kneecap

post image

Noel Gallagher, Johnny Marr and More Sign Open Letter Supporting Garvaghy Road Residents

A prominent group of cultural figures, including Noel Gallagher, Johnny Marr, Kneecap, and Paul Weller, have united to sign an open letter in support of the residents of Garvaghy Road in Belfast. This collective action comes as the area faces a tense deadlock following a controversial decision to allow an Orange Order parade to march through the predominantly nationalist community.

Paul Weller (Grant Buchanan/Getty), Johnny Marr (Andy Ford for NME), Noel Gallagher (Earl Gibson/Getty) and Kneecap (Andy Ford for NME)

Paul Weller (Grant Buchanan/Getty), Johnny Marr (Andy Ford for NME), Noel Gallagher (Earl Gibson/Getty) and Kneecap (Andy Ford for NME)

The situation in Portadown, County Armagh, has reached a critical point, marking the 11th day of a standoff that has reignited historical tensions. For nearly three decades, the Parades Commission had restricted the Orange Order from utilizing this route due to a history of severe violence. However, a recent High Court ruling has eased these regulations, granting permission for the march to proceed.

WATCH

The open letter, addressed to Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant, advocates for the appointment of an independent international mediator to resolve the dispute. The signatories emphasize the fragility of the region's peace, noting that the residents have endured significant trauma and fear. The letter argues that the community should not be subjected to a return to the anxieties of the 1990s.

Beyond the aforementioned musicians, the list of signatories includes Imelda May, Nadine Shah, Robert Del Naja of Massive Attack, and Suggs of Madness. Prominent actors and cultural figures such as Susan Sarandon, Ken Loach, and Adrian Dunbar have also lent their support to the cause.

The signatories conclude by calling for courageous political leadership, urging authorities to prioritize the safety and consent of the local residents. They maintain that the current situation serves as a stark reminder of the need for genuine partnership and neutral arbitration to secure a peaceful future for the region.

post image

Kneecap, Sleaford Mods and Kitty Amor kick off Electric Castle 2026

For 13 years, festival-goers in search of an unconventional live music experience have flocked to Bánffy Castle—a 16th-century fortress in the heart of Transylvania—for Electric Castle. Each summer, the lineup boasts an extensive selection of genres from across the globe, spanning pop, indie, dance, rock, hip-hop, and beyond.

This year, the historic grounds are set to host major acts including Twenty One Pilots, The Cure, Teddy Swims, and Wet Leg. True to its reputation as a 24-hour festival, the music never stops throughout the weekend. As the gates opened on July 16, the atmosphere was electric, setting the stage for a weekend of magic and mayhem.

Sleaford Mods Deliver a Punchy Opening

Jason Williamson and Andrew Fearn of Sleaford Mods set a high bar for the weekend with a performance at the Hangar stage. The duo navigated their set with a mix of levity and sharp social commentary, drawing heavily from their latest release, The Demise of Planet X. Highlights included tracks like ‘Megaton’ and ‘No Touch,’ while their cover of Pet Shop Boys’ ‘West End Girls’ provided a memorable moment for the crowd.

Kitty Amor Brings Afro House to the Woods

Deep within the festival grounds, the Hideout Stage—a hidden treehouse-like venue—hosted a standout set from Kitty Amor. As a leading voice in the modern Afro House scene, Amor commanded the crowd with an intoxicating blend of deep, African electronic house music. Her set, which included her summer-defining single ‘Shine A Light,’ solidified her status as one of the genre’s most innovative ambassadors.

Kneecap Bring Energy and Solidarity

The Belfast trio Kneecap brought a powerful, politically charged performance to the stage. With a message of solidarity for Palestine and Lebanon, the group delivered a muscular set that resonated deeply with the audience. Tracks like ‘Smugglers & Scholars’ and ‘Get Your Brits Out’ whipped the crowd into a frenzy, proving that their message transcends borders.

SG Lewis Closes with Disco Glamour

To round out the opening festivities, SG Lewis brought high-octane disco energy to the Booha stage. Known for his collaborations with artists like Dua Lipa and Robyn, Lewis showcased his immense musical range, keeping the energy high with a set that was both unpredictable and endlessly danceable.

post image

Kneecap Reveal Full Set Times for Massive Crystal Palace Park Show

Irish rap trio Kneecap are set to deliver their most significant performance to date this weekend, taking to the stage for a massive outdoor show at London’s Crystal Palace Park. As anticipation builds for the event, organizers have officially released the full set times for the day.

The group, who recently released their acclaimed second studio album Fenian, will be supported by an impressive lineup of special guests. The bill includes performances from The Mary Wallopers, Fat Dog, Biig Piig, Gurriers, and Madra Salach, with Irish comedian Mike Rice serving as the event host.

Full Schedule for Crystal Palace Park

Festival Republic has confirmed that gates will open at 1pm BST. The musical programming begins shortly after, with the full stage times as follows:

  • Madra Salach: 2:00pm
  • Gurriers: 3:00pm
  • Biig Piig: 4:00pm
  • Fat Dog: 5:15pm
  • The Mary Wallopers: 6:35pm
  • Kneecap: 8:25pm

The event is scheduled to conclude with a 10:00pm gate closure, followed by a strict 10:30pm curfew. Reflecting on the scale of the show, the band previously shared their excitement, noting: “We’re back to the belly of the beast for our biggest ever headline show. We’re delighted to have some of our best mates and best bands around to join us.”

This landmark concert follows a busy period for the trio, who have been making waves across the European and UK festival circuit. Following their London appearance, the group is slated to perform at major events including Roskilde, Rock Werchter, Boomtown, and Reading & Leeds 2026.

The band’s recent output has been met with critical acclaim, with NME praising Fenian as a “solid, progressive and fearless album.” As they prepare to play for 25,000 fans in the capital, the group continues to solidify their reputation as one of the most vital and provocative voices in contemporary music.