Glastonbury Under Scrutiny After Controversial Chants and Surprising Performances

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In the lead-up to the festival, there was significant controversy surrounding Irish hip-hop group Kneecap. Politicians and industry leaders urged organizers to remove the band from the lineup after one member, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, known as Mo Chara, was charged last month with a terrorism offense for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag at a concert.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticized the band’s appearance, calling it “not appropriate.” In response, Kneecap fans, numbering at least 30,000 and many waving Palestinian flags, gathered in front of the West Holts stage under blazing sunshine. As the band performed, the crowd chanted, “F*** Keir Starmer,” prompting organizers to close the area.

Mo Chara addressed the crowd, wearing a keffiyeh scarf associated with Palestinians, and declared, “The prime minister of your country, not mine, said he didn’t want us to play, so f*** Keir Starmer.” The incident highlights the festival’s ongoing challenges with political protests and controversial performances amid a vibrant lineup.

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