Dua Lipa is expected to be supported by a huge pro-Palestine crowd at Glastonbury after her Israel genocide post – and she’s not the only one who’s shown support for Palestine at Worthy Farm today
Dua Lipa is expected to be supported by a large pro-Palestine presence, sources say.The singer has previously hit out at military operations in Gaza as “ Israeli genocide”.
A concentration of Palestinian flags are expected to greet her performance on the Pyramid stage. The 28-year-old previously said she repeatedly checked herself before making a statement, but did so if she felt it was for the “greater good” and worth the risk.
The Grammy award-winner last month reposted to her 88 million Instagram followers a graphic from the group Artists4Ceasefire, along with the hashtag #AllEyesOnRafah, which trended in the days after Israel ’s bombing of the city in Gaza.
She wrote: “Burning children alive can never be justified. The whole world is mobilising to stop the Israeli genocide. Please show your solidarity with Gaza.”
Earlier today at Worthy Farm, Charlotte Church and Blur’s Damon Albarn shared messages of support for the people of Palestine. Charlotte delighted festival goers as she 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.
The Welsh singer’s performance at Worthy Farm comes months after she said police had to check on her because her safety and that of her family has been threatened after she took part in a pro-Palestine march in London. The 38-year-old, who strongly denied claims of antisemitism at the time and voiced her support for Jewish people, joined Billy Bragg’s Radical Round Up at Worthy Farm’s Left Field stage today.
Wearing a long red dress, Church also had a keffiyeh, a traditional Arab headdress which has become a symbol of Palestine, over her shoulder. “Hiya babes lots of love from Wales my darlings,” Church said as she greeted the crowd. “I sort of want to give you the mic today… there’s so much untapped singing potential in you guys which we’re going to explore.”
Church told the crowd she would lead them in collaborative vocal improvisation, seeing her improvise lyrics over a chorus of humming from the audience. “It’s Friday at Glastonbury, all the adventures you’re going to have and the things you’ll see, music, dance and sing,” Church’s improvisation began.
“The spirit of expression… and now you can say that you performed at Glastonbury, sing it to me now.” The song ended with Church singing: “And I’m going to give some love and feeling to Palestine.” “To all the people and all the mothers and the children we are thinking of you, we carry you in our hearts. Free free Palestine, free free Palestine, free free Palestine, free Palestine.” The song ended to rapturous applause.
Later in the day, Damon Albarn shared messages about Palestine, the General Election and the battle for the White House as he made a surprise appearance at Glastonbury Festival. The Blur singer was invited on stage by Bombay Bicycle Club frontman Jack Steadman as the indie band performed on the Other Stage on Friday evening.
He was met with cheers by a crowd of thousands as he made three political statements. “It’s very nice to be here thank you – thank you to Jack and everybody,” Albarn said. “Three things – you have to show me how you feel about it – are you pro Palestine? Do you feel that’s an unfair war? The importance of voting next week – I don’t blame you for being ambivalent about that but it’s still really important. And thirdly – maybe it’s time we stopped putting octogenarians in charge of the whole world?” (Mirror)
