Probably Should See:

Lykke Li (20:00, Sunday, The Park Stage)

Glastonbury Festival is a great place for discovering artists by accident or off the back of a sly recommendation, and an act that will surely prove popular this year is Lykke Li. Playing The Park on Sunday evening Swedish songbird Lykke offers a great escape in the form of melodic and sometimes haunting vocals whilst also having great crossover appeal with her mix of Indie, Electro and Pop material. Recent appearances on Jools Holland and high praise from current artists including Glastonbury favourite Tinie Tempah have only enhanced Lykke’s growing reputation, be sure not to miss out on one of today’s hottest young artists by heading along to The Park on Sunday evening to see what the fuss is about.

Do: Explore! Glastonbury is an amazing place rammed to the brim with things to do and that’s not even including the music! Make sure you take time to explore the site and what else it has to offer whether it is the Big Top Circus or Bez’s Acid House, there is something for everyone.

Don’t: Peak Too Soon! If there is one thing you really don’t want to do at the festival then its peak too early, with gates opening to the masses on Wednesday and the majority of punters leaving on Monday morning the festival spans five days. Going crazy on the first night may feel great at the time but when you have numerous very long days to look forward to over the weekend it’s always a good idea to try and pace yourself.