Volodymyr Zelenskyy rallies Glastonbury festival crowd to Ukrainian cause

Ukraine's president urges festivalgoers to put 'pressure on politicians' around the world

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy finished his Glastonbury message by saying 'Slava Ukraini', which means "glory to Ukraine" in English. PA

The UK's legendary Glastonbury music festival got under way with an impassioned video message from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in which he described the event as the “greatest concentration of freedom” and called for the world to “spread the truth” about Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

“We will not let Russia's war stop us,” he said.

“That is why we turn to you for support. I ask you to share this video with everyone whose freedom is under attack.”

He exhorted festivalgoers to put “pressure on politicians” around the world.

“Time is priceless and every day is measured in human lives. The more people join us in defending freedom and truth, the sooner Russia's war against Ukraine will end. Prove that freedom always wins!”

He finished his message by saying “Slava Ukraini”, which means “glory to Ukraine” in English, prompting loud and rolling cheers and applause from those gathered at the stage in Worthy Farm, Somerset.

Mr Zelenskyy also called on people to visit his United24 charity platform, which collects donations to aid Ukraine's response to the Russian invasion.

The message was played on Glastonbury's Other Stage before a performance by the Libertines during which lead singer Pete Doherty led the crowd in a chant of Mr Zelenskyy's name to the tune of the The White Stripe's Seven Nation Army.

At the same time, Ziggy Marley opened the Pyramid Stage with a set paying tribute to his father, the late reggae pioneer Bob Marley.

The singer and guitarist, 53, played a number of his father's hits, including I Shot The Sheriff, Jamming and Is This Love, before closing with One Love.

Performing against a backdrop of photos of his father, who died in May 1981 aged 36 from skin cancer, Ziggy told the crowd: “It is good to be here. Today, my friends, I am here on behalf of my father.”

It came before Billie Eilish will make history when she takes to the Pyramid Stage on Friday night as Glastonbury Festival's youngest ever solo headliner.

The Grammy-winning singer, 20, will perform alongside her brother and co-writer, Finneas O'Connell.

Glastonbury 2022 - in pictures

Sir Paul McCartney invited Dave Grohl and Bruce Springsteen on stage to perform with him in the former Beatle's Glastonbury headline set on Saturday night. AP Photo

Sir Paul McCartney waves the Ukrainian flag. AP Photo

Festival goers watch Sir Paul McCartney perform at Glastonbury Festival. AP Photo

Olivia Rodrigo performs on the Other Stage. Reuters

Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds play on the Pyramid Stage. Getty Images

An atmospheric moment from Roisin Murphy's set on the West Holts Stage. Getty Images

Yungblud. AP Photo

Skunk Anansie. Getty Images

Celeste. Getty Images

Billy Nomates on the Left Field stage. PA

Climate activist Greta Thunberg speaks on the Pyramid Stage. Reuters

A 'Glastonbury' sign is illuminated by sunset on day one of the festival at Worthy Farm in Somerset. Getty Images

A festivalgoer walks between the tents in one of the camping areas. The festival has returned for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began. Getty Images

Festivalgoers watch a recorded message from the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. EPA

More than 200,000 music fans will attend the festival. PA

Former Spice Girl Melanie C plays a DJ set in the William's Green tent. PA

Festivalgoer Ed proposes to his partner Chelsea as the sun begins to set on day one of the festival. Getty Images

A festival attendee is silhouetted as they stand on top of the stone circle at Worthy Farm. PA

Pete Doherty from the band 'The Libertines' performs. AP

Revellers walk past graffiti attributed to Banksy as they arrive at Worthy Farm. Reuters

A festivalgoer goes down a slide at the festival. AFP

Thousands of tents are set up across the fields. AFP

There may be some inclement weather to deal with at the weekend. AP

Ai-Da is heralded as the world's first ultra-realistic robot artist, and has been producing abstract paintings of this year's Glastonbury headliners. PA

Festivalgoers take part in a laughter-yoga workshop in the Healing Field. PA

A cardboard cut-out depicting Britain's Queen Elizabeth II at the camping site. AFP

Festival founder Michael Eavis opening the gates on the first day. PA