Music festivals face 'catastrophe' under social distancing rules
The music festival operator behind Latitude and Download has warned of an industry “catastrophe” without clarity from ministers over how events can be held next year.
Melvin Benn, managing director of Festival Republic, said festivals would close and thousands of jobs would be lost if the government failed to find a way for events to operate at full capacity in 2021.
The coronavirus crisis sparked widespread cancellations of music festivals this year, leaving a financial hole in the near £2bn industry.
Mr Benn said he expected the sector to bounce back, but only if a vaccine or mass testing meant festival-goers would not have to socially distance at next year’s events.
“A failure [by the government] to engage early with the industry will result in catastrophe because we can’t switch on overnight,” he said.
The call comes as he gives evidence this week to the digital, culture, media and sport committee’s inquiry into reopening festivals, theatres and live music venues at capacity.
Andrew Lloyd Webber, who owns LW Theatres, and Lucy Noble, the artistic and commercial director of the Royal Albert Hall, will also appear before the committee.
Mr Benn will tell MPs that guidance over testing and social distancing is needed now because festivals had to plan months in advance and artists had already been booked for next year.
He said operating at anything less than full capacity was not an option because the industry would be unable to turn a profit.
Theatre and live entertainment is worth £11.25bn a year to the UK economy and supports more than 600,000 jobs, according to Media Insight Consulting.
Music festivals also help local economies by attracting tourists, increasing the amount of money spent with shops and hotels, and providing farmers and landowners with a way to diversify their income.
However, the coronavirus crisis has dealt a significant financial blow. Festival Republic, which is owned by the American entertainment giant Live Nation and operates Leeds Festival and Lollapalooza in Berlin, had its turnover wiped out this year.
It marked a stark contrast to 2018 when Festival Republic’s turnover grew 20pc to £55m, with pre-tax profits rising 60pc to £7.8m, according to the latest accounts on Companies House.
Mr Benn added: “If the festivals are not allowed to take place next year, then we would be closing our doors. It would be very difficult to see how the festival industry could continue to employ people.
“We are certain that is not what the government wants. Our worry is that they don’t appreciate the need for early engagement towards full capacity. A failure to acknowledge and participate in that will lead to festivals not being able to take place.”
Mr Benn said the absence of a government plan would cause hurdles, with some local authorities and police unable green light next year’s events until they had more certainty.
He has called for a task force of ministers and industry leaders from the live entertainment sector to ensure the government understands what is needed to get events up and running.
A spokesman for DCMS said indoor and outdoor performances can take place with a socially distanced audience and the government is working with industry on proposals for how full audiences can return safely as soon as possible.
