AGF Report Challenges Festival Carbon Impact Assumptions
Sustainability not for profit A Greener Future (formerly A Greener Festival) has released new insight into festival carbon footprints.
Key findings revealed audience travel contributed on average to 41% of the carbon footprint when a more complete account of scope 3 emissions is included. When including wider travel such as production, traders, and artists, travel and transport represents closer to 58%, with food and drink responsible for an average 34% of a festival's carbon footprint.
Audience travel is commonly stated as 80% or more of a festival's carbon footprint. However, most studies omit impacts of food & drink, materials purchased, or trader travel. In some cases, production and artist travel are also missing from the picture.
The AGF Festival Carbon Footprint report reveals that when accounting for more complete emissions sources the breakdown is more nuanced, with many emissions generated as a result of production and planning decisions, rather than through audience travel choices alone.
AGF CEO Claire O’Neill commented:
“We love festivals, their contribution to culture, and their potential to show alternative ways of living. It’s important to have a fuller picture to understand their carbon footprints. Focus for event sustainability is often on waste, cups, and audience travel. Whilst clearly important, this is a narrow view missing broader impacts. This can delay important decisions at the planning and design stage, such as moving away from animal and other high impact food and drinks.”
Authors note that broad carbon footprint averages, whilst popular, should be treated with caution as disparity between the variety of festivals is significant. For instance, audience travel emissions ranged from around 20% to 75% of a festival’s footprint, depending on scale, location, and nature of the event. As more events collect this type of information, it will become more accurate and will help identify further improvements.
The report highlights that carbon footprints do not provide insight into other impacts such as light or noise pollution, direct habitat disturbance, or pollution on site, which require biodiversity and environmental impact assessments. It also shows potential for time spent at a festival to create fewer emissions than time spent at home, with a comparison of emissions per person at festivals against average national emissions per resident, which is an area for further research.
For the next phase of this study AGF invites interested industry groups, festivals and sustainability organisations to collaborate with shared information, for a clearer picture for the festival and events sector as a whole.
The full report can be downloaded from A Greener Future’s website: https://www.agreenerfuture.com/carbonimpactsassessment
Summary of Key findings:
-Audience travel represents the largest source of emissions, contributing to 41% of the average festival footprint.
-Wider travel including artists, production, and traders represents on average 58% of emissions.
-Average emissions per person per day at a festival were found to be 11 kg CO2e.
-Food and drink represent over one third (34%) of average festival emissions. This is significantly reduced at events who have adopted plant-based policies.
-Waste disposal, water use, and sewage treatment account for only 4% of average footprint. However, these create other impacts on biodiversity, local ecosystems, and resource consumption which carbon analysis alone can overlook.
-Energy use represented nearly 1.5% of average footprint, due to high adoption of biodiesel HVO and electrification by events analysed. Average energy emissions more than triple when conventional diesel is used.
-The analysis is based on festivals and events already taking significant sustainable actions, and therefore may be representative of best practice events.
Contact:
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
ADE welcomes industry leaders at TikTok, Spotify, YouTube, Beatport, and TuneCore for Insider Knowledge series at Pro Conference
The Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) introduces the new Essential Insider Knowledge series as part of ADE Pro to offer unparalleled insights into the ever-evolving digital music landscape for artists and professionals, with the inclusion of top-level minds at global industry giants TikTok, Spotify, and YouTube, alongside innovative platforms Beatport and TuneCore. These latest confirmations introduce a hands-on approach to the ADE Pro experience with insightful strategies to empower growth and success.
Essential Insider Knowledge
Following the recent announcement outlining its first major topics and the Strategies, Opportunities and Responsibilities framework at this year’s conference, ADE Pro now introduces the Essential Insider Knowledge series as a core part of its Strategies track.
The series of keynotes and talks will feature the likes of TikTok's Global Head of Music, Ole Obermann, to share valuable insights and strategies on the global platform. Attendees will also gain a comprehensive understanding of music business and growing communities on YouTube with leading figures such as YouTube’s Head of Music Business Development Mathieu Rousselot and STMPD RCRDS’ Coen Calkhoven. Meanwhile, top-level leaders at Spotify are set to demystify the platform's vast opportunities and provide hands-on tools to empower artists and music professionals alike.
