“I Never Want To Miss The Chance To Share Messages Of Hope”: Jane Goodall On Taking To The Glastonbury Stage For The First Time
Jane Goodall has long wanted to take to the stage at Glastonbury, in order to spread her message about the importance of looking after our planet, and all the creatures that inhabit it. This year, the stars finally aligned. “Miraculously my schedule worked out and I was able to come to Glastonbury for a few hours, on my way to visit our exciting programmes in Tanzania,” the 90-year-old tells Vogue.
For the renowned primatologist, appearing on the line-up next to the likes of Dua Lipa, Coldplay, SZA and Little Simz gave her the opportunity to get more people on board with the environmental movement. “It was a great opportunity to reach new audiences,” the founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, says. “The time gave me the opportunity to talk about some of the programmes we have around the world, our ongoing research at Gombe [research centre in Tanzania] and our global environmental and humanitarian programme for young people of all ages, Roots & Shoots.”
Although Goodall – who brought her toy monkey, Mr H, with her – admits she felt “daunted” by the prospect of taking to the Greenpeace stage in front of thousands, she relished the chance to inspire others to take action. “I never want to miss the chance to share messages of hope, and the fact that every single day our actions make a difference,” she continues. “It’s up to us to choose the kind of difference to make. Every individual matters – together we change the world.”
Afterwards, the environmentalist got the chance to meet with Chief Raoni Metuktire, an Indigenous Brazilian leader, who was also on this year’s Glastonbury line-up. “[He was] the most fascinating person I met,” she says. “He was there [asking] for support in the Indigenous peoples’ fight against illegal logging and gold mining, and the seizing of land.”
Unfortunately, though, she didn’t have time to check out many of the other performances, given her tight schedule – although there was one act she wished she’d met. “Coldplay, as I know they are working to make their performances carbon neutral,” Goodall says. “[But] I know that Chris Martin will be at Global Citizen [Festival in New York in September], so I will catch up then!”
Below, see Jane Goodall’s Glastonbury diary.
Courtesy of the Jane Goodall Institute1/7Dr Goodall on her way to Glastonbury with Rosemary Reed, trustee of Jane Goodall Institute UK.
Courtesy of the Jane Goodall Institute2/7Speaking on the Greenpeace stage.
Courtesy of the Jane Goodall Institute3/7The environmentalist admits she was “daunted” by speaking in front of thousands.
Courtesy of the Jane Goodall Institute4/7Jane meeting with Chief Raoni Metuktire, an Indigenous Brazilian leader.
Courtesy of the Jane Goodall Institute5/7The environmentalist giving Chief Raoni a book.
Courtesy of the Jane Goodall Institute6/7Doing an interview with Matt Everitt from BBC 6 Music.
Courtesy of the Jane Goodall Institute7/7Being greeted by fans.