French town withdraws music festival funding over Kneecap booking
Paris
suburb of Saint-Cloud, which hosts the annual Rock-en-Seine music festival, has decided to withdraw €40,000 subsidy for the event due to its booking of Belfast rap band
Kneecap
.
The rap trio, who perform in
Irish
and English, has been consistently in headlines since their Coachella performance in April when they faced American backlash over their
comments about Gaza during the gig
.
A number of Kneecap's gigs were cancelled after Coachella, with UK ministers, including prime minister Keir Starmer, speaking out against the
group's appearance at Glastonbury
.
Kneecap is scheduled to play on the final day of the Rock-en-Seine festival, which takes place from August 21st to August 24th.
READ MORE
In a statement late on Wednesday, the Saint-Cloud city hall said the money had been agreed before the final line-up of the festival was announced and that it had decided to withdraw the funding on July 3rd.
The Saint-Cloud city said it respected the festival's programming freedom and had not sought 'to enter into any negotiations with a view to influencing the programming'.
'On the other hand it does not finance political action, nor demands, and even less calls to violence, such as calls to kill lawmakers, whatever their nationality,' the statement said.
Rock-en-Seine could not be immediately reached for comment.
Kneecap member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, who is known by his stage name Mo Chara, was charged in May with a terrorism offence for allegedly displaying a flag of Hizbullah, the Iranian-backed militant group that is proscribed as a terrorist organisation in Britain.
He denies the offence and the band said its members do not support Hamas or Hizbullah. – Reuters
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
4 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Why Lionesses saying they're ‘proud to be English' could get them arrested in Keir Starmer's woke police state
IN the afterglow of shooting the Lionesses to Euros victory, striker Chloe Kelly told the watching world: 'I'm so proud to be English!' For a player from Scotland, 6 Hopefully Keir Starmer's new social media policing will not trouble our new net queen, hero goalie Hannah Hampton, who evoked her Englishness in a post-match interview Credit: Getty 6 In the afterglow of shooting the Lionesses to Euros victory, striker Chloe Kelly told the watching world: 'I'm so proud to be English!' Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 6 As Chloe and Hanna showed rare public pride in England — it was a striking moment in today's cautious national climate Credit: Getty Here in England it sparked a social media frenzy. Some half-jokingly wondered whether such publicly avowed patriotism would elicit a knock on the door from cops. One X user posted a picture of officers on a door camera with the caption: 'Hi Posters were referencing the new elite police squad set up by the Home Office to summer of riots. As we see time and time again, expressing a love for England and displaying a So we shall watch and wait to see who gets caught up in this new net. Hopefully it wil not trouble our new net queen, hero goalie 'We've shown during this tournament that we can come back when we go a goal down, we have that grit, we've got English blood in us,' she told TV viewers. Most read in Football That two young women — part of a diverse team that reflects modern England — were happy to express pride in their homeland should be a wake-up call to our nation's elite, falling over themselves to praise This new flowering of Englishness comes in an era where it's become fashionable to talk the country down and smother it with colonial guilt. Chloe Kelly completes Lionesses' greatest comeback yet to retain Euros title Many on the metropolitan left in Britain have long had a sneering disdain for the emblems of the nation. In 2014, Dame Emily Thornberry's snobby tweet of a Medway home with England flags flying and a white van in the drive saw her resign from the then Labour Shadow Cabinet. The following year fellow Islington MP Jeremy Corbyn, who was then Labour's leader, failed to sing the National Anthem at a service to mark the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Not only did it appear an affront to the memory of 'The Few' — those who had lost their lives in the history-defining conflict — it was also bad politics. This new flowering of Englishness comes in an era where it's become fashionable to talk the country down and smother it with colonial guilt Labour signalled that it was drifting away from its traditional, patriotic working-class base who loved their country, their flag, their monarchy and their football team. Sir Keir Starmer recognised Labour's patriotic deficit late in the day, the piping up about his pride in the nation and instigating the singing of the National Anthem at party conference. Later, Corbyn, now in the throes of setting up a new hard left party (don't expect it to have a Union Jack emblem), called singing God Save The King at Labour's annual get-together 'very, very odd'. Such sentiments