CAA writes to Glastonbury regarding potential licence breach

The Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) has formally written to Glastonbury Festival organizers, alleging a potential breach of licensing conditions following performances by the bands Kneecap and Bob Vylan at this past weekend’s event.

The charity is demanding answers and has given the festival 14 days to respond, indicating that further legal steps, including a review of the festival’s premises license, could be considered. Somerset Council, the licensing authority, has also been copied on the letter.

A spokesperson for the CAA stated,

“Today, CAA has written to Glastonbury on the advice of our lawyers to demand answers over the weekend’s events and noting that the Festival’s organisers may have breached the conditions of their licence by platforming certain acts despite warnings not to do so.”

The spokesperson added, “Glastonbury this year allowed itself to become even more of a hate-fest than ever before. That ends now. Or Glastonbury Festival does.”

The CAA’s letter highlights the performance by the band Kneecap on Saturday, June 28. The charity claims that during their set, a member of Kneecap called for a riot at his upcoming court appearance on August 20 at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. This appearance is to face charges under section 13(1)(b) and (3) of the Terrorism Act 2000 for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag and shouting “Up Hamas, Up Hezbollah” at a previous concert. Both Hamas and Hezbollah are proscribed terrorist organizations in the UK.

The CAA asserts that this incident was widely reported and would have been known to festival organizers, noting that the BBC did not live broadcast the performance due to recognized risks. The charity suggests that providing Kneecap with a platform, despite this knowledge, could be seen as aiding and abetting the alleged criminal offence of encouraging a riot, which falls under section 44 of the Serious Crime Act 2007 and section 1 of the Public Order Act 1986.

The letter asks Glastonbury to detail the steps taken to prevent Kneecap from committing further offences on stage.

The CAA argues that calls for people to be killed are likely to constitute criminal offences, and notes that Avon and Somerset Police are reportedly investigating the incident. The charity points out that nearly all adult Israeli citizens are legally obligated to serve in the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), and that “several Israeli citizens who either had served, or do from time to time serve in the IDF in reserves, felt threatened and put in fear for their safety” as a result of the performance.

The letter further emphasizes that over **80% of British Jews identify as Zionists**, a belief in Jewish self-determination in Israel. Only **6% do not**. The CAA contends that platforming individuals who call for the “eradication of the State of Israel (‘from the River to the Sea’) and elimination or ethnic cleansing of the Jews within that state” risks directly or indirectly promoting discrimination based on race (including nationality) and religion against audience members.

While acknowledging Glastonbury’s press comments on June 29 expressing that they were “appalled” by Bob Vylan’s performance and accepted the duo “crossed a line,” the CAA describes this as “closing the door after the horse has bolted,” suggesting a “predictable outcome” due to an “apparent lack of concern for Jewish and Zionist attendees.”

The CAA has put forth six specific questions to Glastonbury Festival Events Limited Managing Director Ms. Emily Eavis:

1. What actions were taken following warnings about these bands prior to the festival?
2. What due diligence was carried out to prevent these offences by invited bands?
3. What instructions were given to artists or their management to avoid such offences?
4. Why did staff not stop the performances earlier, such as when Bob Vylan made the “working for f***ing Zionists” comment?
5. What steps will be taken to prevent future offences at festivals?
6. What steps will be taken to ensure that Jews or Zionists (whether Jewish or otherwise) feel safe and protected at future Glastonbury festivals?

The CAA underscores that these questions relate to Glastonbury’s duty under the Licensing Act 2003 to promote licensing objectives, including the prevention of crime and disorder. Failure to do so could lead to a premises licence review, potentially resulting in modified licence conditions or, ultimately, revocation.

The charity concludes by stating that Glastonbury’s promotion of inclusivity and plurality is called into question by these events, and asks how the festival will address the concerns of Jewish and Zionist attendees who reportedly avoided the festival this year due to safety concerns. The CAA has offered to provide assistance to the festival in good faith to avoid similar incidents in the future.