Ithaca are the latest band to drop off of this year’s ‘Download Festival‘, taking issue with Barclayscard being one of the annual metal festival’s primary sponsors. A statement issued by the band today, June 11th, reads:
“We will no longer be playing @downloadfest. Whilst we hate letting anyone down, this moment of solidarity sends a powerful message to the organisers about where the younger generation of bands stand. FREE PALESTINE”
When asked on Instagram if they only had just now realized that Barclays were among the event’s sponsors, the band’s social media account replied, “No, but we did only just realise that they are actively funding the genocide of the palestinian people.”
Ithaca are the latest in a a wave of bands who have pulled out of the festival, citing concerns of business dealings Barclayscard has with Israel in relation to the ongoing war in Gaza. Barclays locations around the UK have also found themselves targeted by protestors this week, resulting in property damage from paint and smashed windows.
Speaking to the BBC in response to the latter protests, a spokesperson for Barclays stated that the company, “provides vital financial services to US, UK and European public companies that supply defence products to NATO and its allies. The defence sector is fundamental to our national security and the UK government has been clear that supporting defence companies is compatible with ESG considerations. Decisions on the implementation of arms embargos to other nations are the job of respective elected governments.”
