Glastonbury Tor lit up with climate stripes to provoke discussions on climate change
The iconic Somerset landmark is illuminated in blue and red stripes for Show Your Stripes Day
Glastonbury Tor, one of Somerset's most iconic landmarks, has been illuminated with the famous blue and red climate stripes in an effort to spark conversations about climate change and its impact on British landscapes and farming.
St. Michael’s Tower, a 14th-century National Trust structure that crowns the 521-foot-high Tor, was transformed into a breathtaking display of climate awareness as part of Show Your Stripes Day on the 20th of June 2026.
The event coincides with a spell of extreme heat predicted to affect Somerset and the rest of the UK in the coming weeks, highlighting the urgency of climate conversations.
Show Your Stripes Day
Show Your Stripes Day is an annual observance focused on climate awareness. The illumination of the Tor is especially poignant this year as it is during Glastonbury Festival's fallow year, providing a moment for the landscape to rest and rejuvenate.
Professor Ed Hawkins from the University of Reading, who created the climate stripes, said that they serve as a visual representation of how global temperatures have shifted over time.
Hawkins emphasised the importance of individual action, stating: "Every fraction of a degree matters, and the choices we make today will influence the climate experienced by future generations."
National Trust's Call to Action
Keith Jones, a senior climate specialist at the National Trust, highlighted the growing strain on the UK's natural and built heritage due to climate change.
Jones spoke of the urgent need for action, particularly referencing the volatile weather patterns in Somerset: "We’ve seen what can happen when the weather lurches from drought to deluge. It’s essential that we act now."
He expressed optimism about public support for climate action and praised the illuminating initiative as a means to encourage critical discussions.
A Global Symbol of Climate Change
The climate stripes are renowned globally as a straightforward method of visualising climate data. They depict the change in annual global temperatures from 1850, with red indicating hotter years and blue for cooler ones, compared to the historical average.
The stripes are being embraced worldwide, appearing on landmarks, public buildings, and even within the sporting realm.
Sporting Engagement
The stripes are gaining attention in the sports industry as well, with Team AlUla’s RaceBird powerboat in the E1 Dubrovnik GP featuring this impactful design, aiming to engage and educate sports fans.
John Marlow, Co Team Principal of Team AIUIa, commented on sport's influential role, stating: "Sport has a unique ability to engage people and start important conversations."
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