In addition, professionals can also delve into the realms of electronic music distribution and production with Beatport's Senior Vice President of Creator Services, Helen Sartory, who will share her insights on the platform’s role in amplifying music for both producers and DJs. Furthermore, Andreea Gleeson, CEO of TuneCore, will discuss the interplay between music creation and AI in the platform’s future. Under Gleeson's leadership, TuneCore has earned accolades such as Fast Company's third most innovative music company, and this keynote delves into the platform’s innovative approach to music creation and distribution.
Attend ADE Pro 2023
The ADE Pro Pass grants access to the full conference program, alongside networking events, the ADE Festival program and more. Tickets are available through ADE’s website.
The Amsterdam Dance Event Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to nurturing electronic music, its culture and its industry worldwide. The organisation devotes itself to stimulating development, innovation and talent, gathering the global industry and laying a foundation for future generations.
About ADE Pro Conference
ADE Pro is the ultimate annual business gathering for the global electronic music industry. The three-day conference for music industry professionals runs from Wednesday through Saturday and features dedicated programming covering subjects from marketing, publishing and bookings to sustainability, social change and mental health. The additional networking opportunities with fellow ADE delegates and industry leaders provide an ideal and global basis for deal making and career advancement.
About ADE
The Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), an initiative of Buma, has grown into the world’s largest and most influential club-based festival and conference for electronic music. The event continues to grow and develop each year, with last year’s edition featuring over 2,500 artists and 600 speakers in almost 200 venues. The five-day event attracts visitors from over 146 countries and features every conceivable aspect of electronic music culture, with dedicated conference programming, an extensive arts & culture program, live music and DJ/artist performances, all spread across the city of Amsterdam. More information about ADE can be found here.
ADE – Electronic Music Gathers Here
The Amsterdam Dance Event is organised by The Amsterdam Dance Event Foundation.
Founding partner: Buma
Principal partners: Heineken 0.0 | Desperados
Contact
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
A Greener Future Announce 16th Annual Green Events & Innovations Conference
Green Events & Innovations Conference (GEI) is presented by AGF in partnership with the International Live Music Conference (ILMC)
The 16th edition of the Green Events and Innovations Conference (GEI 16) is returning to the Royal Lancaster London in 2024. The foremost conference for sustainability in events will take place on Tuesday 27th February, bringing together global innovators and sector leaders to share, network and accelerate environmental and social actions to make impactful change in events, music and sport.
Last edition GEI welcomed artists and experts such as Brian Eno, Jacob Collier, Andy Cato (Groove Armada / Wildfarmed), Dale Vince (Ecotricity), Rosanna Machado (HM The Queens Platinum Jubilee Pageant) and environmental journalist Lucy Siegle. The programme ranges from strategic senior level commitments, to “how to” case studies and workshops for operational implementation, and all important networking, 5* vegan lunch and drinks reception.
The agenda includes topics such as transport, energy, food, biodiversity, communication, equality & inclusivity, climate justice, net zero, circularity, and the interface between the sector and politics.
AGF CEO Claire O’Neill said:
“At GEI16 we’re giving additional focus to both biodiversity and communication. Whilst we’re importantly focused on carbon reductions and net zero targets, the protection and enhancement of ecosystems and resources has many additional routes. The need to communicate so that people feel, understand and support the green transition is essential especially as climate falls into partisan politics, and the associated media seek to muddy waters, making an already monumental task harder. It’s time for all platforms and voices to be used to their fullest as a force for change and for good”
As the programme takes shape organisers have called for papers to be submitted, as well as sponsorship and exhibitor enquiries to hello@agreenerfuture.com
The International AGF Awards also return to GEI 16, celebrating the most innovative and green aspiring events, venues, organisations and individuals from events worldwide in the last 12 months.
