How to ensure the survival of UK music
festivals is the subject of a new inquiry launched by the
DCMS Committee.
COVID-19 restrictions have meant the majority of festivals this
year have been cancelled with revenues down by 90%. 4.9 million
people attended a festival in the UK in 2018, with festivals
estimated to have generated £1.76 billion in GVA last year.
The inquiry will consider Government policy to support music
festivals due to take place in 2021 in the face of immediate
pressures, and consider the economic and cultural contribution
that music festivals make to the UK.
Festivals can take place if they are COVID-19 secure and comply
with all relevant legislation; however, social distancing
requirements will determine the financial and logistical
viability of an event. There are also questions about how
audiences will respond to a socially distanced festival
experience. The uncertainty of the public health situation and
legal requirements next summer presents further risk for festival
organisers.
DCMS Committee Chair said:
“The collapse of the vibrant music festival sector this
year is a real cause for concern. The majority of festivals have
been cancelled with the money they generate down by 90% and real
risks surrounding their future viability.
“We have so many legendary festivals that have given the
UK a worldwide reputation – it would be devastating if they were
unable to come back with a bang, or if smaller festivals that
underpin the talent pipeline disappear entirely. We want to hear
from festival staff as they face huge pressures, fans who’ve
missed out, as well as musicians on the contribution that
festivals make to our culture and economy.
“It’s crucial that support to enable music festivals to
go ahead in 2021 and beyond is put in place. We’ll be assessing
what’s been done so far and what more needs to be done to
safeguard the future of festivals.”
ENDS
MPs will also consider the impact on communities, ticket holders
and suppliers from the potential collapse of festival businesses,
as well as the considerable freelance workforce affected by
cancellations. The benefit of festivals to local economies will
also be taken into account, with audiences spending an estimated
£34.7 million in areas around festival sites in 2017.
Terms of Reference:
The DCMS Committee is inviting written submissions to be
submitted by Wednesday 9 December addressing the following areas:
-
What is the economic and cultural contribution of the
UK’s festival industry?
-
What has been the impact of cancellations on local
economies and those who derive income from festivals during
2020?
-
What are the risks to festivals taking place in 2021
and beyond, and how can these be mitigated?
-
What measures are needed for audiences to attend
festivals without social distancing, and how realistic are
they?
-
What has been the impact of the temporary VAT cut and
Culture Recovery Fund on festivals and their supply chains, and
what else can the Government do to secure their
futures?
-
How has the structure of the UK festivals market
evolved over recent years, and what has this meant for
consumers, artists and the wider industry? What further changes
might be anticipated?
-
How can festivals be supported to reduce their
environmental impact and tackle the dangers of illegal drug
use?
