TransCentury Festival Cancels Concert by Lankum due to the Group’s Support for Palestine

On November 19, 2023, TransCentury canceled a concert by the Irish folk group Lankum that was to take place that same night at UT Connewitz, Leipzig.

The festival announced the cancellation on Instagram: “Lankum represents a political stance that we as a venue and festival do not represent. In consultation with the artists, we have agreed to cancel the concert.” Shortly after, the festival’s Instagram has been changed to private and follow requests have been denied.

Lankum had been vocal about their support for the Palestinian people and calls for a ceasefire. They are scheduled to play at Gig For Gaza on November 28 in Dublin, a concert organized by Irish Artists For Palestine to raise awareness and funds for Medical Aid for Palestinians.

Ahead of the upcoming concert, Lankum issued a statement that reads, “Like most people of sound mind and reason around the globe, we are heartbroken and shocked to see the indiscriminate murder of children and civilians happening for the past few weeks. This, on top of decades of oppression, persecution and dehumanisation is something we can only struggle to comprehend. That is why we are very proud to raise our voices in solidarity with the people of Palestine. It's the very very least we can do."