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Glastonbury Festival is under fresh scrutiny after controversial performances on the West Holts Stage sparked a police investigation and political backlash.

Rap punk duo Bob Vylan led crowds in chants of "Free, free Palestine" and "Death, death to the IDF", while Irish rap group Kneecap encouraged fans to "start a riot" in support of a bandmate facing terror charges — comments that are now the subject of Avon and Somerset Police review.

"We are aware of the comments made by acts on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival this afternoon," the force said in a statement on X.
"Video evidence will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation."

Political Condemnation and BBC Response

The controversy reached Westminster as Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy demanded answers from the BBC Director General over the decision to platform Bob Vylan.

"We strongly condemn the threatening comments made by Bob Vylan at Glastonbury," a government spokesperson said.
"The Culture Secretary has spoken to the BBC and welcomes the decision not to re-broadcast the performance on BBC iPlayer."

The BBC had initially planned to make Kneecap’s set available on-demand but opted not to stream it live. The broadcaster has not yet confirmed whether the set will remain available following public and political reaction.

Kneecap Performance Sparks Outrage

Kneecap member Naoise Ó Cairealláin (Moglai Bap) told fans:

"We’ll start a riot outside the courts," referencing the upcoming court date of fellow member Liam Óg Ó Hannaidh (Mo Chara), who is facing a terrorism-related charge over alleged support for Hezbollah.

Ó Cairealláin quickly added:

"No riots, just love and support… and support for Palestine."

Ó Hannaidh, 27, wore a keffiyeh during the performance, while DJ Provai donned a tricolour balaclava and a T-shirt reading "We are all Palestine Action", referencing the activist group expected to be banned under UK anti-terror laws.

Background on Mo Chara Charges

Ó Hannaidh was charged earlier this month for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah, a proscribed terrorist organisation, during a Belfast gig in November 2024. He was heard shouting "up Hamas, up Hezbollah".

He has pleaded not guilty and is out on unconditional bail pending the next hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 20.

Festival Under Pressure

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer previously said it was "not appropriate" for Kneecap to perform at the world-famous festival, prompting backlash from artists and campaigners.

During Saturday’s set, Kneecap made their views clear:

"The Prime Minister of your country, not mine, said he didn’t want us to play, so f*** Keir Starmer."

They also praised Glastonbury’s Eavis family for resisting pressure to remove them from the line-up.

Crowd Reaction and Police Presence

News clips criticising Kneecap were played as the group walked on stage — met with loud boos from the audience. Despite earlier controversy, the performance drew large crowds.

Police have not confirmed whether any artists will be questioned, but Avon and Somerset Police say they are "assessing evidence" and continuing to monitor crowd safety and public order risks throughout the festival.

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