As 20th festival falls in 2026, AIF calls on Government to extend support

A total of 43 festivals fell in 2025 following a record 78 in 2024.

London, 10th June 2026 20 UK festivals have announced a cancellation, postponement or fallow year in 2026 to date.

WOMAD Glasgow is the 20th event to fall this year, with organisers citing low ticket sales as the reason behind the decision to cancel. Similar reasons were given by Melton Mowbray’s Country On The Eye Festival, which also decided to cancel its 2026 edition at the end of last month.

A total of 43 UK festivals were cancelled, postponed or shuttered entirely last year, following a record 78 fallen festivals in 2024.

The new milestone comes following a recent and welcome announcement from the UK Government that will see a temporary reduced rate of VAT for children’s tickets, meals and family attractions. With AIF having confirmed that family and children’s festival tickets will be included in these cuts, this will not only benefit large sections of the festival-going public via reduced ticket prices, but will also help ease ongoing pressure on some of the festivals themselves, many of which are still struggling to manage the pressure of high costs and cashflowing successful events.

AIF calls on the Government to continue support for the sector with three specific asks;

That the above VAT scheme is extended for the 2027 season now, so that festivals can offer that same lower rates to families and children from the moment tickets go on sale in 2026 for next year’s events.

That the Government’s upcoming Creative Industries Sector Plan and Music Growth Package, which will see £30m invested in music over three years, includes specific support for independent festivals.

That the Government pilot a Grassroots Music Festival Tax Relief to support independent grassroots festivals to sustain and grow their offer.

AIF CEO John Rostron said: “It’s incredibly tough to see vibrant and creative music festivals fall. Mostly, we’re seeing very strong demand from audiences, and some record sellouts, but independent festival promoters are seeing their margins become ever thinner, desperately trying to make ends meet while at the same time trying to keep their events as affordable as possible for the general public. We welcome The Great British Summer Saving initiative which will be helpful for family oriented festivals but we need earlier commitment to the reduction for 2027, and specific, sector-wide support to stem cancellations and boost the growth of new events.”