Wireless Festival cancelled for 2026 as headliner Kanye West barred from UK
Kanye West (Bellocqimages/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)
Wireless Festival has been cancelled this year after headliner Kanye West was blocked from entering the UK.
The rapper’s headliner slot had drawn swathes of criticism due to his many antisemitic comments. He also released a song called “Heil Hitler” and released T-shirts with a swastika.
On Tuesday, 7 April, it was confirmed that West’s visa to enter the country to perform had been denied. The Home Office blocked his entry as his presence in the country would “not be conducive to the public good”.
Wireless Festival statement
After his entry was denied, a Wireless Festival spokesperson confirmed this year’s festival would not be happening.
They said in a statement, as per BBC News: “The Home Office has withdrawn YE’s ETA, denying him entry into the United Kingdom. As a result, Wireless Festival is cancelled and refunds will be issued to all ticket holders.
“As with every Wireless Festival, multiple stakeholders were consulted in advance of booking YE and no concerns were highlighted at the time. Antisemitism in all its forms is abhorrent, and we recognise the real and personal impact these issues have had.
“As YE said today, he acknowledges that words alone are not enough, and in spite of this still hopes to be given the opportunity to begin a conversation with the Jewish community in the UK.”
Sponsors already dropped out
On 5 April, Pepsi, who was the main sponsor for the festival, announced it had withdrawn from the event due to West’s involvement.
Diageo, parent company of other festival partners Captain Morgan and Johnnie Walker, confirmed they would not be involved either.
A spokesperson said: “We have informed the organisers of our concerns and as it stands, Diageo will not sponsor the 2026 Wireless festival.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also condemned the “deeply concerning” news that West would be headlining the three-day event.
As reported by the Sun on Sunday, he said: “Antisemitism in any form is abhorrent and must be confronted firmly wherever it appears.
“Everyone has a responsibility to ensure Britain is a place where Jewish people feel safe.”
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