ARTISTS have never been shy from getting political at Glastonbury, and this year looks set to be no different with Kneecap set to perform.
One of the more controversial acts performing in recent years will be the Irish rap trio who have been in the headlines after one of their members was charged with a terror offence.
Liam Og O hAnnaidh was charged for allegedly displaying a flag in support of proscribed terrorist organisation Hezbollah at a gig in London in November last year.
Last week the 27-year-old, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, was cheered by hundreds of supporters as he arrived with bandmates Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in “Free Mo Chara” T-shirts.
He was released on unconditional bail until his next hearing at the same court on August 20.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said the group’s performance at the festival is not “appropriate” and Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch said she thought the BBC “should not be showing” Kneecap’s performance. UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has also said she "personally" does not want it on her TV.
When are Kneecap performing at Glastonbury 2025?
Kneecap will be performing on the West Holts stage on Saturday, June 28 at 4pm.
The BBC will provide live streams of the five main stages – Pyramid, Other, West Holts, Woodsies and The Park, as usual.
Will the BBC show Kneecap's Glastonbury 2025 set live?
It is not likely. According to the BBC's guide for Saturday, their live Glastonbury coverage will begin at 5pm.
With Kneecap performing at 4pm, they will not be featured live on TV.
How else can I watch Kneecap live at Glastonbury?
If it isn't streamed on TV, it may be available to watch on the BBC iPlayer live as they bring back their "Glastonbury Channel".
The news release states: "The Glastonbury Channel returns (Friday 27 - Sunday 29 June, 12pm-late). Hosts Clara Amfo, Huw Stephens, Jack Saunders, Jamz Supernova, Jo Whiley and Lauren Laverne will guide viewers through the biggest sets and festival surprises as they happen, the standout moments from BBC One and BBC Two as they are broadcast, and special guests."
With it being shown "live online" via iPlayer, it is likely the set will be subject to the usual delays and editorial restrictions over "controversial content".
Who else is performing at Glastonbury 2025?
This year’s event will see headline performances from British rock/pop band The 1975, veteran singer Neil Young and his band the Chrome Hearts, and US pop star Olivia Rodrigo.
Performing in the coveted Sunday tea-time legends slot this year is Sir Rod Stewart who previously said he will be joined by his former Faces band member Ronnie Wood, as well as some other guests.
His performance is to come after the Maggie May singer postponed a string of concerts in the US, due to take place this month, while he recovered from flu.
Among the acts expected to draw large crowds this year is pop star Charli XCX, who will perform songs from her genre-defining sixth studio album Brat.
She is performing on Saturday night on the Other Stage, 15 minutes before the West Holts stage is graced by US rapper Doechii, another artist who has exploded in popularity in the last year.
Other performers include Irish singer CMAT, Prada singer Raye, US musician Brandi Carlile, Nile Rodgers and Chic, hip-hop star Loyle Carner, US pop star Gracie Abrams, indie outfit Wet Leg, Mercury Prize-winning jazz quintet Ezra Collective, US rapper Denzel Curry, and rising star Lola Young.
The line-up also features a number of acts listed as TBA, as well as a mysterious act called Patchwork, who will take to the Pyramid Stage on Saturday.
