Animal rights organization PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) has made a heartfelt appeal to Glastonbury Festival, requesting that the iconic Pyramid Stage be renamed to show solidarity with camels and horses subjected to cruelty in Egyptian tourism. In an open letter addressed to festival founder Michael Eavis on June 20, PETA proposed changing the stage’s name to “The Sanctuary.”
PETA Asia’s recent investigation at Egypt’s Pyramids of Giza uncovered disturbing evidence of animal cruelty, including horses and camels being whipped, malnourished, fed rubbish, and even slaughtered. The letter emphasizes this suffering and connects it to the Pyramid Stage’s design, inspired by the ancient Egyptian structures.
“As festivalgoers prepare to attend Glastonbury, we ask you to rename the Pyramid Stage to the Sanctuary Stage to stand in solidarity with the abused animals at Giza,” the letter states. “This thoughtful change would reflect the stage’s origins and align perfectly with Glastonbury’s spirit of freedom, empathy, and respect.”
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Despite promises from Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities to curtail animal abuse, PETA’s exposé reveals that many horses and camels continue to endure whipping, exhaustion, open wounds, mange, and painful saddle sores. Grim discoveries include a mummified horse discarded near the Pyramids and violent treatment of camels at the Birqash Camel Market, where animals are beaten, punched, and dragged.
PETA’s letter concludes by urging: “Renaming the Pyramid Stage as The Sanctuary Stage will remind festivalgoers that riding abused animals is cruel, encourage them to avoid exploiting sensitive animals, and honor the right of these creatures to live safely in sanctuaries.”
Supporting the campaign is a petition against using camels and horses for tourism at Giza, which has already gathered over 53,000 signatures.
Since its introduction in 1971, the Pyramid Stage has been the centerpiece of Glastonbury Festival, hosting legendary performers such as Rod Stewart, Neil Young, Olivia Rodrigo, The 1975, and Alanis Morissette. This year’s festival organizers have been contacted for their response to PETA’s request.