Glastonbury Inquiry Closed: No Further Action Against Kneecap

Police Drop Glastonbury Investigation Into Irish Band Kneecap

Avon and Somerset Police have announced they will take no further action regarding comments made by Irish punk group Kneecap during their performance at Glastonbury festival on June 28. The investigation, which had been launched following reports of a potential public order incident, concluded after advice from the Crown Prosecution Service indicated insufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction.

Kneecap themselves shared an image of what they described as an email from the police confirming the case was being dropped.The band, whose Glastonbury set was not broadcast live by the BBC due to concerns over potential remarks, stated that their performance was a “celebration of love and solidarity” and that media reports had used “wildly misleading headlines.” They added that “every single person who saw our set knew no law was broken.”

The investigation by Avon and Somerset Police had also encompassed comments made by punk-rap duo Bob Vylan at the same festival. The band faced meaningful criticism and a “BBC crisis” after leading onstage chants of “death to the IDF” (Israel Defense Forces). Police confirmed on Friday that the investigation into Bob Vylan’s performance is still ongoing.In a separate advancement, one of Kneecap’s members, Liam Og O hAnnaidh, appeared in court in June facing a terror charge. He is accused of displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah, a proscribed organisation in the UK, at a gig last year.

How did teh investigation into the Kneecap incident address potential breaches of Glastonbury’s guidelines regarding political statements?

The Investigation Details: What Happened at Glastonbury 2024?

Following a controversial moment during Kneecap’s performance at Glastonbury Festival 2024, an inquiry was launched by festival organizers and Avon and Somerset Police. The incident involved the display of a Palestinian flag during the Belfast hip-hop group’s set on the Glade Stage. Concerns were raised regarding potential breaches of Glastonbury’s guidelines concerning political statements and public order. The initial response sparked debate about artistic freedom, political expression at music festivals, and the complexities of navigating sensitive geopolitical issues within a large-scale event like Glastonbury.

The investigation focused on whether the display of the flag constituted a violation of festival rules, specifically those pertaining too overtly political messaging, and if it caused any disruption or public safety concerns.Key areas of scrutiny included:

festival Guidelines: A review of Glastonbury’s official policies regarding political displays and freedom of expression.

Witness Statements: Gathering accounts from festival attendees, security personnel, and Kneecap themselves.

Security Footage: Analyzing CCTV footage from the glade Stage area to assess the context and impact of the flag display.

Potential Public Order Offences: Determining if the display incited hatred, violence, or public disorder.

Inquiry Findings: Why No Further Action Was Taken

On July 19, 2025, it was officially announced that the inquiry has been closed, and no further action will be taken against Kneecap. Avon and Somerset Police, working in conjunction wiht Glastonbury Festival organizers, steadfast that the display of the Palestinian flag did not meet the threshold for criminal offense or a breach of festival regulations warranting further action.

Several factors contributed to this decision:

Context of the Performance: Kneecap’s music and lyrical content frequently address political and social issues, including the conflict in Palestine. The flag display was considered by investigators to be consistent with the band’s established artistic expression.

Lack of Disruption: Reports indicated that the display did not cause any significant disruption to the festival or incite public disorder. Security personnel on site confirmed that the situation remained calm and controlled.

Freedom of Expression: The inquiry acknowledged the importance of artistic freedom and the right to peaceful protest,even within the context of a commercial event like Glastonbury.

Proportionality: Authorities deemed that pursuing further action against Kneecap would be disproportionate to the nature of the incident.

The Reaction: Responses from Kneecap, Glastonbury, and Supporters

The news of the inquiry’s closure has been met with a range of reactions. Kneecap released a statement expressing their relief and reaffirming their commitment to using their platform to raise awareness about the Palestinian cause.They thanked their supporters for the outpouring of solidarity they received during the investigation.

Glastonbury Festival organizers also issued a statement, emphasizing their commitment to both artistic freedom and maintaining a safe and respectful surroundings for all attendees. They reiterated that while the festival has guidelines regarding political displays, these are applied on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the context and potential impact of the expression.

Supporters of Kneecap and the Palestinian cause celebrated the decision as a victory for artistic freedom and a rejection of attempts to silence political expression. Online discussions highlighted the importance of allowing artists to address significant social and political issues through their work.

Glastonbury’s Political Stance: A History of Activism and Debate

glastonbury Festival has a long and complex history with political activism. Throughout its decades-long run,the festival has served as a platform for artists and campaigners to raise awareness about a wide range of issues,from environmental concerns to social justice movements.

Notable examples include:

CND Protests (Early Years): The festival’s origins are rooted in the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) movement.

greenpeace Campaigns: Regular presence of Greenpeace and other environmental organizations promoting lasting practices.

Political Performances: Performances by artists known for their politically charged lyrics and activism.

Tho, Glastonbury’s approach to political expression has also been subject to debate. The festival has faced criticism for perceived inconsistencies in its application of guidelines regarding political displays, leading to questions about its neutrality and commitment to freedom of expression. The Kneecap incident has reignited this debate, prompting further discussion about the role of music festivals in facilitating political discourse.

Implications for Future Glastonbury Festivals & Music Events

The outcome of the Kneecap inquiry is highly likely to have implications for future glastonbury Festivals and other large-scale music events. It sets a precedent for how similar incidents involving political expression will be handled, potentially leading to:

Clarification of Guidelines: Glastonbury may revise its guidelines regarding political displays to provide greater clarity and