UK music festival cancellations rise as costs and ticket sales decline
9 reported
According to a report from The Guardian, 20 music festivals in the UK have been cancelled so far this year, including the first Womad festival in Glasgow, which was canceled due to low ticket sales. The cancellations are attributed to belt-tightening consumers, higher energy and labor costs, and competition from large industry players. The Secret Garden Party shut down after its 2024 edition, and the planned Where It All Began festival was postponed after crowdfunding £180,000 but facing potential losses of £60,000 to £80,000. The Red Rooster festival also went into liquidation, citing higher costs and reduced ticket sales. Despite the current number of cancellations, the Association of Independent Festivals reports that this year's total of 20 is lower than the 43 cancellations last year, 78 in 2024, and 36 in 2023. More than 250 festivals have closed since before the pandemic, with about 600 still operating annually. Industry representatives note that rising costs, including a 60% to 70% increase in artist fees over five to six years, have squeezed margins for independent operators. Some festivals, such as the Kelburn Garden Party, report strong ticket sales and a focus on community engagement.
What’s reported
20 UK music festivals have been cancelled so far this year, including Womad Glasgow.
Womad Glasgow was cancelled due to low ticket sales.
The Secret Garden Party shut down after its 2024 edition.
Where It All Began raised £180,000 via crowdfunding but was postponed due to poor ticket sales and a 10% to 15% increase in infrastructure and transport costs.
Red Rooster festival went into liquidation, citing higher costs and reduced ticket sales.
The Association of Independent Festivals reports 43 cancellations last year, 78 in 2024, and 36 in 2023.
More than 250 festivals have closed since before the pandemic; about 600 are still operating annually.
Artist fees have increased 60% to 70% over the last five to six years.
Kelburn Garden Party reports strong ticket sales and a 10% ticket price increase.
Key figures
Jon Collins, chief executive of Live (UK live music industry body)
John Rostron, chief executive of the Association of Independent Festivals
Chris Knight, co-founder and lead coordinator of Kelburn Garden Party
Henry Fitzroy, organizer of Red Rooster festival
Peter Gabriel, co-founder of Womad (mentioned in background)
Live Nation spokesperson (unnamed)
Sources: The Guardian
