Artist Banksy confirmed that a small boat crossing artwork at Glastonbury belongs to him following criticism from high-profile Conservative ministers. A small boat filled with migrant dummies in orange life jackets was hoisted into the crowd gathered to watch the band Idles play on the Other Stage at Worthy Farm on Friday night. Advertisement View this post on Instagram A post shared by Banksy (@banksy) Advertisement On Sunday, Banksy posted a video of the boat sailing through the crowd during the band’s set to his Instagram page.
Earlier in the day, UK home secretary James Cleverly and UK deputy prime minister Oliver Dowden hit out at the stunt. Advertisement Posting on X, formerly Twitter, Mr Cleverly said: “Small boats crossings are deadly and have cost the lives of too many people. “Festival-goers cosplaying as migrants, and celebrating the actions of people smugglers, while they party is awful.
Advertisement “Whatever your political views, this isn’t something we should trivialise.” The boat appeared, while the Bristol rock band were performing Danny Nedelko, a 2018 release which begins with the lyrics: “My blood brother is an immigrant, a beautiful immigrant.” Advertisement According to The Guardian, the band said the demonstration was devised by Bristol artist Banksy, and they were not aware it had happened until after the set had finished.
Joe Talbot, from Idles, performing on the Other Stage at the Glastonbury Festival. Photo: Ben Birchall/PA. The Gla.
