Kneecap's Glastonbury set won't be live streamed by BBC as broadcaster releases statement

Kneecap's Glastonbury Festival performance will not be streamed on BBC iPlayer today, the broadcaster has announced in a new statement. The trio's highly controversial gig won’t be streamed live but an on-demand version will be available.

BBC spokesperson said: "As the broadcast partner, the BBC is bringing audiences extensive music coverage from Glastonbury, with artists booked by the festival organisers. Whilst the BBC doesn’t ban artists, our plans ensure that our programming meets our editorial guidelines.

"We don’t always live stream every act from the main stages and look to make an on-demand version of Kneecap’s performance available on our digital platforms, alongside more than 90 other sets."

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This comes after Glastonbury bosses issued a warning ahead of their performance this weekend. They sent out a crowd warning as they named a list of artists who they think will draw in the biggest crowds.

They told festival goers: "Kneecap will draw a large audience for their 4pm West Holts show. If you’re not planning to see them, please plan alternative routes around that area. If you do plan to attend, listen to stewards, and please have some other entertainment options in mind in case the field reaches capacity and we need to close it as part of our crowd planning measures."

Festival bosses can work out who are the most popular acts through music fans selecting who they are seeing through the Glastonbury app.

Band member Mo Chara's caused controversy recently after he was charged with brandishing a flag backing banned militant group Hezbollah at a gig in November 2024. He, real name Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, appeared in court last week as a result.

The 27-year-old faced Westminster Magistrates' Court on June 18 while supporters and musicians, including Paul Weller, gathered outside.

The charge related to an incident after the band's O2 Forum show in Kentish Town, London. However the band had branded the case against the musician as a "witch hunt".

They made the claim in a post shared on Twitter/X after they were investigated by counter-terrorism police in May for videos allegedly showing Liam saying "up Hamas, up Hezbollah".

Hundreds of people protesting held up placards that read "Free Mo Chara" and "Defend Kneecap". The controversial slot at Glastonbury was also under scrutiny as many thought the band should not be allowed to perform.

However, with the rapper bailed until later in the summer, the show has been able to go ahead, much to the delight of many fans.

Speaking from Westminster, he told fans: "For anybody going to Glastonbury, you can see us there at 4pm on the Saturday.

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