Glastonbury Festival: 15 of the Most Surreal Moments at Worthy Farm

Glastonbury Festival is world-renowned for its dazzling Pyramid Stage performances featuring global superstars. Yet beyond the music, the festival has a rich history of surreal and unforgettable moments at Worthy Farm.

Here are 15 of the most surreal events that have marked Glastonbury’s legendary story:

The Sinking Other Stage (1997)
After torrential rains, the Other Stage began sinking into the mud, forcing the cancellation of several performances. The surreal scene was captured in a memorable BBC report.

Michael Jackson’s Death Rumor (2009)
During the festival, rumors spread that Michael Jackson had passed away. Before smartphones were widespread, confusion reigned. The news was confirmed, and the festival paid tribute with performances and themed merchandise.
Strange Lost Items Found
Andy Wilcott, former head of festival clean-up, recalls bizarre discoveries—from a “poo in a bra” hanging from a tree to cannonballs and mannequins—highlighting the festival’s eccentric leftovers.
Viral Rap Sensation (2019)
Teenager Alex Mann instantly rose to fame after joining rapper Dave on the Other Stage to deliver “Thiago Silva” flawlessly, a performance watched millions of times.
Keanu Reeves Rocks the Stage (1999)
Better known as Neo from The Matrix, Keanu Reeves performed with his band Dogstar, enduring flying objects from the crowd but still making his mark.
Bradley Cooper’s Surprise Cameo (2017)
The Hollywood actor briefly appeared on the Pyramid Stage while filming scenes for A Star Is Born, calling the festival experience “magical.”
Birthday Wishes During Elbow’s Secret Set (2017)
Thousands of fans joined the band in celebrating a fan named Sarah’s birthday, making it one of her most unforgettable nights.
Giant Sex Toy on BBC (2017)
A man dressed as a policeman waving a giant sex toy was accidentally broadcast during Stormzy’s set, a moment that spread quickly for its absurdity.
The Killers’ Missing Guitarist (2005)
Dave Keuning was left behind at a motorway service station en route to Glastonbury but was rushed back just in time to perform.
Euro 2004 Football Screening
About 65,000 festivalgoers watched England take on Portugal on big screens—more fans than were at the actual stadium.
Oasis Parka Theft (2017)
Liam Gallagher revealed his iconic Stone Island parkas were stolen from his hotel room during the festival, adding a rock ’n’ roll twist to the event.
Riot and Stand-Off (1990)
After the festival’s finale, convoy travelers clashed with security in a riot involving looting, burning, and police intervention, leading to a one-year festival hiatus.
The Dalai Lama’s Visit (2015)
Glastonbury welcomed the 14th Dalai Lama, who spoke at the Stone Circle, joined a climate protest, and appeared on the Pyramid Stage, where the crowd sang Happy Birthday to him.
Boris Johnson’s Poetry Recital (2000)
Then a Conservative MP, Johnson performed Homer’s Iliad in the Poetry Tent, was accosted by nudists, and made controversial remarks on political ideology and drug culture at Glastonbury.
Prince Charles’ Tour (2010)
The future King spent a day touring the festival as president of WaterAid, engaging with environmental groups and musicians, highlighting the festival’s charitable side.

Glastonbury Festival is not just a music event—it’s a vibrant and unpredictable tapestry of strange, profound, and unforgettable moments that keep fans coming back year after year.