Unionist politicians have expressed strong opposition to the inclusion of the Irish-language rap group Kneecap in the lineup for this year’s AVA Festival in east Belfast. This annual music event, which draws approximately 10,000 fans each day, is scheduled for late May to early June. The controversy surrounding the festival is expected to escalate, especially with reports that Kneecap will be announced as the festival’s headline act for 2026.
The festival typically takes place at the Titanic Slipways, a venue operated by the Titanic Belfast visitor attraction. The decision to feature Kneecap has been perceived by some as a political statement, igniting significant backlash from local unionist representatives.
In August, Emma Little-Pengelly, the deputy First Minister, sent a letter to Judith Owens, the CEO of Titanic Belfast, after receiving concerns from constituents. In her correspondence, Little-Pengelly highlighted that Kneecap had been cancelled from previous events due to their alleged ties to “the promotion of terrorist organisations.” She questioned whether hosting the group would foster community cohesion or improve relations in the area.
Another member of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), David Brooks, echoed these sentiments, stating that the presence of Kneecap would likely be interpreted as a political act. He noted that public concerns had been raised regarding the festival, particularly given that some members of the group were facing criminal charges at the time. “Many people, not least those in some nearby communities, will interpret that as a message that they are not welcome at the festival,” he stated.
In a similar vein, Jim Allister, the leader of the Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) party, has also urged Titanic Belfast to withdraw its support for the festival unless Kneecap is removed from the lineup. Allister described the rap group as “repugnant” and accused them of promoting violence and hatred. In his letter, he implored Titanic Belfast to reconsider its involvement, warning that association with Kneecap could tarnish the brand’s reputation.
The controversy comes in light of past incidents involving Kneecap and accusations against one of its members, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh. In November 2024, he was accused of displaying a flag in support of the proscribed terrorist organisation Hezbollah during a performance in London. Although the case was dismissed in September of the following year, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) appealed the ruling, and a judgment on the matter is pending.
Kneecap has publicly defended itself against the accusations, maintaining that they will vigorously contest any charges. The group’s representatives have been contacted for comment regarding the ongoing situation with the AVA Festival.
As the festival approaches, the debate over Kneecap’s participation raises critical questions about the intersection of culture, politics, and community identity in Northern Ireland. The outcome of this controversy will likely reverberate through local communities and could impact future events in the region.