A super early bird ticket tier has been introduced to help ease the costs during the cost of living crisis. This tier ends on 14th August.
GEI is AGF‘s flagship event and is organised in partnership with the ILMC, supported by Ecotricity. Sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities are available.
More info and tickets here: https://www.agreenerfuture.com/geihome
More information at agreenerfuture.com / @agreenerfuture
About AGF
AGF is a not-for-profit company committed to helping events, festivals and venues around the world adopt environmentally efficient practices. AGF provide certification, education and training, consultancy, resources and green riders, facilitating the exchange of good ideas. They share information about how environmentally efficient methods are currently being employed at events and how the impact on the environment can be limited at future events. They offer independent assessment and verification of events sustainability claims through the AGF Awards for festivals, venues, tours and events. www.agreenerfuture.com
About ILMC
Attracting 2,000 of the world’s top live music professionals from over 40 countries annually, the International Live Music Conference has been the foremost meeting place for live music professionals worldwide for over 30 years. In addition to its main conference, ILMC also produces the ILMC Production Meeting (IPM), the Green Events & Innovations Conference (GEI), Futures Forum, The Event Safety & Security Summit (E3S) and the International Festival Forum (IFF). Full information about the conference including schedule, events and partners is at https://ilmc.com/
Contact:
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
Amsterdam Dance Event rounds up first selection of ADE Arts & Culture lineup for 2023 edition
ADE Arts & Culture returns for its third edition, continuing to find the artistic connections between electronic music and other art forms. For its 2023 edition, the program focuses on today's artists, the positive impact electronic music has on its creators and listeners, and broadening visitors’ horizons. Alongside the previously announced standout piece ATMEN at Internationaal Theater Amsterdam, the first events include collaborations between Het HEM and Horst, Amsterdams Andalusisch Orkest and Mary Lake, and De School and Boris Acket.
The 2023 edition of ADE Arts & Culture is rapidly shaping up with a wide array of cultural collaboration projects including 'New HHHorizons' by Het HEM and arts and music organisation Horst, to be showcased at Thomaskerk. At Bimhuis, a one-off synthesis awaits with the Amsterdams Andalusisch Orkest and DJ Mary Lake blending techno and Arabic music. Boris Acket takes over De School with 'TIJDSDUUR', a month-long exhibition that challenges conventional notions of time, inviting musical artists Jameszoo, Helena Basilova, Spekki Webu and others to bring the works to life.
Further enriching the roster is 'Rooted in Culture' at Tolhuistuin, a deep dive into electronic music's origins intertwined with black history and the LGBTQAI+ community. 'Recharge & Revolt' at the Melkweg Expo investigates rave culture as a powerful political instrument. Stadsarchief Amsterdam’s ‘Wie Danst Is Vrij’ allows visitors to dive into Amsterdam's club culture from 1980 until now to celebrate the city's unique nightlife, and the sounds of 'River Without Banks' will resound in the Portuguese Synagogue, creating a mesmerizing two-piano concert atmosphere. Many more events will be added to the ADE Arts & Culture lineup in the leadup to the event, with details soon to be disclosed.
Access & Tickets
Individual ticket sales for ADE Arts & Culture events are available on the ADE website. The ADE Pro Pass grants full access to the entire program, in addition to ADE's conference and festival offering and all other benefits. The ADE Pro Pass is available here.
The Amsterdam Dance Event Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to nurturing electronic music, its culture and its industry worldwide. The organisation devotes itself to stimulating development, innovation and talent, gathering the global industry and laying a foundation for future generations.
About ADE
The Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), an initiative of Buma, has grown into the world’s largest and most influential club-based festival and conference for electronic music. The event continues to grow and develop each year, featuring over 2,500 artists and 600 speakers in almost 200 venues. The five-day event attracts visitors from over 146 countries and features every conceivable aspect of electronic music culture, with dedicated conference programming, an extensive Arts & Culture programme, live music and DJ/artist performances, all spread across the city of Amsterdam. More information about ADE can be found here.
