Irish Venue Cancels “Far-Right” Event Following Open Letter from Kneecap, Fontaines D.C. and Others

An Irish venue pulls the plug on a controversial festival after Kneecap and Fontaines D.C. warn against promoting far-right views.

Controversy at the Mayflower Community Centre

The Mayflower Community Centre in Drumshanbo, County Leitrim, Ireland, recently became the center of a heated debate when it canceled the Mise Éire Festival scheduled for August 23, 2025. The cancellation came after an open letter, signed by a strong coalition of artists and arts workers – including Irish hip-hop group Kneecap and renowned post-punk band Fontaines D.C. – warned that the festival would serve as a platform for far-right ideologies.

The Mayflower Community Centre announced via Facebook on August 6 that it was withdrawing from hosting the event, citing “terms and conditions not being complied with.” This decision sparked conversations across Ireland and beyond about the responsibility of venues in curating cultural and political content.

About the Open Letter and Who Signed It

Leitrim and Roscommon Against Fascism (LARAF) organized the open letter that played a pivotal role in the cancellation. The letter was signed by nearly 600 artists and cultural workers, such as Christy Moore, The Mary Wallopers, and actor Chris O’Dowd, alongside Kneecap and Fontaines D.C..

The letter expressed concern that the Mise Éire Festival would "tarnish the proud history of the Mayflower as a venue." It emphasized that the venue had long been a safe and inclusive space—welcoming people of all backgrounds, supporting local schoolchildren, and fostering a community spirit.

"The festival would tarnish the proud history of the Mayflower as a venue, a place that has brought people together from all backgrounds as a safe and inclusive cultural space." – LARAF Open Letter

The Festival's Controversial Associations

The Mise Éire Festival was planned to celebrate Irish culture, heritage, and shared values through live music, talks, and workshops. However, LARAF and others challenged this description, suggesting the event was a cover for far-right political views.

Reports indicated that Stephen Kerr, known for his right-wing and anti-immigration activism in Ireland, was involved in organizing the festival. Additionally, controversial speakers such as John Waters, Thomas Sheridan, and Kevin Flanagan were slated to appear, raising further alarm among critics.

Festival Organizers Respond to Cancellation

After the cancellation announcement, Mise Éire Festival organizers issued a statement accusing LARAF of attacking free speech and Irish culture. They claimed the name 'Mise Éire,' which translates as "I am Ireland," reflected their sense of identity and inclusion.

"As LARAF celebrates what they think is a successful attack on free speech and Irish culture, this is in fact the beginning of the demise of the true fascist movement that thinks it can dictate what grown adults do, think, say and feel."

— Mise Éire Festival Response

They continued, “We ARE Ireland, our attendees ARE. These people cannot take away what is within us. Inherent and intrinsic and God given.”

A Larger Trend of Artist-Led Political Protests

This incident is part of a wider pattern of artists taking a stand in 2025 against events or festivals perceived to be politically or ethically problematic.

• In May, more than 60 artists addressed an open letter to the Sónar Festival, protesting its connection to the private equity firm KKR. This firm has investments in companies linked to Israel amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza.
• Several artists withdrew from the Field Day festival over similar concerns.
• Just recently, The Menstrual Cramps pulled out of Boardmasters 2025, citing the festival's failure to meet demands for a cultural boycott of Israel.

These movements highlight a growing willingness among musicians and artists to challenge event organizers on political and ethical grounds, emphasizing accountability in cultural spaces.

Final Thoughts

The cancellation at the Mayflower Community Centre reveals the power of collective action within the arts community to influence cultural events. It also raises important questions about the limits of free speech, the responsibilities of public venues, and the role of art in political discourse.

FAQs

• Why was the Mise Éire Festival canceled by the Mayflower Community Centre?
  The Mayflower Community Centre canceled the festival due to "terms and conditions not being complied with," following an open letter warning that the event would promote far-right views.
• Who signed the open letter against the festival?
  About 600 artists and cultural workers, including Kneecap, Fontaines D.C., Christy Moore, The Mary Wallopers, and Chris O’Dowd, signed the letter.
• What was the festival supposed to feature?
  Mise Éire was marketed to include live music, talks, and workshops celebrating Irish culture and heritage, although critics argued this was a misrepresentation.
• Who were the controversial figures associated with the festival?
  Right-wing activist Stephen Kerr was involved with organizing, and speakers like John Waters, Thomas Sheridan, and Kevin Flanagan were planned.
• How does this event fit into broader artist activism in 2025?
  It is part of a larger trend of artists protesting events with political or ethical concerns, including boycotts related to investment firms and cultural ties linked to ongoing conflicts.

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