On Wednesday night, Wembley Arena transformed into a space of solidarity and sound as artists, actors, and activists came together for Together for Palestine, a major fundraising concert in support of Gaza.
A powerful lineup took the stage, including Bastille, James Blake, Paloma Faith, Jamie xx, and PinkPantheress. Palestinian artists like Sama’ Abdulhadi, Saint Levant, and Elyanna also performed, bringing emotional depth to the evening.
The crowd heard from well-known voices beyond music. Florence Pugh, Nicola Coughlan, Benedict Cumberbatch, and others joined the stage. Speakers included journalist Mehdi Hasan, football legend Eric Cantona, and Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur for Palestine.
British musician and activist Brian Eno, who helped organize the event, also performed. In a Guardian article, Eno shared that organizing the concert took over a year. Many venues refused to host the event simply because it included the word “Palestine.”
According to Eno, something shifted recently. Wembley finally agreed. YouTube allowed the show to be streamed. Artists committed to showing up.
The set was co-designed by Palestinian artist Malak Mattar and renowned stage designer Es Devlin. It featured artwork from eight Palestinian artists who, according to Vogue, were killed by Israeli forces. Their work added a haunting beauty to the space.
The concert came at a time of rising international outrage over the war in Gaza. The Palestinian health ministry reports nearly 65,000 deaths since the war began.
Just a day before the concert, a UN investigation declared for the first time that Israel had committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. Israel has strongly denied this claim.
That same day, Israel launched a new ground invasion into Gaza City. The move drew global condemnation and raised alarms about worsening famine conditions in the region.
By 10 p.m., actress and activist Jameela Jamil announced that the event had raised £1.5 million, or about $2 million, according to The Guardian.
Paloma Faith made a statement through fashion, performing in a dress made from a keffiyeh. The scarf is a long-standing symbol of Palestinian identity.
Brian Eno took a quieter moment to read Oh rascal children of Gaza, a poem by Palestinian writer Khaled Juma.
Several speakers criticized the silence from other celebrities who have avoided speaking about the conflict. Florence Pugh said, “Silence in the face of such suffering is not neutrality. It is complicity. Empathy should not be this hard.”
Nicola Coughlan added, “There are so many artists we all admire with huge platforms, and they’re saying nothing.”
Leading up to the concert, celebrities including Billie Eilish, Joaquin Phoenix, and Cillian Murphy appeared in a video calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
“We have to tell the truth on behalf of the people of Palestine,” said actor Brian Cox in the video. Activist and photographer Nan Goldin said it’s always been the artist’s role to speak truth to power.
Steve Coogan also joined the call. “It’s important to speak out now, not when this is over. Right now, while it’s happening. Pressure your government. Support peaceful campaigns for Palestine. Demand a ceasefire. Stop the killing.”
Just days before the Wembley event, Gaza solidarity also appeared at the Emmy Awards. Actor Javier Bardem wore a keffiyeh on the red carpet, calling out what he described as genocide. Emmy winner Hannah Einbinder used her stage time to say, “Free Palestine.”
Artists4Ceasefire, a growing movement, launched a public letter in October 2023 urging U.S. leaders to support a ceasefire. Hundreds of artists have since joined.
At last year’s Oscars, Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas wore red Artists4Ceasefire pins. Their message was clear. Ceasefire now. Release all hostages. Let humanitarian aid into Gaza.
