Following the news that 11 artists have pulled out of this year’s Field Day as part of a boycott in solidarity with Palestine, the festival has responded.
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Two weeks ago, over 50 artists including Massive Attack and Brian Eno signed an open letter to Field Day, asking it to distance itself from global investment firm KRR. The letter requested that the festival sever ties with the firm, which owns Superstruct Entertainment.
In solidarity, 11 artists pulled out of the festival, which is set to be held in London’s Brockwell Park on May 24.
In a statement shared on Instagram today (May 15), Field Day started: “Our aim has always been, simply, to give you an incredible festival experience with the very best artists from around the world. Through many challenging times, various venues and several changes of ownership, Field Day has never compromised on those ambitions and values, putting on the best show we can in the way we always have.”
It continued: “By partnering with Superstruct Entertainment in April 2023, the future of the festival and its creative and operational independence were secured – the ownership changed but not the ethos. Since then, as has been reported, they have been bought by KKR, of which we had no say in, which has prompted a passionate discussion.”
The festival said that it “recognises the strength of the feeling of the artists involved and the fans who attend” and said it is “sorry” that some artists have pulled out.
It added: “We know there will be many of you out there who are hurt and angry about this situation. We hope that this helps you to understand the position of the festival team.”
Among the artists to have pulled out are ex.sses, Malissa, Ariana V, inda flo, Calaida, GUYZ, Jezebelle, ŌKAMI, Chickie, izzy., and Moontalk, while Sisu Crew also joined the boycott, declaring: “The festival has made clear that it is not going to take action against its complicity, and the SISU DJs booked to play on SISU’s stage are withdrawing their energy and putting it elsewhere.”
Earlier this year, Boiler Room – which has the same owners as Field Day – issued a statement reaffirming its “unapologetically pro-Palestine” stance. It said: “Boiler Room has been through various changes in control, investors, boards, and ownership, and through this our commitment to editorial independence and Palestine has never wavered. No investor, past or present, has ever influenced our output, this will never change.
“We will always remain unapologetically pro-Palestine. We continue to adhere to BDS and PACBI guidelines regarding artist programming and brand partnerships and engage with Palestinian artists and organisers in order to formalise our internal policies in line with this commitment. We uphold international law and human rights for all, regardless of identity.”
Superstruct Entertainment acquired the platform from DICE in January, and a number of artists – including Ikonika, Beatrice M., Mia Koden, BasicDisarm, jtamul and 8ULENTINA – cancelled Boiler Room performances after the change of ownership.
The company is behind more than 80 events across the UK and Europe, including Sziget, Brunch Electronik, Mighty Hoopla and Lost Village.