It was a very special year at Glastonbury. After two years of cancellations, the iconic festival returned to Worthy Farm in Somerset to celebrate its 50th anniversary. All the familiar faces were there; Alexa Chung arrived clad in her customary Barbour jacket and Sienna Miller appeared dressed as though indie sleaze never fizzled out.
Although, not even the joy of Glastonbury's comeback could render it immune from our current tumultuous political climate. Since the festival coincided with the US Supreme Court's ruling against Roe v. Wade, musicians like Billie Eilish and Phoebe Bridgers used their platforms to speak out against this violation of human rights. Meanwhile, activist Greta Thunberg took to the mainstage to deliver a powerful warning on climate change. As for the rest? Below, find 5 moments you may have missed from Glastonbury Festival.
1. Olivia Rodrigo and Lily Allen dedicate "F*ck You" to the US Supreme Court
Anyone with access to social media would have clocked this moment on their feeds. During her set on Saturday evening, Olivia Rodrigo brought Lily Allen onto the stage as a special guest. The two teamed up to deliver a rendition of Allen's iconic song "F*ck You", with Rodrigo dedicating it to the Justices on the US Supreme Court that voted in favour of overturning Roe v. Wade.
“So many women and so many girls are going to die because of this," she said. "I wanted to dedicate this next song to the five members of the supreme court who have showed us that at the end of the day, they truly don’t give a shit about freedom. The song is for the justices: Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas, Neil Gorsuch, Amy Coney Barrett, Brett Kavanaugh. We hate you!" Get 'em.
2. Greta Thunberg gave a powerful climate address
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Of all the political messages delivered at Glastonbury, one of the most memorable came from Greta Thunberg. The climate activist took to the Pyramid Stage after a set from Haim, emboldening attendees with chants of "climate justice" and urging them to take action. On Instagram she shared part of her speech, which read, "We are approaching the precipice and I would strongly suggest that all of those who have not yet been greenwashed out of our senses to stand our ground. Do you not let them drag us another inch closer to the edge. Right now is where we stand our ground."
3. Diana Ross delivered an iconic performance
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Taking over the longstanding "Legend slot" Diana Ross injected the Pilton dairy farm with glamour, a kind that could only come from the glittering queen of disco herself. According to The Guardian, her set consisted of all the classics such as "I'm Coming Out", "Baby Love", "Upside Down" and even a cover of Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive". Are we jealous? You bet.
4. Kendrick Lamar wore his Tiffany & Co. crown of thorns
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Following its debut at the Louis Vuitton SS23 Menswear collection in Paris, Kendrick Lamar decided to bring his custom Tiffany & Co. titanium and pavé diamond headpiece to the rolling hills of Somerset. Modelled in the image of a crown of thorns, religious iconography that points to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the affiliation has drawn scrutiny from Christian worshippers. However, Lamar defends the piece, one he created in tandem with Dave Free, saying it "is a godly representation of hood philosophies told from a digestible youthful lens".
Closing out Glastonbury on the Sunday, Lamar was another musician to speak on reproductive rights. During his set, where he played tracks from his new album Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, he sung the song "Savior", telling the crowd it was his favourite track from the new album because it was about "imperfection". He then continued to explain that he wears the crown of thorns as a reminder that "they judge you, they judge Christ", repeating the words and adding, "Godspeed for women's rights!"
5. Billie Eilish is the youngest headliner in the history of Glastonbury
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Billie Eilish's presence at the top of Friday night's bill meant she was the youngest to ever headline Glastonbury. Of course, she delivered with a history-making performance. It was breathy and high octane, with the lights turned low and the crowd deeply transfixed. Eilish played songs from Happier Than Ever, and had a word or two to say about the state of abortion laws in the US too.
Images: @oliviarodrigo
