18th August 2024
Festivals have always been a powerful platform for emerging artists to showcase their talent and gain exposure. However, recent data has highlighted the severe challenges the UK’s independent festival sector is facing. According to the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF), the sector saw a staggering 90% drop in revenue from 2019 to 2021, leaving many festivals struggling to survive and facing the real possibility of permanent closure.
Decline in Festivals Post-Pandemic
A study conducted by the AIF in the first half of 2023 paints a concerning picture of the sector’s decline. In 2019, there were 600 music festivals held in the UK, but by 2023, that number had dropped to 482, reflecting a 19.7% decline. This drop includes festivals that disappeared during the pandemic and those that either failed to return in 2022 or couldn’t make it to 2023. These closures represent not just a loss of events, but a loss of cultural spaces and opportunities for new artists to connect with their audiences.
The Need for Financial Relief
In response to these alarming figures, the AIF is calling for a reduction in VAT on festival tickets. Currently set at 20%, the organisation is advocating for a reduction to 5%, which they argue would provide vital financial relief for festival organisers and make events more accessible to attendees. Such a change could play a critical role in ensuring the sustainability of festivals, especially those that have been hit hardest by financial instability.
The ‘5% For Festivals’ Campaign
The ‘5% For Festivals’ campaign seeks to raise awareness about the challenges faced by festival promoters over the last five years. The AIF urges festival-goers and industry supporters to lobby their MPs and advocate for the much-needed VAT reduction on festival tickets. To support this campaign, visit their website to find out how you can help make a difference: 5% For Festivals.
A Call to Action
With many festivals facing the risk of closure, now is the time to show solidarity with the sector that has given us some of the most iconic musical experiences. By reducing VAT, we can help safeguard these festivals, ensure they remain vibrant cultural hubs, and continue to provide essential platforms for emerging artists to thrive.
It’s a reminder that the live music sector is an essential part of our cultural and economic landscape—and we must act to protect it for future generations. The time for action is now.