Police rule out further action over Kneecap’s Glastonbury performance
Mo Chara, DJ Provaí and Móglaí Bap of Kneecap performs on the West Holts Stage during during day four of Glastonbury Festival.
GLASTONBURY, ENGLAND - JUNE 28: Mo Chara, DJ Provaí and Móglaí Bap of Kneecap perform on the West Holts stage during day four of Glastonbury festival 2025 at Worthy Farm, Pilton on June 28, 2025 in Glastonbury, England. Established by Michael Eavis in 1970, Glastonbury has grown into the UK's largest music festival, drawing over 200,000 fans to enjoy performances across more than 100 stages. In 2026, the festival will take a fallow year, a planned pause to allow the Worthy Farm site time to rest and recover. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)
GLASTONBURY, ENGLAND - JUNE 28: DJ Provaí of Kneecap performs on the West Holts Stage during during day four of Glastonbury Festival 2025 at Worthy Farm, Pilton on June 28, 2025 in Glastonbury, England. Avon and Somerset Police have announced that they have launched a criminal investigation into the performance of the Irish-language rap band who are known for making pro-Palestinian and political comments during their live performances and have attracted controversy in the past. Established by Michael Eavis in 1970, Glastonbury has grown into the UK's largest music festival, drawing over 200,000 fans to enjoy performances across more than 100 stages. In 2026, the festival will take a fallow year, a planned pause to allow the Worthy Farm site time to rest and recover. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)
Bob Vylan performing on the West Holts Stage during the Glastonbury Festival (Yui Mok/PA)
Police have confirmed that a criminal investigation into Kneecap’s performance at this year’s Glastonbury Festival has been dropped.
Avon and Somerset Police said it will be taking “no further action” on the grounds that there is “insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction for any offence”.
The investigation was announced in June after officers reviewed video footage and audio recordings from the sets of Kneecap and punk duo Bob Vylan at the festival.
West Belfast rap trio – made up of Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, Naoise Ó Cairealláin and JJ Ó Dochartaigh – took to social media on Friday to confirm the news.
The group shared a redacted email from a senior investigating officer on Facebook.
In the caption of their post, Kneecap said: “One element of the political policing intimidation attempt is over.
“We played a historic set at Glastonbury. Whole area closed an hour before due to crowds. A celebration of love and solidarity. A sea of good people at the world’s most famous festival.
"Shortly afterwards we learn of an active police investigation. An investigation that followed after the Prime Minister himself said it ‘was not appropriate’ we played Glastonbury.”
Read more
They added: “This ‘investigation’ was reported across the world's media often with wildly misleading headlines.
“Every single person who saw our set knew no law was broken, not even close....yet the police saw fit to publicly announce they were opening an investigation.”
The group questioned the decision to “open and publicise” the investigation adding that it was a “political” and “targeted” move.
“This is state intimidation,” the statement continued. “After the media damage is inflicted and seen by millions of eyes - you receive a private email to say there's no evidence and no action - that is seen by two people only.
“There is no public apology, they don't send this to media or post it on police accounts.”
Avon and Somerset Police said: “An investigation has been carried out into comments about a forthcoming court case made during Kneecap’s performance at Glastonbury Festival on Saturday 28 June.
“Detectives sought advice from the Crown Prosecution Service during their enquiries and after that advice, we have made the decision to take no further action on the grounds there is insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction for any offence.
“Kneecap was informed of that decision earlier today.
“Enquiries continue to be carried out in relation to separate comments made on stage during Bob Vylan’s performance.”
Taking to the sage before of the Belfast group, rapper Bobby Vylan, of rap punk duo Bob Vylan, led crowds in chants of: “Free, free Palestine” and: “Death, death to the IDF”.
During their performance, Kneecap led the crowd in chants of “Free Mo Chara and f*** Keir Starmer”, while also thanking the organisers for not bowing to pressure to cancel their performance.After performing several tracks the band addressed the crowd, referencing Ó hAnnaidh’s court appearance in June.
Ó hAnnaidh – who performs as Mo Chara – was charged in May with a terrorism offence over allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag during a gig at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, in November 2024.
He denies the allegations and continues to be on bail ahead of a further court hearing in August.
Referring to his bandmate’s upcoming court date, Ó Cairealláin – who performs as Moglai Bap – told the Glastonbury crowd they would “start a riot outside the courts”, before clarifying: “No riots, just love and support, and support for Palestine.”
The musicians have repeatedly spoken out against the war in Gaza.
Recently the band, alongside artists like Massive Attack and Brian Eno, joined a campaign with Led By Donkeys urging others who fear “silencing or career cancellation” over their support for Palestine to join a syndicate.
Kneecap fans defend Glastonbury performance as BBC say it will not be live-streamed
Earlier this week Kneecap announced new tour dates to play their “biggest run of shows ever” across Scotland, Wales and England.
Their tour will start in Bournemouth on November 14 before moving on to Liverpool, Newcastle and Glasgow.
Kneecap will also perform in London at the previously announced show at OVO Arena Wembley on September 18.