ADE – Electronic Music Gathers Here
The Amsterdam Dance Event is organised by The Amsterdam Dance Event Foundation. Founding partner: Buma
Main partners: Heineken 0.0 | Desperados
Contact
For more information or media partnerships contact Nikki McNeil
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
Amsterdam Dance Event confirms first ADE Lab speakers including DVS1, Mama Snake, Reinier Zonneveld, Darude and more
The professionals of the future are made at ADE Lab
www.amsterdam-dance-event.nl
ADE Lab, the education and talent development platform for young producers and aspiring professionals, today announces the first confirmed highlights for this year's event, including esteemed artists and producers such as DVS1, Mama Snake, Reinier Zonneveld, Héctor Oaks & Van Anh, Darude, and many others. The curated program is designed to support emerging artists and music professionals in elevating their careers, offering exclusive opportunities for learning and networking.
This year’s ADE Lab is focused on providing an interactive and engaging experience for its attendees, presenting a series of event-wide courses to complete, ranging from Production and Artist courses to Professional and Mixed Media courses. Upon completion of a course, attendees will earn a discount on the ADE Pro Pass for the following year.
The first program highlights include the RA Exchange Live: DVS1, an in-depth interview with techno titan DVS1 by Resident Advisor, alongside a deep dive into curating a DJ set with psychedelic pioneer Mama Snake, and a Filth on Acid Demo Drop with Reinier Zonneveld.
Additional workshops include The Art of Vinyl DJing with Héctor Oaks and Van Anh, in addition to talks and sessions with Darude, Nostalgix and Modular Moon. Multi- instrumentalist duo Parallelle joins ADE Lab with a special edition of their ‘A Day In…’ format, and Femme Bass Mafia is set to host a DJ mentoring program for femme, trans, and non-binary people.
In addition to the first confirmed artists and speakers hosting workshops during ADE Lab, visitors also get the chance to test all of the newest gear and creative technologies by some of the most forefront brands in electronic music, including Ableton, AIAIAI Audio, Allen & Heath, Deepgrooves, DJ.Studio, DMC40/Technics, L-Acoustics, Roland, Vinylify, and Universal Audio, in custom designed gear test areas and studios. Moreover, CollabHouse and SAE Institute join to host exclusive demo drops and challenges for ADE Lab visitors.
ADE Lab Pass holders have access to all four days of ADE Lab, taking place October 19th through 22nd. ADE Pro Pass holders can also participate in the event alongside the ADE Pro conference, the ADE Festival program and all other included benefits. All ADE tickets are available here.
The Amsterdam Dance Event Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to nurturing electronic music, its culture and its industry worldwide. The organisation devotes itself to stimulating development, innovation and talent, gathering the global industry and laying a foundation for future generations.
About ADE
The Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), an initiative of Buma, has grown into the world’s largest and most influential club-based festival and conference for electronic music. The event continues to grow and develop each year, featuring over 2,500 artists and 600 speakers in almost 200 venues. The five-day event attracts visitors from over 146 countries and features every conceivable aspect of electronic music culture, with dedicated conference programming, an extensive Arts & Culture programme, live music and DJ/artist performances, all spread across the city of Amsterdam. More information about ADE can be found here.
About ADE Lab
ADE Lab is the prime education and talent development platform for aspiring producers and professionals. Through an interactive multi-day program of music talks, masterclasses, demo pitches and technology showcases, ADE Lab aims to inspire the innovators of the future. The former ADE Sound Lab and ADE University programs merged to become one of ADE’s four core program tracks. More information about ADE Lab can be found here.
ADE – Electronic Music Gathers Here
The Amsterdam Dance Event is organised by The Amsterdam Dance Event Foundation. Founding partner: Buma
Main partners: Heineken 0.0 | Desperados
Contact:
For more information or media partnerships contact Nikki McNeill | nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
YOUROPE releases first ever European Green Festival Roadmap
YOUROPE - The European Festival Association has developed and released the “European Green Festival Roadmap 2030”. The Roadmap aims to give European festivals and events a reliable guide for sustainable actions, including measures they will need to accomplish the inevitable process of transformation until the end of the decade.
