UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) has written to Origin Festival UK, warning that the festival may be acting unlawfully after reports that it has decided to ban Israeli musicians from performing at its 2026 event. Origin is a new techno psychedelic music festival, due to take place in July 2026 in Abbots Repton, Cambridgeshire.

The letter was prompted by a WhatsApp message in which an individual—apparently the festival’s founder—states:

“We are not booking any acts from Israel for the Origin UK event… I don’t support the Israeli government’s actions… Unfortunately for them untangling the people from the country and their government is challenging. So we just have to stay away from the scenario.”

UKLFI’s letter explains that excluding performers on the basis of nationality may breach the Equality Act 2010, which prohibits discrimination in the provision of services and in the treatment of contract workers. Festival organisers, as service providers, cannot legally refuse to provide services—including performance opportunities, backstage facilities, payment, or logistical support—on grounds related to race, nationality, or religion.

UKLFI further highlights that the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism identifies “holding Jews collectively responsible for the actions of the State of Israel” as an example of antisemitism. Penalising individual artists for the policies of the Israeli government, the group argues, falls within this definition.

Caroline Turner, Director of UKLFI, commented:

“A blanket ban on Israeli musicians is both discriminatory and antisemitic. Festival organisers may not be aware that such a policy is unlawful, but they have a responsibility to correct it. Music festivals should unite people, not exclude them on the basis of race or nationality.”

The letter urges Origin Festival UK to confirm that Israeli artists and attendees will be welcome. UKLFI emphasises that Origin UK promotes its event as “uniting the tribes”, and argues that true unity must include artists and participants from all parts of the world—including Israel.