Pro-Palestinian protesters disrupt WOMAD 2024 headline act Ziggy Marley

A father claims a pro-Palestinian protester at WOMADelaide made shocking threats against kids, as he calls for better security at future events.

Jamaican singer Ziggy Marley. Picture: Supplied by WOMADelaide

• Review: Protests as Ziggy performs

A father of a young girl he says was threatened by a Pro-Palestinian protester at WOMADelaide has called for better security management at future events.

Peter, who did not want his surname published, was with his wife and three children near the front of the stage to see Monday night’s headliner, Ziggy Marley’s, set about love and unity.

But a group of pro-Palestine protesters, waving flags and chanting over the music, disrupted the show with one of the group heard saying, “death to all children” and “you’re going to die tonight”.

The father described the sole protester’s actions as threatening, and has called for WOMAD organisers to boost security at future events.

“I understand the right to protest and freedom of speech but when they’re trying to push it into kids’ faces, it’s too far,” he said.

“We go every year to WOMAD but this was probably the first time we did not feel comfortable.”

He said organisers would have had to be aware of planned protest activity at Marley’s headline act, with bathrooms plastered with boycott posters and other signs around the grounds.

He said two of Marley’s stage crew who were in the crowd filming part of the set were “great” and reassured the children they would be safe.

He said it was the actions of one protester, not the group, that became threatening, but he slammed the group for protecting the person when police did move into the crowd.

“In all honesty, one of the female supporters came and spoke to my wife who came and spoke to me because I was really annoyed at it,” he said.

“When she spoke to the lady she told us straight out, ‘we don’t stand for that’.

“But when (the sole protester) done the action, they brought him back into the middle of the protest.”

The man’s claims come as festival goers who paid hundreds of dollars to see Marley perform also lashed organisers and security for not controlling protesters who disrupted the act.

Pro-Palestinian activists waved flags, turned their backs and chanted during Ziggy Marley’s headline act on Monday night – the protesters forming a vocal minority within the audience.

One video clip shared on social media by the Australian Friends of Palestine Association showed protesters in a “protest circle” as the main stage was cleared after Marley’s act.

They could be heard chanting “WOMADelaide is complicit” with the emptying stage in the background.

Pro-Palestinian protesters created a protest circle at the end of Ziggy Marley’s concert. Picture: Facebook.

Pro-Palestinian activists waved flags, turned their backs and chanted during Ziggy Marley’s headline act on Monday night. Picture: Facebook

But social media is now erupting with complaints organisers failed to control the protesters, with some saying the Palestinian supporters disrupted the show punters had paid $350 to see.

“How can I pay $350 and not sit on a high chair near front yet Palestine protesters can stand on chairs, hold flags and chant 30m from Ziggy Marley,” one posted on X.

“Pathetic by your ‘security’.

“Weak as piss. Embarrassing ruined night for thousands.”

@WOMADelaide how can I pay $350 and not sit on a high chair near front yet #Palistine protesters can stand on chairs hold flags and chant 30m from @ziggymarley

Pathetic by your ‘security’
Weak as piss
Embarrassing ruined night for thousands.@7NewsAdelaide@9NewsAdel@theTiser

— Terry (@ItIsStillNo) March 11, 2024

It’s the latest political controversy to surround the festival after Palestinian act 47Soul was uninvited to play, with organisers forced to apologise on Sunday for the decision they made in November.

“WOMAD was created to present the world to the world and as idealists we continue to believe that artists have a right to be heard,” a statement read.

“Unfortunately, sometimes political situations and associated conflicts mean that idealism may be compromised, not least for the sake of public and artist safety.

“When we had to make this decision in November – before the final program was confirmed or announced – we felt like this was the right thing to do.

“We expressed our support to 47Soul at the time and that we very much hope they will join us at the 2025 festival.”

British-Lebanese DJ Saliah also withdrew on Sunday after learning of 47Soul not playing.

“It is deeply disappointing that I will no longer be performing at WOMADelaide festival after becoming aware that 47SOUL were rescinded from WOMADelaide’s invitation to perform, due to the festival being unwilling to provide a ‘suitably safe environment’,” Saliah posted on Instagram.

“I am of British-Lebanese heritage. Members of my family are currently suffering daily bombardment by the IOF in Lebanon.

“The festival’s incomprehensible logic surely means I also cannot be provided with a ‘suitably safe environment’.

“I echo the message from my brothers in 47SOUL, that this rhetoric from WOMADelaide is deeply problematic, as it refuses to provide a ‘safe’ platform for Palestinian artists and their allies at a time where amplifying our voices could not be more critical.

“Ceasefire now. End the genocide and free Palestine.”

There were no Israeli or Palestinian acts at this year’s WOMAD, organisers confirmed.

Organisers have been contacted for comment.