YOUROPE is proud to present the European Green Festival Roadmap 2030 as part of its three-year project “Future-Fit Festivals” (3F). These guidelines on sustainable events are based on the requirement of the EU Green Deal – cutting emissions by at least 55% by 2030. It also considers the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and industry requirements. The Roadmap is the result of a collaboration with experts from A Greener Future (AGF) and Greener Events Norway as well as YOUROPE’s GO Group (Green Operations Europe) think tank.
The European Green Festival Roadmap 2030 supports the festival sector in finding appropriate measures to fight emissions and other harmful environmental impacts. To bring about the necessary change towards more sustainable events, it is important to set clear goals, think large and long-term.
For this purpose, the Roadmap provides a comprehensive framework for the ambitious sustainable improvement of cultural events. In seven fields of action, the suggested actions range from management structures to specific practical measures in the creation and production process. The Roadmap is public and free to use for any (European) festival or cultural event.
This is the first pan-European publication of its kind to be jointly developed and published by and for the festival sector. It can serve as a relevant tool for organisers of festivals and other large (open-air) events, also far beyond the borders of the EU.
Drafts of the Roadmap were presented at this year’s Green Events & Innovation Conference (GEI) in London and at the 9th international GO Group workshop in Barcelona, receiving overwhelming interest and feedback. Originally, the development process had started in early 2022 with a kick-off workshop and public discussion panels with representatives of the European Commission and Parliament.
The roadmap can be found here: https://yourope.org/home/green-roadmap
Holger Jan Schmidt (General Secretary of YOUROPE / GO Group co-founder):
“Improving our festivals and increasing sustainability throughout the industry is an ongoing topic for YOUROPE and also for me personally. That's why it's a particular pleasure to present the European Green Festival Roadmap as the icing on the cake of tools we recently published – all are open source, accessible to everyone and transferable to other cultural areas. We believe that the Roadmap is a big step in the only right direction. Also, it serves as an excellent basis for further exciting and helpful projects.”
Claire O’Neill (CEO A Greener Future):
“After nearly two decades working with festivals worldwide for sustainability, we’re really happy to harness and share learnings in this European Green Festival Roadmap with YOUROPE. The roadmap helps prioritize and simplify the actions individual festivals need to take, and shines a light on areas for collective effort by the industry and beyond.”
Linnéa Svensson (Greener Events Norway / GO Group co-founder):
“Climate change is already upon us. Heavy rain and severe drought are becoming increasingly normal, which tells us there’s no time to lose. It is time to act now – and this roadmap will guide you to get started or even to get more advanced. If you haven’t already, just start by starting!”
About YOUROPE
Since 1998, YOUROPE – The European Festival Association has evolved into the most important association for popular music festivals in Europe. As of June 2023, YOUROPE counts around 120 festivals and associated organizations from 28 European countries among its members. The overall aim of the association is to strengthen and improve the European festival scene as a whole, and promoting arts and music while connecting different cultures.
In its working groups YOUROPE focuses on different topics at the heart of festivals: sustainability, climate action and environmental protection in the GO Group (Green Operations Europe), security and crowded spaces management in the YOUROPE Event Safety (YES) Group, communication in the European Marketing and Communication (EMAC) Group, and staffing issues and mental health in the Human Resources and Wellbeing (HR) Group.
Further, YOUROPE hosts the biannual European Festival Conference (EFC) and organizes the annual European Festival Awards (EFA).
Contact:
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
Amsterdam Dance Event announces first wave of artists for ADE 2023
Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), the world's largest festival and business gathering for electronic music, today reveals the first wave of confirmed artists for ADE 2023. Among the confirmed artists to perform are Afrojack (NL), Alberta Balsam (NL), Amelie Lens (BE), Bambounou (FR), Bicep (GB), Cera Khin (TN), Folamour (FR), Helena Hauff (DE), Jayda G (GB), Job Jobse (NL), Lee Ann Roberts (SA), LSDXOXO (US), Mama Snake (DK), Martin Garrix (NL), Max Cooper (GB), Paula Temple (NL), Peach (CA), Philou Louzolo (NL), Röyksopp (NO), Solomun (BA), Speedy J (NL), SPFDJ (SE), Suze Ijó (NL), The Blessed Madonna (US), Young Marco (NL), and many others.
