Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Kneecap Take West Holts Stage After Calls for Ban

Organisers who defended Kneecap’s slot face police review of West Holts footage after the BBC restricted the set to on-demand streaming.

Image
Bob Vylan performing on the West Holts stage during the Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in Somerset, England, June 28, 2025. (Yui Mok/PA Images via Getty Images)
Image
Image

Overview

  • Kneecap performed at Glastonbury’s West Holts Stage on June 28 despite Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch demanding their removal over a terrorism charge against member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh.
  • The BBC stated it would not air the trio’s set live but will make the performance available on its iPlayer platform later in the evening.
  • Avon and Somerset Police maintained a round-the-clock uniformed presence at the festival and are reviewing video of the performance for potential offences.
  • Festival founders Michael and Emily Eavis reaffirmed Glastonbury’s commitment to political expression, arguing that external critics should accept the festival’s tradition or look elsewhere.
  • During their set, Kneecap led chants critical of government leaders and voiced support for Palestinians, highlighting tensions between free speech and security at major cultural events.