Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg appeared on stage alongside pro-Palestinian activists during the closing concert of the Syd for Solen festival in Copenhagen on Friday. The surprise came during British singer Sam Fender‘s final performance, when he introduced Thunberg as a special guest.
Palestinian flag and slogans on stage
A large Palestinian flag was projected on the stage backdrop as Thunberg and other activists stood in line. The microphone was passed among them, and chants such as “Free, free Palestine” and “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” were heard. The latter slogan has been criticised by some groups as a call for the elimination of Israel.
Previous festival appearances
This is not the first time Thunberg has participated in protests on Danish festival stages. In July, she appeared at Roskilde Festival during Danish singer MØ‘s performance, delivering a speech that criticised both Israel’s war in Gaza and global CO2 emissions.
Earlier in June, the 22-year-old joined a maritime mission with 12 other activists attempting to break the naval blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid to the Palestinian territory.
Wider context of festival activism
The appearance follows similar incidents at major Danish festivals. In early July, Irish band Fontaines D.C. invited pro-Palestinian activists on stage at Roskilde, where the same slogan “From the river to the sea” was used, prompting criticism from some political and community groups.
Such displays reflect a growing trend of artists and activists using music festivals in Northern Europe as platforms for political messages, particularly concerning the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