drove away voters in the so-called 'red wall' constituencies in the north. Little wonder that as the Starmer project flounders, Reform UK — unafraid to fly the flag — have now found fertile ground in once Labour heartlands. English patriotism has long hid its light under a bushel — not helped by the St George Cross being adopted by far-right knuckle draggers like the English Defence League. Compare the comparably muted St George's Day celebrations to the green carnival of St Patrick's Day. In America, with a bloody history to rival Britain's, Old Glory is hung from garden flag poles across the land, whether the owner is Republican or Democrat. Some argue that our patriotic reserve is part of the essence of Englishness. Chloe and Hannah showed the world they were gutsy, skilled, confident, joyous — and proud to be English Yet, It was remarkable for being such a rarity in English public life. Former Government special adviser James Price wrote on X: 'I haven't heard anyone on telly say that about England in so long. 'For all the sneering from some quarters, that's just such a wonderful thing to hear. Much more of this please, in all kinds of arenas.' Much has been made of the British — as well as English — preoccupation with our victorious role in World War Two. Yet, standing alone against Nazi Germany — real fascists not someone misgendering you on social media — was a crowning achievement of the British Empire, with theatres of war in Africa and Asia as well as Europe. Swell with pride The number of red poppies displayed on St George flags is testimony to how important it remains to our national story. After the war — under Clement Attlee's Labour government — a sense of patriotic purpose and unity helped rebuild Britain. A shared togetherness can work wonders for the economy and the national mood. Remember Cool Britannia in the 1990s when the nation revelled in its identity? It was a soft power and financial winner. Everyone has their own sense of Englishness in a land that produced the likes of For some it's rolling moorlands of the Pennines and Cumbria , others might choose dining out on chicken tikka masala or dancing to dub reggae at the Notting Hill Carnival. Many will swell with pride re-watching the Queen . Read more on the Irish Sun Now the Lionesses have roared and added their story to our national identity. Chloe and Hannah showed the world they were gutsy, skilled, confident, joyous — and proud to be English. 6 Keir's Labour signalled that it was drifting away from its traditional, patriotic working-class base who loved their country, their flag, their monarchy and their football team Credit: AFP 6 Remember Cool Britannia in the 1990s when the nation revelled in its identity? It was a soft power and financial winner Credit: EPA 6 Englishness means different things to different people — from rolling moors to chicken tikka masala and the vibrant beats of Notting Hill Carnival Credit: Shutterstock
The Irish Sun
10 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Trump reveals mystery ‘plan' with Israel to END Gaza war & announces mission to get aid to civilians used as Hamas pawns
DONALD Trump has spoken of a mystery plan with Israel to end the war in Gaza and announced a mission to get aid to starving Palestinians. The US President was pressed by British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on the US taking a bigger role in helping stop the Advertisement 10 Six-year-old Yusuf Abdurrahman Matar and his four-year-old brother Emir Abdurrahman Matar face life-threatening malnutrition in Gaza Credit: Getty 10 Carrying pots in their hands, Palestinians struggle to access food as a charity distributes meals in Gaza City Credit: Getty 10 Palestinians inspect the site struck by an Israeli bombardment in Muwasi, Khan Younis Credit: AP 10 US President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hold a bilateral meeting at Trump Turnberry golf course Credit: EPA As the Trump then expressed empathy with people in the Palestinian enclave and said the US would work with other countries to provide more humanitarian assistance to its citizens, including food and sanitation. The US President vowed to set up food centres across Gaza - insisting: "We want to get the children fed." He described the scenes as "terrible" - adding: "We have to help on a humanitarian basis."You have a lot of starving people. Advertisement read more news "We're going to set up food centres, and we're going to do it in conjunction with some very good people. "We're going to set up food centres where the people can walk in and no boundaries, we're not going to have fences." Trump said the UK and other nations were joining the effort as the crisis deepened. He also distanced himself from comments made by Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, who insisted there was no starvation in Gaza. Advertisement Most read in The US Sun Netanyahu had said on Sunday: "There is no policy of starvation in Gaza and there is no starvation in Gaza." Asked if he agreed with the Israeli PM, Trump said: "I don't know. I mean, based on television , I would say not, particularly