Major Sponsors Withdraw From Wireless Festival Over Ye Headline Slot

Two major corporate sponsors have pulled out of London’s Wireless Festival following criticism of the decision to book Ye as the sole headliner for all three nights of this year’s event.

Pepsi confirmed on Sunday that it would end its long-running partnership with the festival, where it had been the headline sponsor since 2015 under the “Pepsi MAX Presents Wireless” branding.

In a brief statement, the company said it had “decided to withdraw its sponsorship of Wireless Festival”.

Hours later, drinks company Diageo also announced it would no longer be involved. The firm, which owns brands including Johnnie Walker and Captain Morgan, said it had raised concerns with organisers.

“As it stands, Diageo will not sponsor the 2026 Wireless festival,” a spokesperson said.

Wireless has built a reputation for bringing some of the biggest names in modern music to the UK, with past headliners including artists like Drake, Nicki Minaj and Travis Scott. It is particularly influential in shaping the UK’s live music scene for rap and urban music, often reflecting current trends and popular artists.

The withdrawals follow the announcement on 30 March that Ye would headline all three nights of the festival, which is due to take place from 10 to 12 July at Finsbury Park in North London.

Organisers described the performances as a “three-night journey through his most iconic records”. It is the first time the festival has featured a single headliner across all nights, with no additional top-billed acts announced.

The decisions follow criticism from senior political figures, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Speaking to The Sun, Sir Keir said it was “deeply concerning” that the artist had been booked “despite his previous antisemitic remarks and celebration of Nazism”.

“Antisemitism in any form is abhorrent and must be confronted firmly wherever it appears,” he said. “Everyone has a responsibility to ensure Britain is a place where Jewish people feel safe.”

London Mayor Sadiq Khan also distanced City Hall from the decision.

A spokesperson said the artist’s past comments and actions were “offensive and wrong” and “not reflective of London’s values”, adding that the booking was made solely by festival organisers.

Ticket presales for the event are due to begin on 7 April, with general sale opening the following day.

With Pepsi and Diageo withdrawing, attention is now turning to whether other sponsors will follow suit and what impact the controversy may have on the festival’s plans.