At the iconic Glastonbury Music Festival, attended by over 200,000 fans, a wave of pro-Palestinian sentiment swept through the crowd as several artists, including renowned rapper Bob Vylan, openly condemned Israeli military actions and called for Palestinian freedom.
According to international media reports, the festival stage became a platform for activism as performers, surrounded by Palestinian flags, raised slogans such as “Free Palestine” and denounced the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF). The audience responded with loud cheers and solidarity.
British-Irish rap group Kneecap also joined in, stating during their performance, “The more we speak out, the more artists will follow.” The group emphasized the power of collective voices in demanding justice for Palestine.
A particularly notable moment came when Bob Vylan led the crowd in powerful chants against the Israeli military. These slogans were broadcast live by BBC, sparking controversy across the UK media. The BBC is now facing criticism for failing to censor or delay the transmission of politically sensitive content.
In response, a BBC spokesperson described parts of Bob Vylan’s performance as “highly provocative” and confirmed that the segment is no longer available for replay on any BBC platforms.
Meanwhile, the UK government condemned the incident, criticizing the artist for making anti-IDF statements at a public event. Law enforcement has also taken notice — Avon and Somerset Police have launched an investigation into the matter. Authorities are currently reviewing video footage to determine if any criminal offences were committed under UK law.
Glastonbury Festival, often celebrated as the country’s largest and most influential music event, drew over 200,000 attendees this year. The intersection of music, politics, and activism at this year’s edition has reignited debates on freedom of expression and the role of art in global conflict.
