Max SteventonControversial hip hop trio Kneecap is to play their largest headline show to date, set for Crystal Palace Park next summer.
The 25,000 capacity show on 27 June 2026 will be promoted by Live Nation-owned Festival Republic. The event will feature a bill including The Mary Wallopers, Fat Dog, Biig Piig, Gurriers and Madra Salach.
The announcement follows a controversial 2025 for the Northern Irish rappers. After a Coachella set involving pro-Palestine imagery, they were dropped from Eden Sessions in Cornwall as well as Hurricane and Southside festivals, both in Germany.
Kneecap were also barred from entering Hungary forcing them out of Budapest’s Sziget festival. Sziget’s organisers called the government’s ban unprecedented and unnecessary.
There has as been controversy aound Kneecap’s support act The Mary Wallopers, whose set at Victorious Festival this yeaar was cut short by organisers when a band member waved a Palestine flag on stage. The decision drew significant criticism toward the festival and saw acts incluiding The Last Dinner Party pull out of the event at the last minute.
Crystal Palace Park, known for hosting major outdoor concerts since the 1960s, will stage a series of large-scale events in 2026, including previously announced shows by Two Door Cinema Club, Snow Patrol and The Offspring.
Kneecap issued the following statement: “Back to the belly of the beast for our biggest ever headline show. Our last wee venture into London was to beat the government in court…again. This time it’ll be even better: 25,000 sound heads in a park together. We’re delighted to have some of our best mates and best bands around to join us. This is one we can’t wait for.”