The five day gathering runs from October 18—22, 2023 and is the world’s most extensive festival and conference program for electronic music, representing all electronic subgenres and subcultures throughout 1000+ events in 200+ locations spread across Amsterdam.
The complete program will be announced in the coming months. Individual tickets are available through ADE’s program, and the ADE Pro Pass is available here.
Among the first wave of names are:
6EJOU (FR), Afra (NL), Afrojack (NL), Akua (US), Alberta Balsam (NL), Amelie Lens (BE), Anaïs (GB), AnD (GB), Armin van Buuren (NL), Bambounou (FR), Barbara Lago (ES), Bella (NL), Beltran (BR), Ben UFO (GB), Benny Rodrigues (NL), Bicep (GB), BIIA (PT), Blawan (GB), Bonobo (GB), Callush (DE), Carlos Valdes (NL), Cera Khin (TN), Chris Stussy (NL), Coco Maria (MX), Cynthia Spiering (NL), Daria Kolosova (UA), Dave Clarke (NL), David Vunk (NL), Dax J (DE), Dee Diggs (US), DIØN (NL), Dixon (DE), DJ Gigola (DE), DJ Stingray 313 (US), Dyen (NL), Ewan McVicar (GB), Farrago (BE), Fatima Hajji (ES), FKA.M4A (DE), Flava D (GB), Fleur Shore (GB), Folamour (FR), Gayance (CA), Gene On Earth (US), Gerd Janson (DE), Helena Hauff (DE), Illenium (US), James Hype (GB), Jayda G (GB), Jennifer Loveless (GB), Job Jobse (NL), Kléo (NL), Kobosil (DE), La Penderie Noire (CH), Lakuti (DE), Lee Ann Roberts (SA), Lessss (FR), LSDXOXO (US), Luca Agnelli (IT), Mama Snake (DK), Manami (JP), Martin Garrix (NL), Martin Kohlstedt (DE), Mary Lake (NL), Max Cooper (GB), MCR-T (DE), Metropole Orkest (NL), Mochakk (BR), Nastia Reigel (DE), Nedda Sou (NL), Nene H (DE), Novah (BE), Nu Genea (IT), Oguz (NL), P Money (GB), Patrick Mason (DE), Paula Temple (NL), Peach (CA), Philou Louzolo (NL), Purple Disco Machine (DE), Roi Perez (DE), Roy Rosenfeld (IL), Röyksopp (NO), Sam Feldt (NL), Saoirse (IE), Sara Landry (US), Sarkawt Hamad (NL), S-candalo (DE), Sedef Adasï (TR), Solah (GB), Solomun (BA), Somewhen (DE), Speedy J (NL), SPFDJ (SE), Stephan Bodzin (DE), Steve Rachmad (NL), Surgeon (GB), Suze Ijó (NL), Tama Sumo (DE), The Blessed Madonna (US), The Martinez Brothers (US), Tinlicker (NL), Todd Terje (NO), u.r.trax (FR), Vini Vici (IL), Wallis (FR), WNDRLST (NL), Young Marco (NL), and many more.
The Amsterdam Dance Event Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to nurturing electronic music, its culture and its industry worldwide. The organisation devotes itself to stimulating development, innovation and talent, gathering the global industry and laying a foundation for future generations.
About ADE
The Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), an initiative of Buma, has grown into the world’s largest and most influential club-based festival and conference for electronic music. The event continues to grow and develop each year, featuring over 2,500 artists and 600 speakers in almost 200 venues. The five-day event attracts visitors from over 146 countries and features every conceivable aspect of electronic music culture, with dedicated conference programming, an extensive Arts & Culture programme, live music and DJ/artist performances, all spread across the city of Amsterdam. More information about ADE can be found here.
