Unionist politicians, including Emma Little-Pengelly, have expressed strong objections to the inclusion of the Irish-language rap group Kneecap in the line-up for this year’s AVA Festival in east Belfast. The festival, which attracts approximately 10,000 attendees daily, is set to take place at the Titanic Slipways, a venue associated with the Titanic Belfast visitor attraction.
The controversy stems from concerns regarding Kneecap’s past actions and affiliations. Little-Pengelly, who serves as the deputy First Minister, recently sent a letter to Judith Owens, CEO of Titanic Belfast, after being contacted by a concerned constituent. In her letter, she highlighted that Kneecap had been removed from previous events due to their associations with “the promotion of terrorist organisations.” She questioned whether their participation would foster community cohesion or improve relations among diverse groups in Belfast.
On the political front, David Brooks, a member of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), remarked that many would interpret Kneecap’s presence as a political statement. He noted that issues surrounding the festival had been raised by both the public and elected officials, especially given that some members of the group had previously faced criminal charges. Brooks stated, “While no longer facing the courts, the presence of the group at the festival will be viewed by many as the event taking a political stance.” He emphasized that residents from nearby communities may feel unwelcome as a result.
Additionally, Jim Allister, the leader of the Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) party, has urged Titanic Belfast to reconsider its involvement if Kneecap remains on the bill. In a letter to the attraction’s management, Allister described Kneecap as “repugnant” and accused them of promoting violence and hatred. He implored Titanic Belfast to evaluate the potential damage to their reputation should they continue to affiliate with what he termed a “divisive group.”
Kneecap members have faced legal scrutiny in the past. In 2024, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, a prominent member of the group, was accused of displaying a flag supporting the proscribed terrorist organization Hezbollah during a performance in London. Although the case was dismissed in September of that year due to unlawful proceedings, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) appealed the ruling. As of mid-January 2025, the High Court in London has reserved its judgment on the appeal.
Kneecap has publicly denied the allegations against them, asserting their right to defend themselves against what they describe as unfounded claims. In a statement on social media, they expressed their commitment to countering these accusations vigorously.
The AVA Festival, scheduled for May 31 to June 1, 2025, is expected to feature a diverse lineup of artists and aims to celebrate music and culture. However, the controversy surrounding Kneecap’s participation may overshadow the event, highlighting ongoing tensions within the community regarding the intersection of politics and culture in Northern Ireland.
As the festival date approaches, both supporters and detractors of Kneecap continue to voice their opinions, illustrating the complex dynamics of cultural representation in modern Belfast. The organizers of the festival, along with Titanic Belfast and Kneecap, have been contacted for further comments regarding the situation.
