London’s prestigious Wireless Festival has been officially cancelled after the UK Home Office denied entry to headliner Kanye West, also known as Ye.
The multi-day event, scheduled for July 10-12, 2026, at Finsbury Park, was set to feature West performing all three nights a performance which was meant to be his first major UK headline slot in over a decade.
Organisers Festival Republic announced the cancellation on Tuesday, stating: “The Home Office has withdrawn Ye’s ETA, denying him entry into the United Kingdom.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.”
The decision was made on grounds that his presence “would not be conducive to the public good,” citing West’s history of antisemitic and controversial statements, including past admiration for Adolf Hitler and repeated antisemitic outbursts.
The announcement of West as the sole headliner earlier in the week triggered immediate backlash, with sponsors like Pepsi and Diageo withdrawing support and widespread criticism from Jewish groups and fans. Organisers had defended the booking by emphasising themes of forgiveness, but mounting pressure led to government intervention.
The cancellation highlights ongoing debates about platforming artists with a track record of hate speech at major cultural events. No alternative lineup or rescheduled dates have been announced.
