CMAT withdraws from Latitude Festival over Barclays Bank sponsorship ties

Irish pop singer CMAT, known as Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, pulls out from the Latitude Festival in Suffolk due to the event's links with Barclays Bank, citing concerns over the bank's alleged investments in arms companies involved in the Israel-Palestine conflict. The decision comes after more than 100 artists boycotted the Great Escape Festival earlier for the same reason.

Irish pop singer CMAT, real name Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, announced her withdrawal from the Latitude Festival in Suffolk over the event's sponsorship ties with Barclays Bank. CMAT's decision follows similar actions by more than 100 artists who boycotted Brighton's Great Escape Festival in May due to the same reason. Barclays has been accused of increasing its investments in arms companies that trade with Israel during the ongoing conflict in Palestine.

CMAT expressed her dismay in a statement, emphasizing that she does not want her work to be associated with violence. She had previously requested Latitude to reconsider their sponsor, but the request was denied, prompting her to pull out of the festival.

Welsh singer Georgia Ruth also withdrew from the festival, influenced by Charlotte Church's earlier boycott of the Hay literary festival. The Hay Festival subsequently ended its sponsorship agreement with investment firm Baillie Gifford following claims about its financial ties with firms involved in the Israel-Palestine conflict and fossil fuels.

A spokesperson for Barclays reiterated that the bank provides financial services to businesses, including those in the defense sector, and does not make direct investments in these companies. The BBC and MailOnline have approached Latitude Festival for further comments.