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Pulp Returns to Adelaide Festival After Apology Over Writers’ Week Ban

After apologising to Randa Abdel‑Fattah, the new board is trying to steady the festival’s 2026 plans.

Overview

  • Pulp says it had planned to withdraw in solidarity but, following a board overhaul and apology, will perform in Adelaide on 27 February.
  • The new Adelaide Festival board issued an unreserved apology to Randa Abdel‑Fattah and invited her to a future edition, which she is considering.
  • Writers’ Week was canceled after Abdel‑Fattah was removed on “cultural sensitivity” grounds linked to the Bondi shooting.
  • About 180 writers withdrew and the Writers’ Week director, the chair and several board members resigned during the fallout.
  • Festival leaders said the wider Adelaide Festival will proceed in 2026 despite the turmoil and the scrapped literary program.