Jewish leaders call for Fontaines D.C. Manchester gigs to be axed

'Inflammatory rhetoric' from the Irish rock band was cited as one reason for the demand.

The Jewish Representative Council (JRC) of Greater Manchester and Region has demanded that the Irish rock band's concerts at Heaton Park, scheduled for next summer, are cancelled over "potential consequences of inflammatory rhetoric" from the band.

The band strongly advocate at their gigs, showing screens reading "free Palestine" and "Israel is committing genocide" at their concerts.

Last year, a similar cancellation appeal was lodged by the council over a Bob Vylan performance in Manchester, which was subsequently rescheduled.

The JRC confirmed its "profound concerns" have been registered with Manchester council regarding the concerts, with its statement outlining expectation for "robust and adequate safeguards" be put in place "to protect the Jewish community".

The statement read: "The JRC has registered our profound concerns with Manchester Council regarding Fontaines D.C.'s forthcoming concert at Heaton Park and has called for it to be cancelled.

"Despite our representations, it appears the concert will be going ahead. We expect and will be working with the council to ensure robust and adequate safeguards are in place to protect the Jewish community."

You can read the entire statement below.

As reported by Manchester Evening News, a spokesperson for Manchester council stated: "We understand the very real concerns that members of our Jewish community have in the wake of the horrific antisemitic terrorist attack at Heaton Park Synagogue last year and a wider rise in antisemitism."

They continued: "On the specific concerns expressed by some members of the Jewish community in relation to the two Heaton Park concerts in summer 2027, addressing these concerns will be front and centre in preparations for these events.

"We have met recently with members of the Jewish Representative Council and will continue to work closely with them as we develop event management plans."

Furthermore, they urged that the council, emergency services and event organisers, will "comprehensively review the plans in place ahead the concerts" and conduct a "thorough risk assessment" of all aspects of the event, as is standard for all large events in the city

"The organisers, City Council and GMP will put in place suitable and proportionate mitigations and assurances to make sure that the concerts are delivered in full compliance with the licensing conditions. Organisers would also be happy to meet with concerned parties to help address any concerns.

"They are clear that discrimination or intimidation, including antisemitism, have no place at their events," they concluded.