Music Festivals, big and small, have been significant staples in the music industry globally, and just like many other events involving a large gathering of people, it was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the music industry saw a decrease in consumer event spending “by more than 45%” impacting many entertainment companies like Live Nation, which saw a significant drop in concerts and festivals from over 40,000 events in 2019 to over 8,000 in 2020.
But by the time lockdowns lifted, the industry experienced a surge in participation in its live events, with many artists and fans alike trying to reclaim the magic of live events pre-COVID. Because of this high demand, ticket sales soared to new heights, with some even surpassing pre-COVID era sales. Unfortunately, the industry’s live events are far from fully recovered.
The high demand has resulted in ever-rising costs, thanks to inflation which doubled every year thanks to the pandemic, resulting in the mass cancellations of festivals in some countries more than others. The UK in particular saw the cancellation of many festivals including Bluedot, Standon Calling, and Barn on the Farm.
In a statement to the Independent, John Rostron, CEO of the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF), warned about the state of its music festival scene, pointing to many outside factors contributing to its rocky situation including the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine.
“We really are at a critical point for the UK’s festival sector,” said Rostron. “Five years ago, it would have been impossible to imagine that promoters would have to endure something as damaging as the Covid-19 pandemic – but many of them did, without passing the inevitable cost onto the consumer.
“To think that, since then, they have had to manage the effects of Brexit, [the] war in Ukraine, inflation, and an energy crisis is staggering. That festivalgoers were able to enjoy some of the fantastic events they did in 2023 is [a] testament to the resilience and passion of those promoters.”
Outside of economic issues festivals during and post-pandemic have seen a rise in accidents due to cost cuts and poor planning. Outside of poor management, rising violent crimes, and mass shootings in particular within the US, have done no service in the effort to keep festival participation up.
But despite all the industry’s obstacles, the festival market is alive and well. For artists, festivals are still the best way to interact with fans and share their music.
“Performing is the best way to connect with an audience,” Sampa the Great told the Grammy Awards. “You’re translating your music from audio to something visual, something physical. It bridges that gap from just hearing an artist or seeing them on social [media] to actually experiencing the artist.”
