The 2025 Glastonbury Festival proved to be a multifaceted event, weaving together music, high fashion, and significant geopolitical controversy. While artists graced the stages with their performances, the festival also served as a backdrop for evolving fashion trends and a contentious incident that sparked international debate, highlighting the complex interplay between cultural events and global affairs.

Neo-soul singer Joy Crookes captivated audiences on the Other stage, not only with her butter-smooth tunes but also with her distinctive style. On the eve of her performance, Crookes navigated pre-show jitters, humorously dubbed “sh*tty belly,” while contemplating her custom look. Her choice, a whisper-light, draped Jawara Alleyne dress in pink, red, black, and green, clasped with safety pins, perfectly complemented her performance. Crookes, who values fashion that tells a story rooted in culture and elegance, found a deep resonance with Alleyne’s exploration of deconstruction, draping, and reimagining traditions, reflecting her own journey of exploring her Bangladeshi and Irish heritage. Her stylist, Rae Hayden, noted the duality of softness and strength in the diaphanous layers. Crookes, an ambassador for Pandora, also incorporated their versatile jewelry, mixing pieces like the Cuban Cocktail Ring and Sparkling Row Eternity Ring, and noting how Pandora’s range allows for personal expression without overshadowing her outfits. Beyond her style, Crookes prepared to unveil her sophomore LP, "Juniper," a deeply personal work charting themes of grief, abusive relationships, and the terror of falling in love, interweaving these new tracks with beloved hits like "Feet Don't Fail Me Now" during her Glastonbury set.

However, Glastonbury 2025 was not without its shadows, notably a controversial performance by rap-punk duo Bob Vylan. During their set, artist Bobby Vylan led the crowd in inflammatory chants of “Death to the IDF” and “Free, free Palestine,” directly targeting the Israeli military. This incident immediately drew widespread backlash, prompting a review by UK police to determine if any laws were broken. Glastonbury Festival organizers and the BBC publicly condemned the remarks, with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer labeling the performance “appalling hate speech.” The Israeli Embassy in the UK also strongly denounced the rhetoric as dangerous and hateful, underscoring the broader diplomatic implications of such public statements. The controversy raised critical questions about the impact on tourism, the perception of safety, political stability within the UK, and international relations. Major cultural events like Glastonbury, which attract hundreds of thousands globally, play a crucial role in shaping a destination’s image. When associated with politically charged hate speech, such incidents risk tarnishing the UK’s reputation, potentially deterring international travelers, particularly those sensitive to political tensions or from Jewish communities. The diplomatic fallout, closely monitored by countries like Israel, could strain international relations, leading to potential travel advisories or reduced tourism flows from nations with strong ties to Israel. The incident highlighted the delicate balance between freedom of expression and the responsibility of public platforms, emphasizing the need for UK authorities and festival organizers to reaffirm their commitment to inclusivity and combating hate speech to restore confidence among global tourists.

Amidst the music and controversy, festival fashion also made its mark, with a noticeable shift towards comfort and practicality, yet still maintaining an elevated aesthetic. Daisy Edgar-Jones, attending with her boyfriend Ben Seed, exemplified this balance. On Saturday, she paired an oatmeal maxi dress from Anemos, a halter neck piece with a minimal color and free-spirited silhouette, with a Gucci 1947 raffia bag. Her choice of footwear—Hunter Chelsea boots—firmly anchored her look in Glastonbury territory, a practical choice for the notoriously wet festival grounds, favored by 'Glasto' regulars like Alexa Chung and Sienna Miller. On Friday, Edgar-Jones sported the same Hunter boots with denim cut-offs and a lace-trimmed camisole, maintaining the practical yet stylish theme. Similarly, Margot Robbie, while speaking at a panel for her production company LuckyChap Entertainment, embraced a more 'goth' approach. She wore a dark forest green micro Miu Miu dress with black piping, a black denim jacket tied around her waist, and complemented the look with jet black nails. Instead of the ubiquitous Hunter boots, Robbie opted for more elevated leather knee-high boots with silver detailing, a choice facilitated by her being indoors. Both Edgar-Jones and Robbie, alongside other celebrities like Olivia Rodrigo, showcased a trend seen earlier at Coachella: a movement away from elaborate, maximalist festival outfits towards simpler, more lived-in, and comfort-minded silhouettes that align perfectly with Glastonbury’s inherent, music-focused DNA.

In conclusion, Glastonbury 2025 was a microcosm of contemporary global dynamics, encompassing significant artistic expression, deep personal narratives, and powerful political statements that resonated far beyond Worthy Farm. The festival underscored its role not only as a cultural spectacle and economic driver but also as a sensitive barometer for societal values, international relations, and evolving cultural norms, particularly in the realm of fashion. The diverse events of the festival served as a reminder that major public gatherings are increasingly intertwined with global dialogues and perceptions.