Guest speaks onstage during the Together For Palestine (T4P) concert at London’s Ovo Arena Wembley on September 18, 2025
On a crisp Wednesday evening in London, the OVO Arena Wembley was transformed into a beacon of hope and solidarity as Britain’s largest fundraising event, Together for Palestine (T4P), united an eclectic mix of celebrities, artists, activists, and thousands of attendees in a powerful show of support for the Palestinian people. The event, which aimed to raise awareness about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and collect vital donations, was a landmark moment in the global movement to address the catastrophic situation unfolding in the region. Organized by renowned British artist and musician Brian Eno, the event brought together a star-studded lineup of performers, speakers, and advocates, delivering an unforgettable night of music, poetry, essays, and heartfelt calls for justice.
The Together for Palestine concert was more than a fundraising event—it was a clarion call to reignite global empathy and compassion for a people enduring unimaginable suffering. Nearly two years after the Israeli regime launched what many describe as a genocidal war on Gaza, the crisis has claimed countless lives, left hundreds of thousands injured or displaced, and plunged the region into a state of famine and despair. Against this backdrop, the event served as both a platform for raising funds and a powerful statement of solidarity with the Palestinian people, whose resilience in the face of adversity has inspired millions worldwide.
A Star-Studded Lineup for a Noble Cause
The OVO Arena, with its capacity of 12,500, was filled to the brim with attendees who paid £70 ($95) per ticket to be part of this historic evening. The lineup was a testament to the event’s significance, featuring a diverse array of celebrities from the worlds of music, film, television, sports, and journalism. Among the notable figures who lent their voices and talents to the cause were Hollywood stars Richard Gere, Benedict Cumberbatch, Florence Pugh, and Guy Pearce; comedians and actors Ramy Youssef and Jameela Jamil; musicians Damon Albarn, Bastille, PinkPantheress, Hot Chip, Neneh Cherry, Greentea Peng, Omar Souleyman, and Gorillaz; football legend Eric Cantona; television presenter Laura Whitmore; YouTube sensation Amelia Dimoldenberg; musician Paul Weller; and documentarian Louis Theroux.
Each participant brought their unique perspective and platform to the event, using their performances and speeches to underscore the urgency of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The diversity of the lineup reflected the universal appeal of the cause, transcending cultural, geographic, and professional boundaries to unite in a shared mission: to restore a sense of humanity that many feel has been eroded by the ongoing violence and suffering in Gaza.
Brian Eno, the mastermind behind the event, has long been an advocate for social justice and humanitarian causes. Known for his pioneering work in ambient music and his collaborations with artists like David Bowie and U2, Eno used his influence to galvanize the entertainment industry for this cause. In an interview with Agence France-Presse (AFP), Eno revealed the challenges he faced in organizing the event. “This time last year, no venue in the UK would accept an event with the word ‘Palestine’ in it,” he said. “Things have changed.” Eno attributed this shift to growing public awareness of the scale of the crisis in Gaza, particularly the Israeli regime’s actions, which have drawn widespread condemnation. “Israel thought starving a whole population would be fine with everyone,” he noted. “I think that changed people’s minds.”
The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: A Grim Context
The Together for Palestine event took place against the backdrop of a dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, one that has been meticulously documented by international organizations, journalists, and human rights advocates. Nearly two years ago, the Israeli regime launched a military campaign in Gaza that has been widely criticized as genocidal. According to reports from the United Nations and other credible sources, the war has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians, with hundreds of thousands more injured, displaced, or subjected to starvation due to blockades and restrictions on humanitarian aid.
Last month, the United Nations officially declared a famine in Gaza, attributing the crisis to “systematic obstruction” of aid by the Israeli regime. This declaration followed years of warnings from humanitarian organizations about the deteriorating conditions in the region, where access to food, clean water, medical supplies, and other essentials has been severely restricted. The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry further escalated global concern by confirming on Tuesday that “genocide is occurring in Gaza,” directly implicating the Israeli regime in the perpetration of atrocities.
The toll on Gaza’s civilian population has been staggering. Entire neighborhoods have been reduced to rubble, hospitals have been targeted, and schools and refugee camps have been bombed. The blockade imposed by Israel has exacerbated the crisis, preventing adequate supplies of food, fuel, and medicine from reaching those in need. The result is a humanitarian catastrophe of unprecedented proportions, with children, women, and the elderly bearing the brunt of the suffering.
Among the most harrowing aspects of the crisis is the targeting of journalists, who have risked—and in many cases, lost—their lives to document the atrocities. Palestinian journalist and human rights advocate Yara Eid, who spoke at the event, delivered a poignant address that brought the audience to a standstill. “Two hundred and seventy journalists have sacrificed their lives trying to tell the news of the ongoing Israeli atrocities in Gaza,” she said. Her words underscored the critical role of the media in exposing the truth and holding those responsible accountable, even at great personal cost.
A Night of Music, Poetry, and Advocacy
The Together for Palestine concert was a four-hour marathon of performances, speeches, and artistic expressions, each carefully curated to amplify the voices of those affected by the crisis. The evening began with a powerful opening address by Brian Eno, who set the tone for the event by emphasizing the importance of solidarity and collective action. “We are here tonight not just to raise money, but to raise our voices,” he said. “We are here to remind the world that the people of Gaza are not numbers—they are human beings with dreams, families, and futures.”
