The Last Dinner Party cancels festival performance in protest after Mary Wallopers’ set is cut short

The Victorious Festival in the UK, which ran from August 22 to August 24 in Portsmouth, faced familiar censorship challenges seen at other events this summer where artists used their performances for pro-Palestine advocacy. The Mary Wallopers, an Irish folk music group, had their set abruptly ended on Friday after displaying a Palestinian flag and leading a “Free Palestine” chant. In response, British baroque rockers, the Last Dinner Party, withdrew from their scheduled performance on Saturday as a form of protest against political censorship.

Expressing their dissatisfaction, the Last Dinner Party stated on Instagram that they could not support silencing artists for expressing political views and, as a result, would not be participating in the festival the next day. They emphasized the importance of using their platform to raise awareness about the dire situation in Gaza, urging their audience to contribute to Medical Aid for Palestinians. Despite the disappointment of not being able to perform for their fans, the Last Dinner Party firmly stood by their decision to support the cause of a free Palestine.

Following the incident, the Mary Wallopers shared a video on social media to clarify the sequence of events and accused the festival of misrepresenting their actions to the press. Vampire Weekend’s frontman, Ezra Koenig, also addressed the situation during their headlining performance, asserting that punishing someone for displaying a flag was unjust and calling for empathy towards the Palestinian people’s suffering.

In response to the backlash, festival organizers issued an apology, acknowledging their mishandling of the censorship issue and lack of sensitivity in explaining their policies. They also pledged to make a substantial donation to humanitarian relief efforts for the Palestinian population, aiming to rectify the situation and support those in need.

Overall, the events at the Victorious Festival highlighted the intersection of art, politics, and activism, showcasing the power of music to bring attention to important causes. The Last Dinner Party and the Mary Wallopers, through their actions and statements, made a bold stand against political censorship and advocated for the rights and well-being of the Palestinian people. Their unwavering commitment to using their voices and platforms for social justice serves as a reminder of the significant role that artists play in raising awareness and fostering positive change in society.