**Police Announce No Further Action Over Kneecap’s Glastonbury Festival Performance**
Avon and Somerset Police have closed their investigation into the Belfast rap group Kneecap following their performance at the iconic Glastonbury Festival, stating there is not enough evidence to proceed with criminal charges. This update comes after several weeks of speculation and heightened public interest regarding the nature of the band’s set on the West Holts Stage at Worthy Farm in June.
The investigation was originally triggered shortly after Kneecap’s set, where concerns were raised about comments related to a future court appearance made during their live performance. The authorities reviewed both video and audio material captured during Kneecap’s and another band’s, Bob Vylan’s, appearances at the festival, trying to determine whether any laws had been breached.
A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police confirmed on Friday that, after consulting with the Crown Prosecution Service, there was “insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction for any offence,” resulting in a decision to halt further inquiry into the matter. This official statement brings to an end the intense scrutiny faced by the trio in recent weeks, which saw the case receive significant media coverage.
Kneecap, made up of Liam Og O hAnnaidh (known as Mo Chara), Naoise O Caireallain (Moglai Bap), and JJ O Dochartaigh (DJ Provaí), drew attention both for their bold performance and the enormous crowd they attracted. The band later took to social media, sharing an excerpt from police correspondence and reflecting on the outcome. In their post, they described their Glastonbury set as “historic”, recalling how the venue area was reportedly closed to new festival-goers an hour before the show due to overwhelming audience numbers.
The group did not shy away from addressing the political context surrounding the incident. In their message, Kneecap characterised the investigation as a form of “political policing intimidation”, yet emphasised what they saw as the ultimately positive and unifying nature of their live event. They depicted the experience at Glastonbury as a “celebration of love and solidarity”, highlighting the vibrant atmosphere generated by their fans at the world-famous festival.
A key element of the controversy stemmed from remarks made onstage referencing band member Mo Chara’s upcoming legal proceedings related to a terror offence charge. During the performance, fellow member Moglai Bap made an impassioned appeal to fans, suggesting they would “start a riot outside the courts,” only to promptly clarify his intentions by stating: “No riots, just love and support, and support for Palestine.” This clarification, while heartfelt, became a focal point of the subsequent investigation.
From a policing perspective, Avon and Somerset officers stated that their inquiries were thorough and comprehensive. As part of their work, detectives sought expert legal advice before reaching their conclusion. The outcome—no further action due to a lack of evidence—has been communicated to the parties involved and shared with the public to bring transparency to the process.
Kneecap’s appearance at Glastonbury and the subsequent police involvement have amplified ongoing discussions about the limits of artistic expression, censorship, and activism within live music events. While some have criticised the police investigation as excessive, others argue that the authorities acted correctly in exploring whether any boundaries were crossed during the high-profile set.
Looking ahead, Kneecap remain in the public eye as they continue to address political and social themes in their music. The debate surrounding their Glastonbury set is likely to add to their growing reputation as both artists and outspoken commentators on contemporary issues.
This incident also offers a glimpse into the complex relationship between artistic freedom and legal responsibility, a topic that will likely remain relevant as more musicians use their platforms to voice political statements in front of large audiences. For now, the police’s decision marks the closure of one chapter in Kneecap’s eventful career, even as their messages — and the reactions they inspire — continue to reverberate across the UK and beyond.