Connect with us

Published

on

Performers from the UK will be able to tour a number of European countries without the need for a visa or work permit

Before the UK left the European Union, freedom of movement rules meant performers could hold gigs and concerts without having to worry about visas or work permits.

But after Brexit, they were told they would need permission to work in the places they intended to perform, leaving many facing increased costs.

But the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said it has negotiated a deal with 19 EU states, which would allow British performers to do short tours without needing a visa.

These countries are: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Sweden.

Talks are continuing with other EU states, including Spain, Portugal and Greece to see if their rules can be aligned with the UK’s, which allow for performers and support staff to visit for up to three months visa-free.

DCMS said in a statement: “We want the UK’s fantastic performers and other creative professionals to be able to tour abroad easily.

More from World

“We recognise challenges remain around touring, and we are continuing to work closely with the industry.

“We want to ensure that when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, touring can resume and our world-leading creative and cultural artists can continue to travel widely, learning their craft, growing their audiences and showing the best of British creativity to the world.”

It comes after heavy lobbying from those in the performance sector, including musicians Sir Elton John and Ed Sheeran.

Sir Elton said earlier this year that the restrictions had threatened a “generation of talent”, telling The Observer that he was “livid about what the government did when Brexit happened”.

“They made no provision for the entertainment business, and not just for musicians, actors and film directors, but for the crews, the dancers, the people who earn a living by going to Europe,” he said.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Kneecap announces surprise show after member charged with terror offence

Published

on

By

Kneecap announces surprise show after member charged with terror offence

Irish-language rap group Kneecap have announced a surprise London show, hours after one of their members was charged with a terror offence.

Liam O’Hanna, or Liam Og O Hannaidh, was charged with displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah, a proscribed organisation, at a concert in London last November, the Metropolitan Police said on Wednesday.

Just hours later, Kneecap announced on their Instagram account that “we’re back”, adding that they would perform at the 100 Club on Oxford Street, London, on Thursday night.

The post also included a quote by former Sex Pistols vocalist John Lydon, who told ITV’s Good Morning Britain the rap trio “maybe (…) need a bloody good kneecapping” after footage of the band allegedly calling for the deaths of MPs emerged.

Kneecap performing in Belfast last year. Pic: PA
Image:
Kneecap performing in Belfast last year. Pic: PA

Kneecap apologised to the families of murdered MPs last month, but said footage of the incident at their concert had been “exploited and weaponised”, adding that they “never supported” Hamas or Hezbollah.

The rappers had gigs cancelled after the footage emerged and politicians pushed for Kneecap to be dropped from the Glastonbury Festival line-up, with Tory leader Kemi Badenoch calling for Kneecap to be banned.

The group from Belfast in Northern Ireland is still set to headline Wide Awake Festival in south London on Friday.

More on Belfast

Read more from Sky News:
Passengers injured after train hits trailer on level crossing
Publication of final Letby inquiry report pushed back

In response to O’Hanna being charged, Kneecap said that they “deny this ‘offence’ and will vehemently defend ourselves” and branded it “political policing” in a bid to “silence voices of compassion”.

The charge came after counter-terror police assessed a video said to be from a Kneecap concert.

In the footage, O’Hanna is allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, London, on 21 November last year.

Officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command were made aware of a video circulating online on 22 April and an investigation led to the Crown Prosecution Service authorising the charge, the force said.

O’Hanna – who performs under the stage name Mo Chara – is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 18 June.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Member of Kneecap charged with terror offence

Published

on

By

Member of Kneecap charged with terror offence

A member of Irish-language rap group Kneecap has been charged with a terror offence.

Liam O’Hanna, or Liam Og O Hannaidh, has been charged with displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah, a proscribed organisation, the Metropolitan Police said.

The 27-year-old from Belfast – who performs under the stage name Mo Chara – is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 18 June.

It comes after counter-terror police assessed a video reported to be from a Kneecap concert.

The charge relates to a flag that O’Hanna allegedly displayed at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, London, on 21 November last year.

Read more from Sky News:
Chris Brown released on bail
Inside Diddy’s star-studded parties

Officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command were made aware of a video circulating online on 22 April, the force said.

An investigation led to the Crown Prosecution Service authorising the charge.

Kneecap are due to headline Wide Awake Festival in south London on Friday.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Chris Brown released on bail – but must pay £5m security fee

Published

on

By

Chris Brown released on bail - but must pay £5m security fee

US singer Chris Brown has been released on bail by a judge in London – and must pay a £5m security fee to the court.

The 36-year-old was granted bail at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday, but did not appear in person.

Brown had been remanded in custody by a judge in Manchester on Friday until 13 June.

He faces a charge of grievous bodily harm following an incident at a London nightclub in 2023.

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.

Please refresh the page for the fullest version.

You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.

Continue Reading

Trending