Kneecap Band: Belfast City Council set to debate bands planned gig at Belfast Vital
Belfast City Council is set tonight to discuss the forthcoming performance of Belfast band Kneecap on council land in August.
The band has come under international scrutiny after footage emerged of the band apparently voicing support for Hamas and Hezbollah during a concern and urging listeners to kill Tory MPs.
The band has since said the clips were taken out of context and "weaponised" and do not represent their views.
Former Belfast Lord Mayor, Alderman Jim Rodgers said last night that he believes the council should stop the band performing on its playing fields on Boucher Road at the Belfast Vital event planned for August
"I feel that, in view of what has happened, the last thing that we need is for this group to take over the playing fields," he said. You never know what they might put out from the stage if they get the green light - that's why I'm very hesitant for it to go ahead.
"But certainly I'm aware that myself and a number of other councillors have received emails and text messages and phone calls from people who are up in arms about our own playing fields being used by this organization.
"I am very much opposed to it, because who do these people think they are? We are supposed to be city fathers and setting an example and it's important that their record is taken into account rather than a nod and a wink to allow them to get the use of our playing fields.”
However with unionist councillors in a minority on the council, it seems possible the performance may go ahead.
A spokesperson for the council said elected members may raise the matter during a full council meeting tonight.
They added: “Elected members granted permission to MCD Productions in June 2024 to hold up to six concerts at Boucher Road Playing Fields during a four-week period between mid-August and mid-September in 2025, 2026 and 2027.
“Use of the venue for these events is managed via a legal agreement between the council and the promoter. Events programming remains a matter for the organisers.
“Any matter that an elected member wishes to raise would be considered by the relevant committee and full council.”