Wireless Festival 2026 cancelled

Wireless Festival 2026 has been cancelled following the controversy surrounding Kanye West's headline slot. 

West, whose artist name is now Ye, was revealed as the main headliner last week and was set to take centre stage for all three nights at London's Victoria Park this summer. 

However, the announcement was met with serious backlash following his past antisemitic comments, leading to many brands pulling out of representation. Kanye issued an apology, as well as Melvin Benn, the managing director of Festival Republic asking the public for "forgiveness" and to give Ye a "second chance". But this saga has finally been put to bed, with the festival now cancelled for the year. 

In a statement, Festival Republic, which co-promotes Wireless, said: "The Home Office has withdrawn YE's ETA, denying him entry into the United Kingdom.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."