Last Dinner Party Boycotts Victorious Festival Over Palestine Set Cut

At the UK's Victorious Festival in Portsmouth, the Irish folk group the Mary Wallopers had their set cut short after displaying a Palestinian flag and leading a 'Free Palestine' chant, which led to a crew member removing the flag and the sound being cut. The festival initially claimed the sound was cut due to a 'discriminatory chant,' but the band disputed this, releasing video evidence showing interference by the festival crew and demanding a retraction. In response, British band the Last Dinner Party withdrew from their scheduled performance in protest, condemning the political censorship and urging support for Palestinians amid escalating violence and famine in Gaza. The festival later apologized for mishandling the situation but maintained support for artists' rights to express their views. This incident reflects wider tensions at UK music festivals this summer, where artists have used their platforms to advocate for Palestine amid ongoing conflicts. Both bands encouraged fans to donate to Medical Aid for Palestinians, emphasizing the urgency of drawing attention to the humanitarian crisis.