Organisers have warned MPs that cancelling festivals will have a huge impact on the industry.
The Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee (DCMS) spoke with bosses of Britain’s biggest festivals today.
In 2020, practically all festivals were cancelled due to Covid-19.
Today, organisers of Boomtown and Parklife told MPs of the impact Covid-19 has had on their festivals, suppliers and staff.
Anna Wade, communications and strategy director of Boomtown, explained festivals are “mini cities”. There are so many people who lost jobs.
https://twitter.com/spannerspade/status/1346432226142130177
Sacha Lord, co-founder of Parklife and the Warehouse Project said “if we have another year like 2020, we’ve got serious problems”.
At this mornings Commons Select Committee I set out my 5 point recommendations to return our Live Music and Festival Industry and discuss Brexit red tape. pic.twitter.com/u2IZmvtqjv
— Sacha Lord (@Sacha_Lord) January 5, 2021
There’s no point in just saving the bricks and mortar. We need to protect the jobs and livelihoods of the people that make our industry happen, and that @AndyBurnhamGM has spoken up for so passionately for @ExcludedUK @ForgottenLtd #ExcludedUK pic.twitter.com/kyeKWccE0q
— Sacha Lord (@Sacha_Lord) January 5, 2021
They are relying on the roll-out of the vaccines, but fear it may not reach the young adult audience that attends in time.
There were also concerns about booking international talent, due to Brexit.
Due to the new Brexit deal, there will be huge new costs and paperwork which will restrict booking overseas artists and crew.
Kevin Brennan MP released these tweets after the meeting:
British artists wanting to play European festivals would face the same problem. Both Sacha and Anna worry that this could impact the talent pipeline for the UK's £5.8bn industry – both agree the UK Govt need to get an agreement with the EU for touring acts to move freely. (2/2)
— Kevin Brennan MP (@KevinBrennanMP) January 5, 2021
Emily Eavis, organiser of Glastonbury, stated that the festival is not cancelled, yesterday:
Happy new year to you all!
There’s no news this end yet, we haven't cancelled. Will let you know right here as soon as we have an update..— Emily Eavis (@emilyeavis) January 4, 2021
This was after Mel B claimed, “I know Glastonbury has been cancelled” on BBC 5 Live.
Do you think festivals will go ahead? Would you go to one if they do? Let us know @pieradiouk
