Banksy sets off inflatable migrant raft across crowd at musical performance

[Marshy]

 

With a splash of surprise, Banksy made yet another unannounced appearance at the 2024 Glastonbury Festival. This time, the enigmatic street artist left festival-goers awash with astonishment during a performance by the British rock band Idles.

 

As the band belted out its pro-immigrant anthem Danny Nedelko, an inflatable raft, filled with figures resembling migrants donning life jackets, surfed the crowd, creating a dramatic and poignant spectacle.

 

The boat, launched into the audience during Idles’ late-night set, initially seemed like part of the band’s intense performance. However, the real mastermind behind this striking visual was soon revealed to be Banksy. The band members themselves were in the dark about Banksy’s involvement until their electrifying set concluded, realizing only afterwards the full impact of the the unexpected, symbolic gesture.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Banksy (@banksy)

 

 

As Idles performed, the raft, a powerful representation of the perilous journeys many migrants undertake across the English Channel, floated among the festival-goers. The moment resonated deeply with the song's opening lyrics: “My blood brother is an immigrant / A beautiful immigrant,” adding a tangible layer to the band's impassioned call for empathy and governmental accountability.

 

Banksy, who has a history of provocative stunts, didn’t keep the audience guessing for long. He claimed responsibility for the performance art through a video posted on his Instagram, showcasing the raft’s journey across the throng of festival attendees. This latest act continues Banksy's tradition of using public spaces and events to create thought-provoking art.

 

This isn't Banksy's first rodeo at Glastonbury. In 2019, he designed a stab-proof vest for grime artist Stormzy's headline set, and in 2014, he sent a livestock truck filled with plush toys meandering through the festival grounds.

 

 

• https://consequence.net/2024/06/banksy-migrant-raft-idles-glastonbury-set/ 
• https://www.nme.com/news/music/glastonbury-2024-idles-migrant-boat-float-was-a-banksy-piece-and-the-band-had-no-idea-3770086
• https://www.ladbible.com/entertainment/music/glastonbury-2024-banksy-migrant-boat-idles-band-performance-283228-20240629
• https://metro.co.uk/2024/06/29/glastonbury-2024-banksy-revealed-artist-behind-migrant-boat-stunt-21129563/

 

 

 

Image: Banksy