Wireless festival cancelled following Kanye West’s UK travel ban

Wireless festival has been cancelled following the UK government’s decision to block Kanye West from entering the country.

The decision comes after widespread backlash to West’s, legally known as Ye, planned set at the London festival this summer, over his previous antisemetic, racist and pro-Nazi comments.

In a statement, Festival Republic said: "The Home Office has withdrawn Ye's ETA, denying him entry into the United Kingdom.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,” it concluded, “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."

Organisers also confirmed that refunds will be issued to all ticket-holders.

As a result of the Home Office banning YE from entering the United Kingdom, Wireless Festival has been forced to cancel.

All ticket holders will recieve an automatic full refund. pic.twitter.com/nNCqUXNU6t

— Wireless Festival (@WirelessFest) April 7, 2026

Ye made an application to travel to the UK via an Electronic Travel Authorisation on Monday, and while it is understood that the application was initially granted online, it was later rescinded by Home Office ministers on the grounds that his presence in the country would be un-constructive to public good.

Last year, the rapper released a song titled ‘Heil Hitler’ and shared multiple antisemetic conspiracy theories on social media. He also sold T-shirts featuring a swastika, and in 2022 stated that he was “going death con 3 on Jewish people” as well as, “I see good things about Hitler.”

Some of his major business partnerships were terminated over these actions, including GAP and Adidas ending their agreements with his Yeezy brand.

Earlier this year, Ye took out a full-page advert in the Wall Street Journal to apologise for his antisemetic behaviour, attributing the outbursts to his diagnosis with bipolar disorder.

Regarding Ye’s statement, The Board of Deputies of British Jews noted to The Telegraph that “the latest apology came on the eve of the release of a new album."

Following the ban, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: "Kanye West should never have been invited to headline Wireless

"This Government stands firmly with the Jewish community, and we will not stop in our fight to confront and defeat the poison of antisemitism.

"We will always take the action necessary to protect the public and uphold our values."

A spokesperson for Campaign Against Antisemitism also commented on the UK government’s decision, writing in a statement: "With no headliner and multiple sponsors dropping out, Wireless has had to cancel the festival.

"How did it come to this? Apparently 'no concerns were highlighted' about Kanye West at the time of the booking. Who were they consulting? A wall? That's what happens when the only stakeholders you speak to are those who stand to make a profit.

The group added: "It's nice that now Wireless is saying 'Antisemitism in all its forms is abhorrent' when just a few hours ago the festival promoter was saying we all need to forgive Kanye for declaring himself a full-blown Nazi only recently."