Orla Gartland, Inhaler and The Academic among artists speaking out for Palestine at Electric Picnic

Prior to Electric Picnic 2025, festival director Melvin Benn promised "mics won't be switched off" at performances where artists make political statements — referencing the recent Victorious festival, where The Mary Wallopers' audio was cut mid-set after they displayed a Palestinian flag and chanted "free Palestine."

The festival followed through, with plenty of acts free to express their solidarity with Palestine during EP sets.

KNEECAP took aim at the Irish government for its lack of action for Gaza, with a highly anticipated main stage set full of political statements from start to finish.

Friday headliner Hozier praised Irish fans for standing in solidarity with Palestine during an on-stage speech, while urging action to stop the sale of Israeli war bonds in the EU.

Also on the main stage, Inhaler frontman Elijah Hewson expressed pride in the Irish people's vocal support for Gaza and dedicated a performance of ‘It Won’t Always Be Like This’ to the people of Palestine.

Many other Irish artists made statements at various stages across EP grounds.

One such act was The Academic, who pulled out of Victorious in solidarity with The Mary Wallopers. Frontman Craig Fitzgerald spoke during the set about how grateful they were to be playing at a festival where artists are free to speak out for Palestine. The band also discussed their decision to not perform at Victorious with Hot Press Chatroom at EP.

Biig Piig also took a moment to make a speech in solidarity with Palestine. With a flag in hand, she spoke about the atrocities committed by Israel and told fans, "When they try to silence us, we must be louder."

Maverick Sabre held up a Palestinian flag and an Irish flag tied together. He explained it was a visual metaphor, telling the crowd, "Irish people are tied to every oppressed people."

Orla Gartland spoke about how, as fans were all having fun over the weekend, they needed to think about the people of Palestine and remember how lucky they are to be there. She also raised a Palestinian flag and posted "stop the genocide" with photos of the show after the fact.

KhakiKid expressed solidarity through his stage visuals, which switched between a Palestinian flag and the words "free Palestine." He also performed with a flag draped over his shoulders.

Festival director Melvin Benn responded to KNEECAP's set while speaking to press at the festival on Sunday.

"I don’t think there was anybody anywhere else at the Picnic except watching KNEECAP," He said.

"It was a very special moment for them and for the festival."

He admitted to being "a little surprised" that the band paid tribute to him for allowing their political commentary on stage, something he said he has been restricted at UK events.

"You know, it's different in the UK. There, I've had to spend time in their dressing room reading them the Riot Act about what they can and can't say in England. But of course, those restrictions are not here in Ireland and it's wonderful."