Glastonbury Performance Inquiry Ends After Extensive Police Review

British police confirmed on Tuesday that they would not take further action following controversial statements made during a live performance at the Glastonbury Festival in June.

Avon and Somerset Police said their conclusion was reached after a thorough examination of evidence under the legal standards applied by the Crown Prosecution Service.

The case arose from a performance by punk duo Bob Vylan, during which lead vocalist Bobby Vylan delivered chants directed at the Israeli military.

Those chants included a reference to “death to the IDF,” a phrase linked to the Israel Defense Forces and the conflict in Gaza.

Police stated that although the comments provoked strong reactions, there was insufficient evidence to support a realistic chance of securing a conviction.

As part of the investigation, officers interviewed a man in his mid-thirties and contacted nearly two hundred members of the public.

The remarks sparked national and international criticism, including condemnation from Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Israeli Embassy in London.

Britain’s public broadcaster, the BBC, was also criticized for continuing its live broadcast of the performance without stopping the stream.

In its final statement, police said they carefully weighed intent, wider context, freedom of expression, relevant case law, and maintained engagement with Jewish community groups throughout the inquiry.