Meta Description: Editors pull out of Park Live Festival in Kazakhstan due to its Russian sponsorship. Learn about the band’s decision and the ongoing Ukraine conflict’s impact on events.
Editors Withdraw from Park Live Festival in Kazakhstan Due to Russian Sponsorship Amid Ukraine Conflict
The British band Editors have pulled out of a planned appearance at the Park Live Festival in Kazakhstan due to its Russian sponsorship. The decision comes amid the ongoing illegal war in Ukraine, prompting the band to distance themselves from events linked to Russia.
Editors’ Decision to Withdraw from Park Live Festival
Editors were initially scheduled to perform at Park Live on September 7th. However, the band decided to withdraw from the festival because of its association with the Russian technology company Yandex. In their statement, Editors explained: “As some people are aware, we have been in talks to play Park Live festival in Almaty, Kazakhstan. However, having now been informed who the sponsor of the event is, we have decided to withdraw our involvement.”
Yandex, a prominent Russian-owned search engine, had announced plans to pull out of Russia earlier this year. The Dutch-parent company behind Yandex sold the business for £4.2 billion, making it a Russian-owned entity.
Impact of the Ukraine Conflict on Event Participation
The conflict in Ukraine escalated in 2022, with severe consequences. Recently, an attack on Okhmatdyt hospital in Ukraine on July 8th resulted in many children being wounded. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky revealed the extent of Russia’s war on Ukraine, stating, “31,000 Ukrainian soldiers have died in this war.”
The United Nations reports that over 3.5 million people in Ukraine remain displaced from their homes, with a further 6.3 million seeking refuge abroad. The loss of innocent Ukrainian lives and the displacement of millions have influenced various international decisions, including festival participation.
Ongoing Festival Participation and Boycotts
Despite Editors’ withdrawal, Park Live Festival is still set to feature prominent British acts such as Dizzee Rascal and Placebo. Other performers include Die Antwoord, Tyga, and Oliver Tree.
Editors’ decision aligns with similar festival boycotts in the United Kingdom linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Over 100 acts withdrew from The Great Escape in Brighton due to its association with Barclays, which faced scrutiny over its ties with Israeli forces. Additionally, acts boycotted Download Festival and Latitude, leading Barclays to suspend its sponsorship of Live Nation UK events.
Live Nation UK stated: “Following discussion with artists, we have agreed with Barclays that they will step back from sponsorship of our festivals.” A Barclays spokesperson added: “Barclays was asked and has agreed to suspend participation in the remaining Live Nation festivals in 2024. Barclays customers who hold tickets to these festivals are not affected, and their tickets remain valid.”
Editors’ Future Plans
Editors expressed their hope to return to Kazakhstan under different circumstances, saying, “We dearly hope to come back to Kazakhstan in the future, under different circumstances. Much love, Editors.”
By addressing their withdrawal due to Russian sponsorship amid the Ukraine conflict, Editors have highlighted the significant impact of global events on artistic and cultural participation.
