**Flag at Glastonbury Carries Touching Tribute to Late Festival-Goer**
A brightly coloured flag seen fluttering above the endless sea of festival-goers at Glastonbury this year has stirred both curiosity and emotion, marking the enduring legacy of a young man whose memory still resonates powerfully with family and friends. The distinctive flag, emblazoned with ‘Costa d’El Porto’, was raised in remembrance of Callum Powell, a beloved attendee from Ellesmere Port who tragically passed away from oesophageal-gastric cancer at just 28 years old.
The image of the flag, snapped amidst the revelry and broadcast during the BBC’s live coverage, quickly captured the attention of many, particularly those who knew Callum’s story. More than just a festival accessory, the flag has come to symbolise the passion and spirit of a man who embraced life wholeheartedly and fostered deep bonds with the people around him.
Callum, described by his family as someone who truly “lived life to the full,” became a Glastonbury regular after attending for the first time in 2016 at the age of 22. Each year, he travelled with friends, always accompanied by the Spanish-themed banner that paid homage to his hometown, indicating their spot at the festival and providing a beacon that even his family, watching from home, could try to spot on television.
His sister, Chloe Powell, and his mother, Nicola, have spoken about what the tradition meant to the family. Nicola recalls how Callum would return brimming with stories from Somerset, having witnessed legendary performances and unforgettable moments. “He would come home full of amazing stories of bands he had seen. I would always watch Glastonbury on the TV, trying to spot his flag flying high. I felt like I was part of it,” she reflected. Over the years, he managed to attend three festivals, with each trip leaving a unique mark on his life.
The close-knit group of friends whom Callum joined every year shared in his ambition to secure tickets, which is known to be an arduous process for many wishing to attend the world-renowned event. Displaying the flag became a tradition, a way to draw everyone together and create a focal point amid the sprawling crowds.
Sadly, Callum’s plans to attend Glastonbury in 2020 were thwarted even before the impact of the pandemic, as he began to suffer from unexplained difficulties in swallowing, a symptom that doctors initially attributed to more common illnesses. After persistent issues, more extensive tests in May 2021 revealed a devastating diagnosis: terminal oesophageal-gastric cancer. In spite of his illness, Callum’s adventurous spirit never waned, and he continued to inspire those around him.
Callum died a year later, leaving a profound void in the lives of those who loved him. Ten days after his funeral, the festival returned after its Covid-19 hiatus. In a poignant gesture, his family and friends ensured that the ‘Costa d’El Porto’ flag was still present – a tribute not only to Callum’s enduring love for music and togetherness but also to the memories they shared over the years.
The flag itself has evolved in design and significance over time. Liver Birds, representing Callum’s support for Liverpool FC, were added, while stars sewn onto the cloth commemorated both the football club’s European Cup triumphs and the years when Callum and his friends made their annual pilgrimage to Glastonbury.
For Nicola and the wider Powell family, the flag remains a “true reflection of [Callum’s] character” – a young man who brought people together in celebration, who never missed an opportunity for fun, and who, even in his absence, continues to generate new stories and forge moments of unity.
As the throngs gathered at Worthy Farm once again this year, the flag’s presence served as a subtle but powerful reminder of the importance of cherishing life, loving fiercely, and the profound impact one person’s spirit can have on an entire community.