Manchester City Council responds to calls from Jewish leaders to axe Fontaines DC’s gigs at Heaton Park
Manchester City Council says it will put concerns from Jewish leaders “front and centre” as it prepares for Fontaines DC concerts at Heaton Park in 2027. The Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester has called for the shows to be cancelled, warning that rhetoric associated with the band could increase risks for Jewish people amid heightened antisemitism.
The JRC said its concerns were about the potential consequences of inflammatory rhetoric, rather than legitimate political expression, and asked for strong safeguards. The council said it had met with the group and that organisers, the council and Greater Manchester Police would introduce suitable, proportionate measures to meet licensing conditions and prevent discrimination or intimidation. The concerts are scheduled for 3 and 4 July; the band has supported the Palestinian cause and has displayed pro-Palestinian messages at performances.
- Jewish leaders have called for Fontaines DC’s Heaton Park shows to be cancelled.
- Manchester City Council says safety concerns will shape preparations.
- The concerts are scheduled for 3 and 4 July 2027.
New here? Start with this
Heaton Park is a large public park in north Manchester that hosts concerts and other events. Events there require council approval under licensing rules, which can include conditions to protect public safety and prevent disorder.
Fontaines DC are an Irish rock band whose performances have included messages supporting Palestinians. The Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester represents Jewish communities in the region and has raised concerns about the possible impact of the band’s rhetoric on Jewish people.
The issue involves balancing freedom of political expression with the safety and equal treatment of people attending or living near an event. The council, organisers and police have roles in planning safeguards for the concerts.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Jewish leaders can reasonably argue that, amid heightened antisemitism, public authorities should take credible risks of intimidation seriously and act before harm occurs. If they believe the concerts’ rhetoric could contribute to hostility towards Jewish people, cancellation may seem the clearest way to reduce that risk, while safeguards could be sought if the shows go ahead.
The case against
Those opposing cancellation can argue that support for Palestinians and criticism of Israeli policy are legitimate political expression and should not be treated as grounds to bar a performance without evidence of likely unlawful conduct. Proportionate security, licensing conditions and measures against discrimination or intimidation may protect Jewish concertgoers while preserving freedom of expression and assembly.