Entertainment

Russell Crowe and Lulu among stars designing charity tattoos for Glastonbury

Gladiator star Crowe will be performing at the festival for the first time with his band Indoor Garden Party.

Gladiator star Crowe said he and his band had designed a temporary tattoo in support of the WaterAid campaign
Gladiator star Crowe said he and his band had designed a temporary tattoo in support of the WaterAid campaign (Daniel Leal-Olivas/PA)

Glastonbury performers Russell Crowe and Lulu are among a number of celebrities who have designed temporary tattoos that will be distributed at the festival this year.

The annual British festival will return to Worthy Farm in Somerset on June 26 with Dua Lipa, SZA and Coldplay set to headline the Pyramid Stage.

Several famous faces have teamed up with charity WaterAid to create the designs, that will be distributed at water bars, kiosks and toilets at Glastonbury and other festivals throughout the summer.

Festival performers Bloc Party, London Grammar, The Vaccines, and singer songwriter Declan McKenna have all designed water-themed tattoos – as have TV presenter Laura Whitmore and model Mia Regan.

Gladiator star Crowe, 60, who is due to perform at the Acoustic Stage on Saturday with his band Indoor Garden Party, said: “Indoor Garden Party are so happy to be heading to Glastonbury to perform.

“It’s the first time for any of us in the band to grace this sacred site, and we are really looking forward to it.

Lulu’s Water Aid design
Lulu’s Water Aid design

“We’ve designed a temporary tattoo to help support WaterAid. Access to clean water is absolutely vital for life.”

He said their design was a reshaped version of their Prose And Cons album cover, which features the silhouette of a man overlooking a body of water.

“Access to clean water is essential for health; unfortunately for millions around the world, it can be a daily challenge. Together, we can make a difference”, he added.

Scottish singer Lulu, 75, said: “Almost one in 10 people around the world don’t have clean water close to home, meaning women spend hours walking long distances for water that is so dirty it can make their families sick.

Temporary tattoo designed by London Grammar for Glastonbury Festival 2024 (WaterAid/Photographer’s Name
Temporary tattoo designed by London Grammar for Glastonbury Festival 2024 (WaterAid/Photographer’s Name

“Water changes lives for good, which is why I’m teamed up with WaterAid to Shout For Water with my tattoo for Glastonbury Festival.

“We can all make our voices heard and call for everyone to have this basic right for all by supporting WaterAid.”

Her design is a play on her hit song Shout as it features a pair of lips saying the words “shout for water”.

London Grammar have created a tattoo of what appears to be a woman leaning back with the words “love water” written in calligraphy script, while McKenna’s says “our favourite drink” in blue and yellow writing.

Temporary tattoo designed by Declan McKenna for Glastonbury Festival 2024
Temporary tattoo designed by Declan McKenna for Glastonbury Festival 2024

Hannah Reid, lead vocalist of London Grammar, said: “I can’t imagine having to walk for miles to collect clean water for my family, but this is the reality for so many women around the world.

“That’s why I’m supporting WaterAid at Glastonbury Festival this year by designing a special tattoo and sharing the message that everyone deserves clean water.”

WaterAid is celebrating its 30th year acting as an official charity partner of Glastonbury Festival.

Over the years, they have supported water and sanitation services on site while also highlighting their aim of bringing clean water and toilets to people living in poverty around the world.