ADE – Electronic Music Gathers Here
The Amsterdam Dance Event is organised by The Amsterdam Dance Event Foundation. Founding partner: Buma
Main partners: Heineken 0.0 | Desperados
Contact:
For more information or media partnerships contact Nikki McNeill.
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
NTIA and Sacha Lord Instruct Legal Team to Challenge the Government on Drug Testing at Festivals
The Night Time Industries Association & Nightlife entrepreneur, Sacha Lord, have written to the Home Office demanding a judicial review following its decision to ban on-site ‘pop-up’ labs to test drugs at festivals.
The NTIA & Co-founder of Parklife Festival, and Greater Manchester's night-time economy advisor to the mayor Andy Burnham, accused the home secretary Suella Braverman of "putting lives at risk" after her department did a dramatic U-turn and demanded licences to test drugs at all festivals.
The Home Office announced on 8 June 2023 that on-site drugs testing at music festivals would require a Controlled Drugs Licence and that testing must take place at a named, permanent premises rather than at festival sites.
In a letter to the Home Office, the NTIA & Lord demanded that the decision be immediately reversed and the previously agreed arrangement for drug testing be restarted.
Since 2014 there have been on-site drug testing labs at music festivals in the UK. The service has been provided with the agreement of local police and councils by way of a Memorandum of Understanding with festival organisers and the drug testing companies.
Operating on a cross-agency basis, means information about dangerous drugs circulating at an event can be passed on to festival goers, organisers, police and medical services while any harmful substances can be destroyed or passed to the police.
On-site testing also enables medical teams to treat anyone who has an adverse reaction quickly and effectively because they will already be aware of the drugs chemical composition.
Lord said: “This on-site testing has saved lives and the absence of it puts lives at risk.”
The leading provider of on-site drug testing, The Loop, was informed at the beginning of June that a Controlled Drugs Licence was needed which would require the company to have a permanent laboratory.
The NTIA and Lord wrote in his letter that despite denials to the contrary, “the Home Office is well aware that on-site drug testing has been taking place at festivals across the country since 2014.”
“In a response to the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee report on the future of UK music festivals presented in August 2021, the Government said it ‘will continue to support back-of-house testing on substances that have been seized as this can provide useful intelligence and enable festival organisers and other partners to implement harm reduction measures’.”
The letter also pointed out that in response to a question in The House in July 2018, the then Policing Minister, Nick Hurd MP, said the “Home Office’s position, and that of Ministers, is that these are local operating decisions that we are not standing in the way of.”
The time involved in sending drugs away from the festival for analysis defeats the purpose of on-site testing, the NTIA and Lord stated.
“On-site testing produces immediate results which can be acted on by drug users, festival organisers, the police and medics. The labs also present a safe, anonymous area for a drugs amnesty scheme to be operated, thereby taking dangerous substances out of circulation at festivals.”
Michael Kill CEO Night Time Industries Association stated:
“The Home Office must reverse their decision for 2023, and consider the true impact of withdrawing a practice which has been operating safely in some regions for over 10 years, with the full knowledge and support of the Police and local authorities.”
“The festivals and events sector work extremely hard to ensure festival goers are kept safe, and rely heavily on back of house drug testing as a vital part of the overarching harm reduction strategy. Without this facility we are putting people's lives at risk, leaving a considerable void in drug intelligence for Police and medical support services on the ground for the rest of the 2023 season.”
Sacha Lord stated:
“The Home Office must put an end to this reckless disregard for the safety of festival goers and reinstate the existing Memorandum of Understanding with immediate effect. The industry works tirelessly to ensure we do everything possible to safeguard the public. If the Home Office continues not to support us in this vital work we will be left with no other choice but to call for a full investigation and consultation.”
