Police launch inquiry into Kneecap and Bob Vylan Glastonbury performances

Performances by Bob Vylan and Kneecap at Glastonbury Festival are now subject to a criminal investigation, police have said.

- JABED AHMED, KATE DEVLIN

Avon and Somerset Police confirmed the two performances have been recorded as a public order incident. Rapper Bobby Vylan - of the rap punk duo - led crowds at the festival’s West Holts stage in chants of “Free, free Palestine” and “Death, death to the IDF [Israel Defence Forces]” on Saturday.

A member of Kneecap, who performed on the West Holts stage in the slot directly after Bob Vylan, joked that fans “start a riot” at his bandmate’s forthcoming court appearance related to a terrorism charge. He later clarified: “No riots, just love and support, and support for Palestine.”

In addition, during their performance, a member of Kneecap also said “Fuck Keir Starmer” on stage after the prime minister called for the band not to play at the festival. Avon and Somerset Police said officers have reviewed the footage from each of the performances and decided further inquiries are required, with a criminal investigation now underway.