By Colin 
Victorious Festival has found itself at the centre of a backlash after cutting the sound during The Mary Wallopers’ performance. The group took to the stage with a Palestinian flag and chanted “Free Palestine” before their microphones were shut off. Artists and audiences alike have condemned the act as censorship, accusing the festival of prioritising brand protection over artistic expression.
This isn’t just another stage controversy. It’s part of a growing trend, as discussed in our earlier coverage of Glastonbury’s protest moments. There, artists like Kneecap and Bob Vylan were celebrated for speaking truth to power. But at Victorious, the moment artists raised their voices, organisers stepped in and shut them down.
Video footage shows a crew member removing the flag and cutting the microphones just moments after the protest chant. The band walked off, later saying they had been censored and calling the festival’s statement misleading. “Free Palestine all day every day,” they added.
Artists take a stand
Two acts quickly pulled out in response. The Last Dinner Party cancelled their appearance, calling the silencing an attack on political expression. They encouraged fans to donate to Medical Aid for Palestinians. The Academic followed suit, citing free speech concerns and refusing to perform on a platform that censors its artists.
Getdown Services chose to go ahead with their set but pledged their full fee to War Child. Others have used their online platforms to condemn the festival’s actions, accusing Victorious of cowardice and hypocrisy. Several musicians have now publicly questioned whether they will return next year.
Silencing values to protect image
Festival organisers attempted to justify their actions by pointing to a no-flags policy. They claimed the decision was about safety and that the chant breached their inclusion policy. But those justifications have rung hollow with fans and artists alike. A chant for justice is not hate speech. A flag is not a threat. What happened on that stage was not about safety. It was about optics.
Victorious claims to be inclusive and community-led. But that message disappeared the moment it was tested. When it came time to stand for freedom of expression, they failed. Instead of protecting space for meaningful protest, they chose to protect their reputation and their sponsors.
Consequences unfolding
Fan forums are filled with calls for refunds. Artists have distanced themselves from the event. The Mary Wallopers have held firm, with their message and footage spreading widely. On social media, the anger is sustained and growing.
Music festivals are not just about entertainment. They are platforms where art, politics and protest collide. Victorious had the chance to show leadership. Instead, they revealed exactly where their priorities lie. The message is loud and clear. When it comes to protest, their stance is silence.
Photo Credit: Sorcha Frances Ryder