The musical performances were a highlight of the evening, showcasing a range of genres and styles that reflected the diversity of the artists involved. Damon Albarn, frontman of Blur and Gorillaz, delivered a haunting acoustic set that blended his signature introspective style with lyrics inspired by the resilience of the Palestinian people. PinkPantheress, known for her genre-defying blend of pop and electronic music, brought a youthful energy to the stage, while Neneh Cherry’s soulful performance captivated the audience with its raw emotional power. Omar Souleyman, a Syrian musician whose music draws on Middle Eastern traditions, performed a set that resonated deeply with attendees, many of whom were moved to tears by the cultural significance of his music.
Interspersed between the musical performances were readings of essays and poems by Palestinian writers and poets, whose words painted vivid pictures of life under siege in Gaza. One particularly moving moment came when Florence Pugh read a poem by Palestinian poet Refaat Alareer, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in 2023. The poem, titled If I Must Die, spoke of hope and defiance in the face of death, and Pugh’s delivery brought many in the audience to tears. “Let it be a tale,” she read, her voice trembling with emotion, “so that the world might know we lived, we loved, we fought.”
Speeches by activists and human rights advocates added a layer of urgency to the evening. Yara Eid’s address was followed by a powerful speech from Ramy Youssef, who used humor and heartfelt storytelling to highlight the absurdity and tragedy of the situation in Gaza. “We’re here because we believe in a world where no one has to live like this,” he said. “We’re here because we believe in humanity.”
The Power of Collective Action
By 10 p.m., the event had raised an impressive £1.5 million ($2 million), a figure announced by British actress, activist, and presenter Jameela Jamil to thunderous applause. The funds, collected through ticket sales, donations, and merchandise, will be directed toward humanitarian organizations working on the ground in Gaza to provide food, medical care, and shelter to those in need. The success of the fundraising effort was a testament to the power of collective action and the willingness of individuals to come together for a common cause.
For many attendees, the event was a deeply personal experience. Sarah, a 32-year-old teacher from London, said she felt compelled to attend after watching news reports about the famine in Gaza. “It’s hard to sit at home and do nothing when you see children starving,” she said. “This event gave me a way to contribute, to feel like I’m part of something bigger.” Another attendee, Ahmed, a Palestinian-British student, described the evening as “a reminder that we’re not alone.” He added, “Seeing so many people—famous and ordinary—come together for Palestine gives me hope that change is possible.”
The event also sparked conversations about the role of art and culture in activism. For many of the performers, participating in Together for Palestine was a way to use their platforms for good. Benedict Cumberbatch, who delivered a stirring reading of a letter written by a Gaza resident, spoke about the responsibility of artists to shine a light on injustice. “We have a voice, and we have a duty to use it,” he said in a post-event interview. “This is about humanity, about standing up for what’s right.”
Challenges and Controversies
Organizing an event of this scale and significance was not without its challenges. Brian Eno’s revelation that venues were initially reluctant to host an event with “Palestine” in its title highlighted the political sensitivities surrounding the issue. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has long been a polarizing topic, and public discussions about it often attract controversy. In the UK, where debates about free speech and political activism are particularly heated, organizers faced pressure from various quarters.
Despite these challenges, the event proceeded without incident, thanks in large part to the overwhelming support from attendees and the broader public. Social media played a significant role in amplifying the event’s message, with hashtags like #TogetherForPalestine and #Gaza trending on platforms like X throughout the evening. Posts from attendees and performers, including behind-the-scenes photos and videos, garnered millions of views, further spreading awareness about the crisis.
Critics of the event, particularly those supportive of Israel’s actions, argued that it presented a one-sided view of the conflict. However, organizers were quick to emphasize that the focus of Together for Palestine was humanitarian, not political. “This isn’t about taking sides in a geopolitical dispute,” Eno said in a press conference prior to the event. “This is about saving lives, about ensuring that people have access to food, water, and safety. That’s a cause everyone should be able to support.”
A Global Movement for Change
The success of Together for Palestine has inspired calls for similar events in other parts of the world. Activists in the United States, Canada, and Europe have expressed interest in replicating the model, using music and art to raise funds and awareness for Gaza. The event has also reignited discussions about the role of international institutions, such as the United Nations, in addressing the crisis. The UN’s recent declarations about the famine and genocide in Gaza have put additional pressure on world leaders to take action, but many advocates argue that more needs to be done to hold those responsible accountable.
For the people of Gaza, the funds raised at the event represent a lifeline in a time of desperate need. Humanitarian organizations, such as Médecins Sans Frontières and the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, have been working tirelessly to provide aid, but their resources are stretched thin. The £1.5 million raised at Together for Palestine will go a long way toward addressing immediate needs, such as food distribution and medical care, but it is only a small fraction of what is required to rebuild lives and communities shattered by the war.
Looking Forward
As the lights dimmed at the OVO Arena Wembley and the final notes of the evening’s performances faded, the audience was left with a sense of both sorrow and hope. The sorrow stemmed from the scale of the tragedy in Gaza, where countless lives have been lost and millions more hang in the balance. The hope came from the knowledge that thousands of people—celebrities and ordinary citizens alike—had come together to make a difference.
Together for Palestine was more than a concert; it was a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the ability of collective action to effect change. For Brian Eno and the countless artists, activists, and attendees who made the event possible, it was a step toward a world where justice and humanity prevail. As the world continues to grapple with the crisis in Gaza, events like these serve as a beacon of light in the darkness, illuminating a path toward a better future for the Palestinian people.