A star-studded concert for Gaza, titled Together for Palestine, took place at the Ovo Arena Wembley, featuring 69 artists, speakers, and activists. The event, curated by Brian Eno, raised funds through ticket sales and merchandise, with all tickets selling out in two hours.
Performers included Damon Albarn, Bastille, PinkPantheress, Hot Chip, and Neneh Cherry, alongside actors Benedict Cumberbatch, Florence Pugh, and Guy Pearce. Palestinian voices were central, with artistic director Malak Mattar, an exiled Palestinian artist, and musicians Adnan Joubran, El Far3i, and Nai Barghouti representing Palestinian culture.
The evening blended music and activism, reminiscent of 1980s benefit concerts. Outside, a small group of pro-Israeli protesters were kept apart from Palestinian flag-waving attendees by police. Inside, the mood was supportive, with cheers for mentions of Gaza and calls for justice.
Notable moments included Benedict Cumberbatch omitting a line about Gaza's dead ascending to heaven, and Richard Gere deviating from his script to speak about compassion. Palestinian journalist Yara Eid drew huge cheers for her speech on journalists killed in Gaza, and pianist Faraj Suleiman performed to a 12,500-strong crowd.
The concert lasted four hours, with few leaving early. Organisers were pleased as many attendees purchased merchandise, supporting the fundraising effort. The event raised approximately £500,000 from ticket sales, with additional online donations and merchandise sales.
