Wireless Festival cancelled after Kanye West blocked from entering the UK

This year’s Wireless Festival will no longer go ahead after headliner Kanye West — now known as Ye — was prevented from entering the UK.

The government declined his request to travel to Britain following widespread criticism over his planned appearance at the London event. In recent years, the artist has drawn heavy backlash for a series of antisemitic, racist and pro-Nazi remarks.

In a statement, Wireless organisers confirmed the festival’s cancellation and said all ticket holders would receive refunds. They added that several partners had been consulted before confirming West’s booking and that no objections were raised at the time.

The statement acknowledged the harm caused by antisemitism and noted that Ye had expressed a wish to engage in dialogue with members of the Jewish community in the UK, admitting that words alone would not be enough to address concerns.

Presale tickets released on Tuesday reportedly sold out within hours, with general sales scheduled to begin the following day.

Earlier, the Home Office confirmed that West had applied on Monday to enter the UK using an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Officials refused the request on the basis that his presence would not be considered beneficial to the public good. Travellers who do not require a visa for short stays must still obtain an ETA before entering the country.

The controversy stems from several past incidents. In 2022, West posted inflammatory comments about Jewish people on social media and later made remarks praising Adolf Hitler during a podcast appearance. In 2025, he released a track titled Heil Hitler and sold merchandise featuring swastikas.

Despite issuing a public apology earlier this year in a newspaper statement, West has continued efforts to return to the spotlight. Just last week, he performed two sold-out shows in Los Angeles, telling the crowd he hoped to move forward from past controversies.

Festival Republic managing director Melvin Benn previously said the organisers had attempted to contact Jewish groups after announcing West’s performances, but claimed those efforts were unsuccessful. However, representatives from the Board of Deputies disputed that account, stating they had responded positively to a meeting request while maintaining that the invitation for West to perform should be withdrawn.

With the government’s decision, the matter was effectively taken out of the hands of both the performer and the festival organisers. Benn had earlier suggested that intervention by the home secretary could end the situation.

While describing West’s past conduct as deeply troubling, Benn also pointed to the possible role of long-term mental health struggles and called for some understanding. That view was criticised by several Jewish organisations.

The Community Security Trust described the travel refusal as a sensible outcome after what it called a distressing episode for British Jews. It added that genuine remorse must come before any attempt at public rehabilitation.

Campaign Against Antisemitism chief executive Gideon Falter said the decision showed that principle had ultimately prevailed, adding that it was unfortunate government action had been required.

Political leaders also weighed in. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the rapper should never have been invited to headline the event and reaffirmed the government’s stance against antisemitism. Health Secretary Wes Streeting dismissed West’s apology as insincere and said forgiveness would have to come from Jewish communities, not politicians.

Other figures across the political spectrum echoed support for the government’s decision, though some voices raised concerns around free expression and the idea that consumers should decide whether to support an artist.

Members of the public expressed mixed reactions. Some fans said cancelling the performance was the right call given the repeated nature of West’s past remarks. Others voiced disappointment, arguing that individuals should be free to choose whether to attend.

Wireless Festival had been due to take place in Finsbury Park, an area with a significant Jewish community, adding to the sensitivity surrounding the booking.