What began as a celebration of music and culture has become a powerful platform for political resistance. This year’s Glastonbury Festival in the United Kingdom witnessed an extraordinary surge in support for the Palestinian people, with artists using their performances to challenge British complicity in the ongoing assault on Gaza.

Despite mounting pressure from government officials, including Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, organisers refused to silence acts known for their pro-Palestinian stance. Irish rap trio Kneecap returned to the stage undeterred, met with thunderous cheers and a sea of Palestinian flags. Their set was notably absent from BBC coverage, prompting outrage as millions turned to social media to watch livestreams and share messages censored by mainstream outlets.

In a rare moment broadcast by the BBC, artist Bob Vylan stunned viewers by calling out the Israeli army and the broadcaster itself, leading chants of solidarity that echoed through the crowd. British singer Jordan Stephens appeared with his mother, both draped in Palestinian symbols, while artist Jade openly denounced the UK’s role in arming Israel, calling it a partner in the suffering of Gaza’s people.

Official backlash was swift. The Israeli Embassy condemned the artists, and British police launched an investigation into what they labelled “incitement.” But for many, these accusations only underscored the desperate attempts to stifle a growing movement.

From festival fields to global screens, voices of resistance are refusing to be silenced. The shifting tone in British cultural spaces reveals a deeper reckoning, one where art, music, and youth are pushing back against a legacy of occupation, and where the call for Palestinian freedom is no longer confined to the margins.