Last Thursday 13th of January, the Palestinian Band for Arts and Folklore were scheduled to perform at the Sallis Benney Theatre in Brighton. However, the performance was cancelled due to the Israeli authority refusal to allow the twenty-three Palestinians to cross the border. The Israeli authority denied the group right of movement, although all the legal requirements were met, such as permits, visas and plane tickets.
Performers, as well as organisers, were greatly disappointed by the last minute cancellation. The event aim was for Palestinian artists to share their rich cultural traditions with the British public.
Brighton and Sussex Student Unions spent a year organising this event. Brighton University was especially frustrated by the sudden cancellation, as it had heavily invested in the event, not only financially but also in energy and effort.
Both student unions are hopeful that they will successfully reschedule the event for the near future.