Glastonbury and other hit music festivals could be axed this summer unless Government provides Covid-19 insurance, industry experts warn
- Glastonbury and other music festivals could be cancelled without state support
- Study by UK Music warned without help industry is heading for summer washout
- Most live music events were also wiped out last year by the Covid pandemic
Glastonbury and other summer music festivals could be cancelled unless the Government steps in to provide Covid insurance, a report warns today.
The study by the industry body UK Music warns that without state support, Britain’s £1.3billion live music industry is heading for another summer washout.
Most live music events, including Glastonbury, were wiped out last summer by the pandemic.
Today’s report urges ministers to indicate a start date when live music can resume with full audiences so that organisers can plan ahead and book events.
Glastonbury and other summer music festivals could be cancelled unless the Government steps in to provide Covid insurance, a report warns today. Pictured: Kylie Minogue performing at Glastonbury on June 30, 2019
Most live music events, including Glastonbury, were wiped out last summer by the pandemic. Pictured: Festival-goers enjoy Glastonbury on June 28, 2013
It says projects to pilot socially distanced gigs were ‘not financially viable for the vast majority of venues’.
And it warns that, with commercial Covid insurance not available, summer festivals that take a long time to organise face cancellation in weeks unless the Government steps in.
UK Music chief executive Jamie Njoku-Goodwin said: ‘With the right support, live music can be at the forefront of the post-pandemic recovery and play a key role in our country’s economic and cultural revival.’
Glastonbury organiser Emily Eavis denied a suggestion yesterday by ex-Spice Girl Mel B that it had been axed, tweeting: ‘No news this end. Will let you know as soon as there is news.’
The study by the industry body UK Music warns that without state support, Britain’s £1.3billion live music industry is heading for another summer washout. Pictured: File image of Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis on June 30, 2013