Banksy, the legendary street artist, has made his mark at Glastonbury Festival over the years with bold, provocative installations that blend art with activism.

From critiquing animal rights to addressing immigration policies and racial inequality, Banksy's contributions to the festival have consistently sparked conversation and challenged audiences.

Here's a look at Banksy's unforgettable connection with Glastonbury Festival.

1998: Banksy's first Glastonbury artwork – "Fragile Silence"

Banksy's relationship with Glastonbury began in 1998 when he painted Fragile Silence, a 30-foot mural on the side of a mobile home. The artist reportedly completed this early work in exchange for two festival tickets, giving a glimpse of his future as a thought-provoking, socially conscious artist.

2005: "Lost Children" – Challenging authority

In 2005, Banksy created Lost Children, a provocative piece displayed at Glastonbury. The artwork depicted a grinning policeman helping a young girl in an implied illicit act. This installation challenged festival-goers to reconsider their perceptions of authority and societal power dynamics.

2007: "Portaloo Sunset"

At the 2007 festival, Banksy introduced "Portaloo Sunset," a Stonehenge replica constructed from portable toilets, humorously described by the artist as "a lot of monuments are a bit rubbish, but this really is a pile of c**p." Festival-goers dubbed it "Bog Henge," and it encouraged interaction, with attendees climbing and engaging with the structure throughout the event.

2014: "Sirens of the Lambs" – A moving critique of animal rights

In 2014, Banksy brought his controversial Sirens of the Lambs installation to Glastonbury Festival. The piece featured a livestock truck filled with plush toy animals emitting distressed cries, mimicking the sounds of animals being transported to slaughterhouses.

The installation toured the festival grounds, particularly during meal times, confronting attendees with the realities of animal farming.

Festival organiser Michael Eavis commented: "I don't know what he's trying to say. Our cows are all grass-fed, they live outside all the time. They're happy cows."

Despite the mixed reactions, Sirens of the Lambs sparked widespread discussion about animal welfare and the ethics of meat consumption.

2019: Stormzy's stab-proof vest – A symbol of social justice

During Stormzy's headline performance on the Pyramid Stage in 2019, the rapper wore a Union Jack-themed stab-proof vest designed by Banksy.

The vest highlighted issues of knife crime and racial inequality in the UK. Stormzy later described the collaboration as an honour, stating: "Last night I headlined Glastonbury in a stab-proof vest... Custom made by the greatest, most iconic living artist on planet Earth. The one and only BANKSY!"

This powerful visual became one of the defining moments of the festival, blending fashion, music, and art to deliver a poignant message.

2024: Migrant boat and Terminal 1 – A call for compassion

At the 2024 Glastonbury Festival, Banksy's work once again grabbed headlines with two significant installations:

1. Inflatable migrant boat:
2. During Idles' performance of Danny Nedelko—a song celebrating immigration—an inflatable life raft filled with dummy migrants was launched into the crowd. Banksy later claimed responsibility, using the stunt to highlight the dangers faced by migrants crossing the English Channel and critique the UK's immigration policies.

Home Secretary James Cleverly condemned the act as "vile and unacceptable," while Banksy defended the piece, citing the work of his rescue vessel, MV Louise Michel, which had recently saved 17 unaccompanied children in the Mediterranean.

1. Terminal 1:
2. Replacing the William's Green stage, this new area designed by Banksy celebrated migration and carried the powerful message: "No human is illegal." Styled as a repurposed airport terminal, Terminal 1 became a hub for festival-goers to reflect on the importance of compassion and inclusion.

Banksy and Glastonbury: Art that makes a difference

Banksy's contributions to Glastonbury Festival demonstrate the power of art to challenge perspectives and ignite meaningful conversations. From his early murals to large-scale installations, Banksy has consistently used the festival's global platform to address pressing social and political issues.

Whether critiquing the meat industry, highlighting knife crime, or advocating for migrant rights, Banksy's work has cemented his place as one of Glastonbury's most memorable and impactful artists.