Why has Barclays had to step back from sponsoring certain music festivals this year?

Barclays was asked and has agreed to suspend participation in certain music festivals in 2024.

Barclays customers who hold tickets to these festivals are not affected and their tickets remain valid. 

The protestors’ agenda is to have Barclays debank defence companies which is a sector we remain committed to as an essential part of keeping this country and our allies safe. They have resorted to intimidating our staff, repeated vandalism of our branches and online harassment.

The only thing that this small group of activists will achieve is to weaken essential support for cultural events enjoyed by millions. It is time that leaders across politics, business, academia and the arts stand united against this.

Further information

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Explainer: Providing financial services to the defence sector - we explain why

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Guardian article from Barclays Group CEO, CS Venkatakrishnan

Close up view of a military Wildcat helicopter practicing low flying and tactical stops over agricultural fields on the south coast of the UK with blue cloudy sky in the background.

Defence and Security Sector Statement