Glastonbury stage shut down ahead of Kneecap's controversial performance to packed crowd

Glastonbury bosses have been forced to shut down the West Holts stage just ahead of Kneecap's performance. The Irish rap group will be taking to the stage at 4pm today amid calls for them to have been pulled from the festival.

Fans flocked to the stage to make sure to secure their spot, yet they have been turned away despite getting there early meaning no more people can enter the area. It will come as a blow for those who wanted to catch the trio perform as their set is not being shown on the BBC's livestream.

The highly controversial gig won’t be streamed live but an on-demand version will be available. A BBC spokesperson said: "As the broadcast partner, the BBC is bringing audiences extensive music coverage from Glastonbury, with artists booked by the festival organisers. Whilst the BBC doesn’t ban artists, our plans ensure that our programming meets our editorial guidelines.

"We don’t always live stream every act from the main stages and look to make an on-demand version of Kneecap’s performance available on our digital platforms, alongside more than 90 other sets."

Glastonbury bosses even warned fans before the performance that large crowds are to be expected. They sent out a crowd warning as they named a list of artists who they think will draw in the biggest crowds.

Bosses told festival goers: "Kneecap will draw a large audience for their 4pm West Holts show. If you’re not planning to see them, please plan alternative routes around that area. If you do plan to attend, listen to stewards, and please have some other entertainment options in mind in case the field reaches capacity and we need to close it as part of our crowd planning measures."

Band member Mo Chara's caused controversy recently after he was charged with terrorist offences after allegedly brandishing a flag backing banned militant group Hezbollah at a gig in November 2024. He, real name Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, appeared in court earlier this month as a result.

The 27-year-old faced Westminster Magistrates' Court on June 18 while supporters and musicians, including Paul Weller, gathered outside. The charge related to an incident after the band's O2 Forum show in Kentish Town, London. However the band had branded the case against the musician as a "witch hunt".

The band's scheduled appearance at Glastonbury was put in doubt and they faced calls from the Prime Minister for them to be booted off the line up.

However, Kneecap, which is also made up of Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh, will are still able to perform and speaking at court, the band said: "For anybody going to Glastonbury, you can see us there at 4pm on Saturday.

"If you can’t be there we’ll be on the BBC. Most importantly: free, free Palestine." Kneecap havedropped out of this year's TRNSMT Festival in Glasgow amid the controversy.

In a statement on social media, Kneecap said: "'Due to concerns expressed by the Police about safety at the event, Kneecap can no longer perform at TRNSMT. To the thousands of people who bought tickets, flights and hotels to see us play, we are sorry... it is out of our hands."

They continued: "Glasgow has always been a huge city for us. We've played there many many times, with no issues - ever. Make of that what you will. To try and make up for it, we will be at your O2 Academy on Tuesday July 8th."

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