A charity has accused Glastonbury Festival of breaking its licence by allowing inflammatory performances and has given organisers 14 days to respond.
Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) wrote to Glastonbury organisers and Somerset Council after controversial performances by Kneecap and Bob Vylan on 28 June.
The charity claims the festival may have breached licensing conditions by allowing artists to make inflammatory and potentially criminal statements on stage.
Avon and Somerset Police have launched a criminal investigation into both performances.
The force said: “Video footage and audio from Bob Vylan and Kneecap's performances at Glastonbury Festival on Saturday has been reviewed.
“Following the completion of that assessment process we have decided further inquiries are required and a criminal investigation is now being undertaken. A senior detective has been appointed to lead this investigation.”
The investigation is currently recorded as a public order incident and will focus on all relevant legislation, including hate crimes.
Bob Vylan drew heavy criticism for leading chants calling for “death to the Israel Defence Forces (IDF),” while Kneecap’s performance included “free Palestine” chants and anti-Prime Minister slogans.
Police said they received significant public interest and asked the public to refrain from further reports as the investigation proceeds.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy condemned the scenes as “appalling and unacceptable,” adding:“As a Government we strongly support freedom of expression... But we do not accept that incitement to violence, hate speech or antisemitism is art.”
The BBC faces pressure over its live broadcast of Bob Vylan’s set. The corporation admitted it “should have pulled” the livestream, stating: “The antisemitic sentiments expressed by Bob Vylan were utterly unacceptable and have no place on our airwaves. We welcome Glastonbury's condemnation of the performance.”
Opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer demanded an explanation from the BBC for airing what he called “hate speech,” while broadcasting regulator Ofcom said it was “very concerned” about the incident.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: “Bob Vylan was inciting violence and hatred. He should be arrested and prosecuted immediately.”
Glastonbury organisers condemned the offensive remarks, stating: “We stand against all forms of war and terrorism… there is no place at Glastonbury for antisemitism, hate speech or incitement to violence.”
CAA’s spokesperson said: “Glastonbury this year allowed itself to become even more of a hate fest than ever before. That ends now. Or Glastonbury Festival does.”
The charity demands detailed explanations about what due diligence was carried out before the festival, how warnings were handled, and what steps will prevent similar incidents from happening in future.
Failure to respond adequately could trigger a formal review of Glastonbury’s premises licence, possibly leading to added conditions or revocation.
The letter also raised concerns about safety for Jewish and Zionist attendees, some of whom reportedly avoided this year’s festival due to fears over hate speech.
Organisers have 14 days to respond before further legal action is considered.
The Standard has contacted a representative for Glastonbury for comment.
