Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in Somerset has always been at the forefront of celebrating diversity and inclusion, and June 2024 is no exception! In an unprecedented move, the festival has introduced a new area called Terminal 1, described as a repurposed airport celebrating migration and a place where “No human is illegal”, replacing the old William’s Green stage.
Terminal 1 – Manifesto
None of us can take credit for where we were born. None of us have the moral right to deprive our fellow humans of resources and opportunities just because they happened to start life somewhere else. And that’s it.
To hold this feeling in our hearts – whenever we talk about migration it should be from a position of kindness, humility and good grace.
Terminal 1 honours Glastonbury’s travelling history and community spirit and creates space for a modern-day travelling community – migrants.
Image Copyright GraffitStreet
This innovative addition of Terminal 1 exemplifies the festival’s ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion, offering attendees an immersive and thought-provoking experience. However, the Welcoming chairs at Terminal 1, adorned with unwelcoming spikes, are best left unoccupied.
Image Copyright GraffitStreet
What sets Terminal 1 apart is that you must answer a question from the UK government’s citizenship test to gain entry via ‘UK Border Control—’ UK Visas and Immigration. ‘
Image Copyright GraffitStreet
Good luck, everyone, and I hope you pass!
Q- Where are you?
Image Copyright GraffitStreet
This bold initiative aims to celebrate migration and promote a deeper understanding of the challenges and experiences migrants face. Once at the Terminal, the most intriguing and obvious aspect is that it has the hallmarks of a Banksy curation. The elusive artist is known for his thought-provoking and often controversial artworks, and Terminal 1 highlights the UK’s Rwanda Policy.
Image Copyright GraffitStreet
Terminal 1 is a space where art, music, and social commentary intersect to create a truly immersive and impactful experience.
Image Copyright GraffitStreet
Terminal 1 draws crowds eager to witness the fusion of art, music, and activism.
Image Copyright GraffitStreet
The artist’s reputation for challenging societal norms and sparking critical conversations through his art sets the stage for a groundbreaking experience within Glastonbury’s already vibrant and eclectic atmosphere.
Image Copyright GraffitStreet
The fusion of art and activism promises to spark important conversations and reflections on the theme of migration, and attendees can gain a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of human experiences that migration brings.
Glastonbury Founder Dairy Farmer Sir Sir Michael Eavis from Worthy Farm. Image Copyright GraffitStreet
In addition to the visual arts, Terminal 1 has an electrifying musical lineup in partnership with two iconic events that hold significant cultural importance in the UK’s African-Caribbean community: Notting Hill Carnival in west London and St Pauls Carnival in Bristol.
Image Copyright GraffitStreet
Those attending Terminal 1 can engage with thought-provoking artists such as Love Watts, Yoshi Sodeoka, and Turner Prize winner Mark Wallinger, who was awarded the 2007 Turner Prize for State Britain, a replica of Brian Haw’s protest peace camp outside the Houses of Parliament against policies towards Iraq. Read more about Brian Haw in our blog here.
Image Copyright Adrian Paci – Glastonbury 2024
Image Copyright Graffitistreet
Terminal 1 is not just a new addition to the festival; it represents a powerful statement about the transformative potential of art, music, and collective experiences in promoting understanding and unity in an increasingly interconnected world.
Image Copyright Graffitistreet
The welcome seats in Rwanda feel far more inviting compared to the uncomfortable, spiky seating in Terminal 1 Heathrow!
Image Copyright Graffitistreet
If you’re at Glastonbury, make sure you come over to experience Terminal 1! It’s been a blast!
Image Copyright Graffitistreet
“Terminal 1” has demonstrated impeccable timing with its conceptual art installation, which coincides with the upcoming UK general election on July 4th, just a week away! The timing of this piece couldn’t have been more perfect! You simply couldn’t bet on it!
Banksy has not officially confirmed the curation of Terminal 1. Check his Instagram for flight updates. However, Banksy has confirmed his involvement with the inflatable migrant boat crowd surfing at Glastonbury. Read more here.