Wireless Festival has cancelled its 2026 edition following the UK Home Office’s decision to deny entry to headliner Kanye West.
The American rapper, who performs as YE, was scheduled to headline all three nights of the north London event in July. The Home Office revoked his Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), stating his presence would “not be conducive to the public good.”
West faced intense scrutiny after a series of antisemitic statements last year, the release of a track titled ‘Heil Hitler,’ and the sale of swastika T-shirts on his website. Although he issued an apology in January, the announcement of his Wireless headline slot in March triggered widespread backlash, including criticism from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and other politicians.
A festival spokesperson confirmed the cancellation in a statement on Tuesday 7 April: “The Home Office has withdrawn YE’s ETA, denying him entry into the United Kingdom.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.”
No alternative headliners or rescheduling plans were mentioned. Ticket refunds will be processed automatically for all purchasers.