Bands pull out of UK festival after The Mary Wallopers cut short during Palestine flag row

WorldMusic
26 Aug 2025 • 3:29 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • The Mary Wallopers had their set at Victorious Festival cut short after the Irish folk band displayed a Palestinian flag and chanted "Free Palestine".
  • Festival organisers initially claimed the band used a "discriminatory chant" but later issued a second statement apologising for mishandling the situation.
  • In solidarity, Brit Award-winning band The Last Dinner Party, The Academic, and Cliffords subsequently withdrew from the festival, citing opposition to "political censorship".
  • The Mary Wallopers denied the initial accusation, sharing footage that showed their sound being cut after the flag display and "Free Palestine" chant.
  • Victorious Festival's revised statement acknowledged their error, accepted the audience could not hear comments after the mics were cut, and pledged a substantial donation to Palestinian humanitarian relief.