Wireless Festival cancelled after Kanye West blocked from UK

WorldMusic
7 Apr 2026 • 9:23 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • Wireless Festival has been cancelled after headliner Kanye West was blocked from travelling to the UK.
  • The Home Office denied his Electronic Travel Authorisation application, stating his presence would "not be conducive to the public good" due to his antisemitic comments.
  • The decision follows significant pressure from government ministers and Jewish groups on Wireless Festival organisers for inviting West, who had released a song called 'Heil Hitler' and advertised swastika T-shirts.
  • Festival Republic said the festival had been cancelled and refunds will be issued to all ticket holders.
  • “Antisemitism in all its forms is abhorrent, and we recognise the real and personal impact these issues have had,” it said in a statement.

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