Everything you need to know about Kneecap's eagerly awaited Glasto performance
One of the most contentious topics at this year's Glastonbury Festival is the scheduled performance of Irish language rap group Kneecap. The issue has become a major talking point among festival-goers.
Despite facing pressure from British politicians and others, the festival organisers have chosen not to cancel the Irish band's appearance. This comes after allegations that the band displayed a flag in support of the proscribed terrorist organisation Hezbollah and chanted "up Hamas, up Hezbollah" during a gig in London last November.
One of the band members, Liam Og O hAnnaidh, is currently out on bail and set to reappear in court in August, following a court appearance earlier this month. He denies the charges, and the band has apologised to the families of murdered MPs, claiming that footage of the incident was "exploited and weaponised".
Kneecap is set to perform at Glastonbury on Saturday at 4pm, and an enormous crowd is expected to attend. The controversy has only added to the band's popularity, particularly among the festival's left-wing, anti-establishment, and pro-Palestinian attendees.
As a group known for their strong political voice, the band from west Belfast and Derry are likely to use their platform to express their views on Saturday afternoon at Worthy Farm. Worthy Farm is gearing up for an emotionally charged performance this weekend, with band lyrics and social media posts centring around the harrowing issue of child starvation in Gaza, reports Somerset Live.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and opposition leader, Tory MP Kemi Badenoch have piped up this week, insisting that the BBC should give the concert a miss on the telly.
But the group's run-in with the law and Mo Chara's recent court appearance has only boosted their fame, sparking loads of support all over social media.
Support is expected to be massive for the Pro Palestinian crew at Glastonbury, known for their unique Irish rapped tunes in a Northern Irish twang.
Hailing from west Belfast where pride in nationalism is painted on the walls, they're belting out messages for a united Ireland and stand against any sort of heavy-handed policing or government control.
You'll spot Palestine flags fluttering nearly everywhere you look in areas like Divis Flats and Falls Road, showing local solidarity from the heart of west Belfast.
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However, there's been a bit of a stir in Somerset as some high-profile locals have been bending the ear of Glastonbury Festival bosses, trying to get the band's slot pulled – but so far, the festival has not budged and hasn't given in to the noise.
The scene was buzzing outside Westminster Magistrates' Court when O hAnnaidh appeared with his mates Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh, decked out in "Free Mo Chara" gear, to a hero's welcome.
When he reappears in court in August, an even larger crowd is expected to rally in support, with numerous pro-Palestinian social media groups encouraging people to show their solidarity.
Their Glastonbury gig is set to be a full house, with youngsters already planning to arrive hours ahead of their 4pm kick-off.
Their distinctive Irish rapping on political issues, particularly Free Palestine, is sure to echo across the Glastonbury hills, much to the delight of the audience.
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