Leadership / 11.18.20

U.K. Government Examines Future of Music Festivals

Access Staff

Pollstar (11/11/20) Gottfried, Gideon

The U.K. government has solicited evidence from live professionals to help ascertain "what support is needed for U.K. music festivals to return in 2021," with concentration on "the economic and cultural contribution of the U.K.'s festival industry," and "the impact of cancellations on local economies and those who derive income from festivals during 2020." A report in May from the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) said festivals would each lose an average of £375,000 ($495,000) on average because of the COVID-19 shutdown, with 98.5% not covered by insurance for pandemic-related cancellations. The government also wants details about "the risks to festivals taking place in 2021 and beyond," and how these can be ameliorated. During a parliamentary hearing on Sept. 8, Melvin Benn with Live Nation's U.K. company Festival Republic said self tests could be on the horizon, with an application giving staff and visitors clearance at admission. In answering a query about illegal drug use at festivals, he also suggested that a safe environment for people seeking personal abandonment could be established. Evidence can be submitted until Dec. 9, while the government's Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee published a notice declaring that "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."

Read the full story from Pollstar. 

Tags: Concessions , News , Leadership , COVID-19