because those children look very hungry." Migrant boats are carrying 'bad people' REJECTED by other NATIONS says Trump He went on to say that Israel has a lot of responsibility for what's happening, but said that the country is hampered by considerations of the remaining hostages it wants to see kept alive and freed. Trump said the Hamas militant group had become difficult to deal with in recent days, but he was talking with Netanyahu about "various plans" to free hostages still being held. Advertisement Trump said: "We've as you know given a lot of money to Gaza for food and everything else. "A lot of that money is stolen by Hamas and a lot of the food is stolen. "The whole place is a mess. It'll get straightened out... Food and safety right now. Hamas did a horrible thing and they've paid a big price." The President said the priority was getting food to those who were starving and that he was in discussions with Israeli PM. Advertisement He added: 'But I always said when you get down to the final 20 they won't release them, because that's like their shield. Very unfair. "So something's going to have to be done. And they were really unwilling to talk." 10 Palestinians gather to receive food from a charity kitchen, amid a hunger crisis, in Gaza City Credit: Reuters 10 Palestinians, who lost their relatives in Israeli attacks, mourn as the deceased are being brought to Nasser Hospital in Gaza's Khan Yunis Credit: Getty Advertisement 10 A Palestinian woman carries a bowl with food she received from a charity kitchen, amid a hunger crisis Credit: Reuters Starmer said: 'It's a humanitarian crisis, it's an absolute catastrophe and nobody wants to see that. "And I think people in Britain are revolted at what they're seeing on their screens so we've got to get to that ceasefire. And thank you, Mr President, for leading on that." UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres echoed his comments at a meeting boycotted by the US and Israel. Advertisement He said: "The wholesale destruction of Gaza is must stop." The prime minister wants Washington's help in convincing Israel to allow more aid into Gaza and attempting to end what Downing Street called the unspeakable suffering and starvation. Britain, along with France and Germany, has criticised Israel for withholding essential humanitarian assistance as hunger spreads in Gaza. Over the weekend, Starmer said Britain will take part in efforts led by Jordan to airdrop aid after Israel temporarily eased restriction Advertisement On Monday, the Gaza health ministry said at least 14 people had died in the past 24 hours of starvation and malnutrition, bringing the war's death toll from hunger to 147, including 89 children. The prime minister wants Washington's help in convincing Israel to allow more aid into Gaza and attempting to end what Downing Street called the unspeakable suffering and starvation. Britain, along with France and Germany, has criticised Israel for withholding essential humanitarian assistance as hunger spreads in Gaza. Over the weekend, Starmer said Britain will take part in efforts led by Jordan to airdrop aid after Israel temporarily eased restrictions. Advertisement 10 Trump reacts as he meets with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Trump Turnberry golf club Credit: Reuters 10 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (L) speaks during a meeting with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on July 9 Credit: AFP 10 Palestinians inspect the site struck by an Israeli bombardment in Muwasi, Khan Younis, Gaza Strip Credit: AP
Irish Times
13 hours ago
- Irish Times
Forest Fest 2025: stars align to send feelgood festival fans home happy
Jack L v Kerry v Donegal was always going to be a tough gig. As he took to the stage and his image also filled three giant screens, the All-Ireland football final on the two flanking the stage shrank to one corner so the fans watching the last 20 minutes huddled closer, rivalling those keen to see the Athy troubadour strut his stuff. It wasn't Donegal's day but Jack Lukeman more than held his own, aided by the Suso Gospel choir. Otherwise, it was all about the music at Forest Fest in the picturesque village of Emo in Co Laois , now in its fourth year and as established a part of the festival calendar as Electric Picnic up the road in Stradbally. Saturday was the biggest day in terms of crowds and star acts, but a magical performance from The Magic Numbers, building from melodic pop to ever more muscular rock, sent those watching home on a high, giving a satisfying sense of the best wine having been saved till last. Elsewhere, Qween on the main stage and in particular The Complete Stone Roses on the Fleadh stage also delivered blistering, crowd-pleasing sets. READ MORE Nick Lowe had set the bar high early with a solo set that proved once again what a fantastic songwriter he is. 'I was advised to keep things up tempo as it's a festival,' he said, 'but with just an acoustic guitar there has to be light and shade.' Caravaggio would have been jealous of the result. Franz Ferdinand at Forest Fest. Photograph: Brian Bastick Franz Ferdinand at Forest Fest. Photograph: Brian Bastick Tony Hadley is still looking good but the former Spandau Ballet sounds now like a cocktail singer, whereas Billy Bragg's music has matured and his politics are as relevant as ever. 