Banksy’s latest artwork appeared at Glastonbury Festival

Artist Banksy has said a small boat crossing artwork seen at Glastonbury Festival is his after criticism from senior Tory ministers.

A small boat filled with migrant mannequins in orange life jackets was hoisted into the crowd that gathered to see the band Idles perform on the Other Stage at Worthy Farm on Friday night. On Sunday, Banksy posted a video of the boat sailing through the crowd during the band’s set on his Instagram page.

Earlier in the day, Home Secretary James Cleverly and Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden called off the stunt. Posting on X, formerly Twitter, Mr Cleverly said: “Small boat crossings are deadly and have cost too many lives.

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“The festival that plays migrants and celebrates the actions of human traffickers while they party is appalling.

“Whatever your political views, this is not something we should trivialize.”

The boat appeared as rock band Bristol performed Danny Nedelko, a 2018 release that begins with the lyrics: “My blood brother is an immigrant, a beautiful immigrant.”

According to The Guardian, the band said the demo was designed by Bristol artist Banksy and they didn’t know it happened until after the set was over. The Glastonbury Live account also posted an image of the returning artwork for Little Simz’ Pyramid Stage slot on Saturday.

Mr Dowden also pulled off the stunt, telling Times Radio: “It made me very sad actually. If you look at what happens to the men, women, children who are pushed onto those boats – the criminal gangs only fill them half full. , so they run halfway across the English Channel and begin to sink, endangering people’s lives.

“I don’t think it’s the kind of thing to joke about at Glastonbury.”

Banksy’s representatives have been contacted for comment.

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