U2 Glastonbury gig to be targeted by protesters
U2’s Glastonbury gig is to be targeted by protesters who accuse the band of tax avoidance. One campaigner has told Channel 4 News there is an element of hypocrisy at play.
The Irish rockers are expected to face a “visual spectacular” from campaigners angry at the group’s alleged tax avoidance in Ireland.
Direct action group Art Uncut is planning to unfurl a giant inflatable saying “pay up Bono” as the band takes to the Pyramid Stage.
Campaigners say it is wrong that U2 pay some of their tax abroad when Ireland’s government is implementing severe austerity measures. There is no suggestion U2 are acting illegally.
Campaigner Steve Taylor told Channel 4 News that a large portion of the crowd would be aware of the protest.
He said: “There’s a difference between the letter of the law and the spirit of the law. Tax avoidance is not acceptable.
Bono has done some good stuff but there is an element of hypocrisy here. Steve Taylor, campaigner
“Developing countries lose more through tax avoidance than they gain through aid.”
He added: “Bono has done some good stuff but there is an element of hypocrisy here. We’re not looking to belittle his other charitable work. Maybe he’s not aware of the scale of the problem.”
Channel 4 News has contacted U2’s publicity representatives but has so far received no response.
Christian Aid told Channel 4 News that tax avoidance costs the developing world around $1.6bn a year.
The charity’s Joseph Stead said: “Our remit isn’t to look at the tax affairs of Bono. Our focus is on the global financial system.
“We want governments to take more action to force greater transparency. There has to be systemic change that is bigger than one individual.”
Wet reception
Almost every inch of Worthy Farm in Pilton is sodden after heavy downpours in recent days.
Claire Austin, a forecaster with MeteoGroup said more rain was in store on Friday afternoon.
She said: “The wet weather will set in through the evening before easing over the weekend.”
Saturday and Sunday should be largely dry, with temperatures possibly topping 25C (77F) on the last day.
Hardy revellers have been making the best of testing conditions, with some enjoying giant mud slides.
Photo gallery: Mud, song and love: Glastonbury 2011
Tom Wilder, 17, from Kent, was among those caked in mud, with dairy farm sludge even stuck in the braces on his teeth.
But he declared with a grin: “If I run out of clothes, I’ll just do it naked.”
This year’s event sees Coldplay and Beyonce also headline.
Beyonce, who fell in love with the Somerset festival after watching husband Jay-Z perform three years ago, is believed to have cleared her diary to party at Glastonbury over three days.
There has also been speculation about footballer Wayne Rooney attending with his wife Coleen.