Over 125 artists out of the planned line-up of the 2024 Great Escape Festival have withdrawn from the event to show their support for Palestine. The opening party of the festival has seen every artist booked deciding to cancel their appearances. The list of those who cancelled include Picture Parlour, Alfie Templeman, and Miso Extra. However, Big Special will still play at the festival but donate their fee to the Palestine Child Relief fund.
The artists withdrew from the festival to join the movement of Bands Boycott Barclays as the bank is allegedly investing in companies that provide arms to Israel. The conflict between Israel and Palestine has resulted in the death of over 35,000 Palestinians in Gaza since last year alone. Approximately 1,200 artists, including IDLES, Squid, and Massive Attack, have signed an open letter addressed to The Great Escape, asking them to remove Barclays as a sponsor.
The Menstrual Cramps’ Emilia Elfrida, who was invited to play at the event, raised concerns about Alcopop! Records – Her record label’s association with Barclays. However, despite several phone calls, the festival refused to drop the bank. The label, along with Big Scary Monsters, subsequently announced their withdrawal from the event. Elfrida stated, “To be associating our label with Barclays doesn’t sit right with our ethical standpoint, and if we can do anything to help raise awareness […] we will.”
The acts that withdrew their participation have voiced their hopes that other events around the world will prioritize their ethical responsibilities when choosing event partners. Barclays has not yet commented or responded to the movement. In response to criticisms, the bank stated, “As a bank, our job is to provide financial services to thousands of business clients, and that includes those in the defence sector.”
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