Irish artists pull out of US music festival in protest

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The Arts Minister is set to attend the South by Southwest (SXSW) music festival in Texas.

It's despite calls for her to boycott the event.

All Irish acts that were due to perform at the festival, including Soda Blonde, Kneecap and Gavin James, have pulled out

They have cited the event's association with the US Military and links with funding weapons in the Israel-Hamas war.

The army is one of the main sponsors, and weapons manufacturers are due to have stalls on-site.

Adam O'Regan, the guitarist for Soda Blonde says it felt right for them.

He continued to say it is important for diplomats to stay engaged and they'll watch closely to "see what happens".