'Sunday night is the perfect festival slot,' he told the crowd. Friday night, they were saving themselves; Saturday night they're too drunk; whereas last night they had lost all inhibitions. He told a funny story about meeting a woman in Boulder, Colorado before a gig, who asked the name of his band. When he told her, she said, there used to be a singer in the 1980s called Billy Bragg. It's a good yarn, and it captures a truth that festival founder Philip Meagher has capitalised on. Many great acts from the 1980s and 1990s are still around and appeal to a key demographic. There are some great up-and-coming acts as part of the mix, such as Pillow Queens and The Oars – but the core ingredients are proven, tried and tested. Travis at Forest Fest. Photograph: Brian Bastick A thrilling set from Manic Street Preachers on Saturday night was a huge highlight. Singer James Dean Bradfield led the Welsh band through a string of great songs, kicking off with Motorcycle Emptiness, in front of a capacity crowd. The Manics have had their share of misfortunes, most notably the loss of Richey Edwards, but the set is dedicated to another late colleague and their producer is standing in for their keyboard player who is ill. Perhaps this gives songs such as A Design for Life and You Stole the Sun from My Heart an edge others lack. They close with If You Tolerate This Your Children Will be Next, as three Palestinian flags are waved near the front of the crowd. 'This is the sound of Laois I've been looking forward to hearing,' says Franz Ferdinand frontman Alex Kapranos, fresh from Glastonbury, as their hit song Do you Want To is met with a roar of approval on a sunny Friday evening. Kapranos, as limber as a flamenco dancer, delivers a hit-filled set as shining as his black satin bomber jacket: Take Me Out, Hooked, Michael, Walk Away and This Fire were standouts. Tom Meighan at Forest Fest. Photograph: Brian Bastick If Franz Ferdinand are top-of the range glossy, The Dandy Warhols, who followed, are prestige matt, with fewer pyrotechnics but a set including hits Bohemian Like You and We Used to Be Friends that slowly builds to deliver a captivating soundscape, complemented by a powerful visual display on the screens behind. Something Happens had got the ball rolling earlier, Tom Dunne offering some sound advice: 'did you all take your medication before coming out today?' Other Friday highlights included Alabama 3's rendition of Woke up this Morning, the singers dressed like Pearly King and Queen, as a fan shinned her way up and swung from a pole in the Village Stage tent. A feature of the festival is its plethora of brilliant covers bands. Friday night closed with Live Forever Oasis, Daft Punk Tribute and Thin as Lizzy on three stages, while Walk the Line (Johnny Cash) and Qween closed on other nights. No complaints as they delivered some of the most crowd-pleasing sets. Standouts included Pogueology, The Classic Beatles, Neil Young tribute Harvest and superb Smiths act These Charming Men, who have graduated from the third to second stage and deserve a main stage slot next year. Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want. Peter Hook made a welcome return to the festival, and delivered a solid set, this time focused more on his time with New Order than Joy Division. He too was pleased with the crowd. 'You've made an old man very happy,' he said, responding to the adulation that greeted a strong finish featuring True Faith, Temptation, Blue Monday and Love Will Tear Us Apart. Sharon Shannon at Forest Fest. Photograph: Brian Bastick Earlier, Larne rockers had dedicated Die Laughing to the late Ozzy Osbourne. The Stranglers were rather downbeat, apart from Always the Sun, Peaches and the brilliant Golden Brown. It was curious to go from that song of heroin addiction to another delivered by an irrepressible Mary Coughlan, The Ice Cream Man (inspired by an Irish Times story she reads in a Galway pub, she said). Rather miscast on the Fleadh stage, she packed it out with songs as dark and sparkling as her runners. The Susu choir joined her on stage for a beautiful rendition of I Would Rather Go Blind, which she first heard aged 15 when stepping out with 'future president' Catherine Connolly 's brother. Her rousing rendition of Ride On is the best I've heard. The sound quality throughout was exceptional and overall the organisation was impeccable, but the stage timings irritatingly went half an hour awry on Saturday afternoon. Kula Shaker. Photograph: Brian Bastick This is a feelgood festival, attracting young and old and sending them home happy. The bands too. Teenage Fanclub singer Raymond McGinley can't help smiling as he delivers a joyous set, with Sparky's Dream and What You Do to Me standouts. The Riptide Movement, headlining the second stage on Saturday night, caught the mood with the glorious closer All Works Out. 'Tomorrow's a new day.' Here's to next year.
