The Wireless music festival has been cancelled after Kanye West, legally known as Ye, was barred from entering the United Kingdom. The decision came after the Home Office revoked his electronic travel authorisation (ETA) on the grounds that his presence would not be conducive to the public good, following his history of antisemitic remarks.
West had been scheduled to headline all three days of the festival in July. Festival organisers confirmed the cancellation and said refunds would be issued to all ticket holders. In a statement, they said: 'The Home Office has withdrawn Ye’s ETA, denying him entry into the United Kingdom. As a result, Wireless festival is cancelled.'
The organisers added that multiple stakeholders were consulted before booking Ye and no concerns were raised at the time. They acknowledged the abhorrence of antisemitism and noted that Ye had offered to meet with the UK’s Jewish community, saying he 'acknowledges that words alone are not enough.'
The ban followed widespread criticism, including from Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who described the booking as 'deeply concerning.' The Home Office stated that the government has not hesitated to act against individuals who pose a threat to public safety or seek to spread extremism.
Phil Rosenberg, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, welcomed the decision, saying the situation 'could and should have been resolved much earlier.' He expressed hope that lessons would be learned across the music festival industry.
With the cancellation coming just three months before the event, organisers faced challenges in finding a replacement headliner, as many artists had already finalised their summer schedules. The festival had planned to use one A-list name for three consecutive days, limiting options for a swift substitution.
