UK festival season faces wipeout

The ongoing social restrictions within the UK has forced the majority of festivals to rethink timelines, with many cancelling their whole 2021 schedules. 

According to a new study, over half of the British festivals this year have been cancelled. The Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) has released data showing that (by close estimation) 51% of all UK events with a capacity of over 5000 have been removed from the calendar. With a dark cloud of looming uncertainty, a survey of the membership also reveals that 22% are still “unsure” about what happens next. 

AIF CEO Paul Reed spoke out regarding the study. 

“This is a milestone that nobody wanted to reach but, unfortunately, it has seemed inevitable for some time now thanks to the Government’s inaction and refusal to give organisers any safety net that would allow them to continue to invest in their businesses and the supply chain with confidence. Make no mistake – these cancellations were entirely avoidable, and the Government must now change its position of reviewing insurance at step 4, as it will be far too late for most UK festivals. At this point, every day counts. If Government has any confidence on July 19 as a terminus date, they will back this now.” 

Moving on to say: 

“There are still a number of festivals that could take place after the intended final lifting of lockdown on July 19, but, as we have seen with the likes of Kendal Calling and Truck Festival cancelling this week, that number is rapidly declining. This is an existential issue; the 2021 season is collapsing without decisive Government action, and there is a real risk of these festivals not returning.” 

He added: “We also echo urgent calls from the live industry for full transparency and Government to publish the Events Research Programme report to inform planning and guidance for the safe reopening of festivals this summer.” 

Earlier this week, a House of Commons Public Accounts Committee report suggested that UK festivals would simply not survive without a “government-backed insurance indemnity package”. The mess continues with further news that the Live sector is suing the UK government, forcing them to publish the results of the Events Research Programme. 

AIF members have spent an average of £451,500 in festival planning for 2021 to date, with costs ranging from £5,000 to £4 million. Organisers have spent, on average, 25% of their overall costs. The survey covered festivals taking place from 23rd July – 26th Sept with capacities ranging from 5,000-70,000.

We all hope that 2022 will act as a ray of light and go some way to making up for the last two years of cancellations and constant bad news within our industry.