The Mary Wallopers, an Irish folk band, had their set abruptly ended at Portsmouth's Victorious Festival after displaying a Palestinian flag and calling for a 'free Palestine' during their opening song. Festival organisers stated that the performance was stopped due to the use of a chant considered to have a discriminatory context, though they did not specify what was said. The band expressed disappointment on social media, noting that this was the first time they had been cut off for such an action in six years of performing. Audience members and commentators criticised the decision, with some calling it an 'absolute disgrace' and others emphasising the importance of free speech. The incident follows similar controversies at other music festivals earlier in the year, highlighting ongoing tensions around political statements at public events.