“We know we are on the BBC and we aren’t going to say anything crazy, we can leave that for them lads [Kneecap],” frontman Bobby Vylan told the crowd, before adding: “Sometimes you gotta get your message across with violence because that is the only language some people speak, unfortunately.”
Projected messages behind the performers appeared to criticise the BBC throughout the set.
Vylan also described the situation in Gaza as genocide and criticised Western governments, including the UK and US, for their roles in the conflict.
Kneecap’s set was similarly politically charged. The Belfast-based trio entered the stage as news clips critical of the group played over the speakers, drawing boos from the Glastonbury audience.
During their performance, the group led chants of “F** Keir Starmer”*, in response to recent comments by the Prime Minister suggesting their presence at the festival was “not appropriate.”
Mo Chara (real name Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh), who is currently facing a terror-related charge, wore a keffiyeh during the set.
Fellow member DJ Provai wore a T-shirt that read: “We are all Palestine Action,” referencing a campaign group, which will be proscribed as a terrorist organisation by the UK Government.
Ó hAnnaidh, 27, was charged earlier this month for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag and making remarks in support of proscribed organisations at a separate event in 2023. He has been released on unconditional bail ahead of a court hearing in August.
The BBC stated ahead of the performance that Kneecap’s set would not be livestreamed, but may be made available on iPlayer after an editorial review.
On social media, the band claimed the broadcaster had since agreed to upload the set later the same evening.
A BBC spokesperson said decisions about coverage are made with editorial guidelines in mind and that content is regularly reviewed for compliance.
The performances have reignited the debate around whether public money should continue supporting Glastonbury through the BBC.
Critics argue that the BBC’s platform is being misused to amplify extremist rhetoric and politically divisive messaging, especially at a time when the UK public broadcaster faces intense scrutiny over impartiality.
“This goes far beyond freedom of expression,” said MP Sarah Dines. “It’s about whether the licence fee should be used to platform those under criminal investigation for terror offences, or those glorifying violence.”
Others defended the performers’ right to free speech, pointing out that Glastonbury has always been a place for radical voices and social critique.
“It’s Glastonbury. If you’re expecting bland pop and no politics, you’re at the wrong festival,” said music journalist Lianne Cooke. “The BBC isn’t promoting messages, it’s documenting cultural events. That’s their job.”
