The iconic Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury Festival became a platform for powerful political expression on Saturday as Irish rap group Kneecap delivered a stunning and controversial performance.
The Belfast-based trio, performing in their native Irish language, seized the moment to make a bold statement. During their set, a crew member walked on stage holding a Palestinian flag, which was then displayed prominently behind the drum kit for the remainder of their performance.
The crowd's response was immediate and overwhelming. A massive roar of approval erupted from the audience, followed by a sustained standing ovation that underscored the festival's spirit of solidarity and political engagement.
A History of Activism at Worthy Farm
Kneecap's statement continues a long tradition of Glastonbury being used as a stage for global issues. The festival, held at Worthy Farm in Somerset, has never shied away from political discourse, often featuring artists who use their platform to comment on international conflicts and human rights.
This act of solidarity comes at a time of heightened awareness and debate surrounding the Palestinian cause, making their gesture particularly significant to the thousands of festival-goers in attendance.
Not the Only Voice
Kneecap weren't the only artists to reference Palestine during the weekend. Irish singer-songwriter Hozier also acknowledged the conflict during his own performance on the Pyramid Stage, suggesting that the issue remains at the forefront of many artists' minds.
The powerful moment has since gone viral on social media, with footage of the standing ovation being widely shared and discussed across platforms.
As Glastonbury 2024 continues, Kneecap's performance has already cemented itself as one of the festival's most talked-about moments, demonstrating once again how music and politics frequently intersect on Worthy Farm's legendary stages.
