Glastonbury, June 28, 2024 – At the Glastonbury Festival, one of the world’s largest and most iconic music events the spotlight is not just on the music, but also on the political statements being made by its headlining stars.
Glastonbury stands with Palestine ????????❤️ pic.twitter.com/sIyH2IIUIV
— JonnyUtd (@Fx1Jonny) June 29, 2024
Dua Lipa, the renowned pop sensation, headlined the Pyramid Stage on Friday and made a pro-Palestine gesture by moving towards the ‘Glasto for Palestine’ flag during her performance, ensuring a spotlight for the Palestinian cause.
Lipa, known for her outspoken views on global issues, recently criticized military actions in Gaza, referring to them as "Israeli genocide." Her stance has garnered significant attention and support, especially at Worthy Farm, where a substantial pro-Palestine crowd is anticipated.
The 28-year-old singer, who boasts 88 million Instagram followers, reposted a graphic from Artists4Ceasefire last month with the hashtag #AllEyesOnRafah, condemning the bombing of the city in Gaza. "Burning children alive can never be justified. The whole world is mobilizing to stop the Israeli genocide. Please show your solidarity with Gaza," she wrote.
@PalBint being the one for Palestine #DuaLipa #Glastonbury pic.twitter.com/XGBf465Dsl
— Richard Lucas ???????? ???????? ???????? (@richard_jlucas) June 28, 2024
On Saturday, Coldplay’s Chris Martin invited Palestinian-Chilean star Elyanna to perform several songs with the band and other artists including British rapper Little Simz, Nigeria’s Burna Boy, and the globally acclaimed Nigerian musician Femi Kuti. Martin’s world peace speech in which he encouraged fans to send love to Israel, Palestine, Myanmar, Ukraine, or ‘Beautiful Russia’, was criticized by global netizens for its attempt at neutrality.
Other artists joined the chorus of support for Palestine earlier in the day. Charlotte Church performed on the Left Field stage, leading the audience in an improvised song that included the chant "free Palestine." Church, who wore a keffiyeh during her performance, expressed her solidarity with Palestinian mothers and children, earning rapturous applause from the crowd.
Charlotte Church sang ‘free Palestine’ with a crowd of hundreds as she led an improvised number with the audience during an intimate and politically charged appearance at Glastonbury Festival https://t.co/1Ct5OLeZ0b
— Nation.Cymru (@NationCymru) June 28, 2024
Charlotte Church's appearance at Glastonbury comes after she participated in a pro-Palestine march in London, where she faced threats to her safety. Despite this, she continues to voice her support for the Palestinian cause.
Blur’s Damon Albarn also made a surprise appearance, addressing the crowd with statements on Palestine, the upcoming General Election, and the U.S. presidential race. "Are you pro-Palestine? Do you feel that’s an unfair war?" he asked the audience, receiving a resounding cheer in response.
It goes without saying, that Glastonbury Festival stands in solidarity with Palestine and NOT with the genocidal israeli regime #Glastonbury2024 pic.twitter.com/MkEzW0cF7a
— Sarah Wilkinson (@swilkinsonbc) June 29, 2024
Idles, another band performing at the festival, led the crowd in an anti-monarchy chant and displayed a blow-up boat in a pro-immigration protest, highlighting the festival's politically charged atmosphere.
Damon Albarn speaking up for Palestine today at Glastonbury???????? pic.twitter.com/nsxy3aZHzQ
— tay (@hairball1952) June 28, 2024