Glastonbury 2024's 'Arrivals' Was A Watershed Moment For South Asian Artistry & Heritage

Glastonbury 2024 is breaking new ground with its first dedicated South Asian space; it's aptly named, 'Arrivals'. This vibrant addition, nestled in the eclectic Shangri-La area, is the brainchild of a fully South Asian team in collaboration with South Asian cultural pioneers Dialled In, Daytimers, and Going South.

Entering Arrivals is akin to stepping through a portal to an alien jungle planet. The space immerses visitors in an audiovisual landscape brimming with solar punk vibes, carnivorous plants, cyborg beasts, and space pirates. It offers a sensory overload of vivid lights and colors, blending nostalgia with futurism and reimagining the worlds of pulp sci-fi classics through a newly redefined South Asian aesthetic.

The artistic lineup is equally compelling and features legends and rising stars alike. DJ Ritu, a beacon of the 90s Asian Underground scene, shares the stage with fresh talents like Anish Kumar and Gracie T, alongside established artists Manara and Nabihah Iqbal. The stage itself is designed by Shankho Chaudhuri, Esha Sikander, and Shirin Naveed, with striking illustrations by Osheen Siva.

For regular festival-goers, especially those from the South Asian community, Arrivals is a thrilling development. South Asian culture is rich in art, music, and creativity but has often been sidelined in mainstream spaces. A dedicated space changes that narrative and offers a platform for South Asian artists to shine unabashedly.

Situated in the southeast corner of the festival, Shangri-La has a reputation for championing underground and alternative voices. This year, it takes this mission up a notch by showcasing artists and speakers who offer a different experience from the larger stages. The lineup features favorites such as Nabihah Iqbal, Nikki Nair, Surya Sen, and Manara.

Ahsan-Elahi Shujaat, director of events at Dialled In, highlights the uniqueness of this space. "This isn’t just a takeover; it’s a space built entirely by us," he tells The Guardian. Previous South Asian performances at Glastonbury were on existing stages, but Arrivals is a ground-up creation, a first for the festival.

This dedicated space is more than just a visual and auditory delight; it’s a statement. It challenges stereotypes and normalizes South Asian presence in spaces where they’ve been historically underrepresented. It’s a chance to reshape perceptions within South Asian communities and beyond, breaking down biases and showcasing the diverse, vibrant cultures that exist across the subcontinent and beyond.

Glastonbury, often seen as a predominantly white, middle-class festival, is embracing diversity in a meaningful way. Arrivals sets a precedent for other festivals and pushes for greater representation and inclusivity. It’s a model for how community collaboration can transform large-scale events while attracting diverse audiences and breaking down barriers.

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