Brighton Fringe has said it is prepared to stop a controversial Brighton Fringe performance if the artists or audience engage in antisemitic or threatening conduct, following concerns raised by UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI).
In a response to UKLFI, a spokesman for Brighton Fringe confirmed that Brighton Fringe officials would personally attend the “Up Your Vision” event to monitor compliance with Brighton Fringe policies and the law.
He stated: “This will include stopping the show if either the artist or the audience strays into unacceptable language which would intimidate, harm, incite violence towards Jews or be antisemitic. It is simply something we never tolerate.”
The response followed a letter sent by UKLFI on 8 May 2026 regarding the event, which features comedian Jen Brister and is part of this year’s Brighton Fringe festival. It is billed as an alternative to Eurovision and promoted by the local Palestine Solidarity Campaign, amongst others.
UKLFI raised concerns that the event’s rhetoric risked creating an intimidating and hostile environment for Jewish, Israeli and Zionist audience members, particularly in the light of a previous incident involving Jen Brister at Tunbridge Wells Assembly Hall Theatre. At that show Jen Brister led chants of “f**k Israel” and “Free Palestine” from the stage, which caused two Jewish women in the audience to feel frightened and intimidated, resulting in them leaving the venue.
UKLFI pointed out that similar conduct intimidating Jewish audience members could potentially engage provisions of the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Order Act 1986.
UKLFI’s letter also questioned whether the event’s overtly political messaging was compatible with Brighton Fringe’s obligations as a registered charity advancing education in the arts. The complaint highlighted promotional material encouraging support for the BDS movement and accusing Israel of “genocide” and “ethnic cleansing”, together with calls for a boycott of Eurovision and because of Israel’s participation, and of Israeli products generally.
In its reply, Brighton Fringe acknowledged the seriousness of antisemitism and the anxiety currently being experienced by many members of the Jewish community. He wrote: “Brighton Fringe takes any concerns relating to antisemitism, racism and discrimination extremely seriously.”
He added that Brighton Fringe had already met with the venue hosting the event and was contacting the artist involved to ensure that Brighton Fringe’s policies and expectations were understood.
Brighton Fringe did not accept UKLFI’s contention that the current advertising material breached the charity’s governing objects or constituted impermissible political campaigning. The organisation emphasised the importance of freedom of expression and artistic freedom, while recognising that such expression must remain within legal boundaries and must not cross into unlawful harassment or incitement.
The Fringe also stated that it would “not allow a repeat of what occurred in Tunbridge Wells.”
A spokesperson for UKLFI commented: “UKLFI welcomes Brighton Fringe’s acknowledgment of the seriousness of antisemitism concerns and its commitment to intervene if unlawful or antisemitic conduct occurs during the event.
At a time when many Jewish people feel increasingly intimidated in public and cultural spaces, it is important that organisers take seriously their legal and moral responsibilities to ensure that audiences are protected from harassment and abuse.
We note Brighton Fringe’s undertaking that senior officials will personally attend the performance and that the show will be stopped if antisemitic or threatening behaviour occurs. Those assurances are significant.
Freedom of expression and artistic freedom are important principles, but they do not extend to conduct that intimidates, harasses or creates a hostile environment for Jewish audience members. We hope the event proceeds lawfully and respectfully, and that there is no repeat of the disturbing incident reported at Tunbridge Wells Assembly Hall Theatre.”