More festivals 'could be cancelled if downturn continues'

1st Jul 2008

Many popular UK festivals may not go ahead next year if the current economic downturn continues, according to an industry expert.

While Glastonbury avoided the mud, it was the first time for 15 years that it did not sell out, as financial pressures – combined with a controversial line up – meant that many gig goers did not part with their cash.

Meanwhile, Northern Ireland's Tennant's Vital festival was cancelled last week due to poor sales of tickets, blamed on saturation point in the festival scene and additional financial pressures.

As a result, Ross Purdie, editor of Virtual Festivals, said that the UK festival scene may have hit its peak.

He added: "You don't really know where this whole economic downturn is going, it could be all be fine again next year, so I suppose it depends how it goes.

"At the moment I think we are definitely seeing that the UK festival market has maybe hit its peak."