Politics at Glastonbury: A ‘Festival Within a Festival’
While Glastonbury is world-renowned for its music, the iconic British festival has increasingly become a hotbed for political dialogue and activism a festival within a festival. Over the years, the Somerset-based event has attracted not just music lovers, but also campaigners, politicians, and social commentators. This year was no different, as political themes dominated both the official stages and the grassroots areas throughout the festival grounds.
One of the standout aspects of Glastonbury 2025 was the buzz around the Left Field stage, a long-standing hub for political discussion. Curated by activist Billy Bragg, the stage hosted talks on climate change, workers’ rights, gender equality, and the upcoming UK general election. Labour MPs, Green Party leaders, and grassroots activists joined artists and academics in dissecting current issues.
But politics wasn’t confined to speeches. Many musicians used their sets as platforms for protest. Singer-songwriter Olivia Dean paused her set to call for a ceasefire in Gaza, while indie rockers Idles gave an impassioned speech about rising inequality in the UK. Even larger acts like Dua Lipa and Coldplay wore badges or displayed banners supporting various causes, from trans rights to refugee protection.
Perhaps the most emotionally charged moment came from the Green Peace field, where festival-goers participated in a silent vigil for climate activists imprisoned abroad. Visual art installations across the festival site, including towering puppets and satirical billboards, added to the atmosphere of political awareness.
Social media also played a critical role, as clips from speeches and performances went viral. The hashtag #Glastopolitics trended for two days straight, with fans praising the festival’s commitment to activism. Not everyone agreed, though some critics argued that Glastonbury should focus on music and entertainment rather than turning into a political soapbox.
However, many festival-goers believe the politics are part of Glastonbury's DNA. “This isn’t new,” said attendee Zoe Matthews, 34, from Bristol. “Glastonbury has always been about more than just music. It’s about community, values, and speaking truth to power.”
With the UK in the midst of economic, environmental, and social upheaval, Glastonbury’s political stage has never felt more relevant. Whether attendees came for the music or the movement, one thing was clear: politics at Glastonbury is no longer an afterthought it’s a defining feature.