Pre Action Protocol Letter to Home Office
Notes to Editors:
Nikki McNeill | Publicist for NTIA
Email: press@ntia.co.uk
Mobile: 07957 434517
The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) is the leading trade body representing businesses in the Night Time Economy in the UK. It has more than 1400 members, including night clubs, bars, casinos, festivals, and supply chain businesses. The NTIA also holds commissions with Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland.
ADE Pro Conference reveals special performances and experiences by Max Cooper, Secret Artists in Residence and more
The Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) has just revealed new audiovisual and musical performances for the ADE Pro Conference program to expand on the conference's new immersive experience. Among the confirmed programming is a deep immersion masterclass and audiovisual show by London based producer Max Cooper, alongside an exclusive edition of the Secret Artists in Residence concept for a collaborative jam session at ADE Pro home base Felix Meritis.
Immersive experiences at Felix Meritis
Following the recent announcement of Claptone joining Amsterdam Dance Event’s conference to host a one-off experience, Max Cooper has now been added to the ADE Pro programming. During an in-depth masterclass and audiovisual performance, Cooper presents an immersive exploration of the intersection of music, science and art.
Secret Artists in Residence
After premiering at Best Kept Secret Festival last year and a sophomore edition at ADE Festival 2022, ‘Secret Artists in Residence’ is set to host an exclusive event for ADE Pro visitors this year. In a temporary music studio built at Felix Meritis, the concept is home to unusual artistic collaborations and live jam sessions with a roster including Steve Rachmad, Alberta Balsam, Mathew Jonson, Sarah Neutkens and others.
ADE Pro Conference
The first topics and themes for this year's conference have been confirmed, tackling the Strategies, Opportunities and Responsibilities that define the global electronic music industry. The program dives into central strategic challenges such as organising large scale events in an increasingly uncertain market, mastering the recent explosion of machine learning as a music professional, getting your music used in movies and series on the most well-known video streaming platforms, and much more.
The latest confirmations include events collective HE.SHE.THEY. and William Morris Endeavor Agency (WME) on promoting inclusivity in electronic music. HE.SHE.THEY. co-founders Steven Braines and Sophia Kearney are joined by WME agents Bailey Greenwood and Fernando Montes to dive into effective Diversity & Inclusion strategies, and how to grow equality and fairness from inside the system. In addition, Warner Music’s Head of Marketing for Emerging Markets Selina Chowdhury joins ADE Pro to discuss launching Warner Music’s new Emerging Markets dance label and more.
Attend ADE Pro 2023
The ADE Pro Pass grants access to the full conference program, alongside networking events, the ADE Festival program and more. Tickets are available at the current Early Bird rate through ADE’s website.
The Amsterdam Dance Event Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to nurturing electronic music, its culture and its industry worldwide. The organisation devotes itself to stimulating development, innovation and talent, gathering the global industry and laying a foundation for future generations.
About ADE Pro Conference
ADE Pro is the ultimate annual business gathering for the global electronic music industry. The three-day conference for music industry professionals runs from Wednesday through Saturday and features dedicated programming covering subjects from marketing, publishing and bookings to sustainability, social change and mental health. The additional networking opportunities with fellow ADE delegates and industry leaders provide an ideal and global basis for deal making and career advancement.
About ADE
The Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), an initiative of Buma, has grown into the world’s largest and most influential club-based festival and conference for electronic music. The event continues to grow and develop each year, with last year’s edition featuring over 2,500 artists and 600 speakers in almost 200 venues. The five-day event attracts visitors from over 146 countries and features every conceivable aspect of electronic music culture, with dedicated conference programming, an extensive arts & culture program, live music and DJ/artist performances, all spread across the city of Amsterdam. More information about ADE can be found here.
ADE – Electronic Music Gathers Here
The Amsterdam Dance Event is organised by The Amsterdam Dance Event Foundation.
Founding partner: Buma
Principal partners: Heineken 0.0 | Desperados
Contact:
Nikki McNeill nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
NTIA and Music Lotto Launch Funding Scheme to Support Independent Artists and Creatives Across the Electronic Music Sector
The two not-for-profits join forces to support the electronic independent music industry.
Night Time Industries Association and The Music Lotto announce partnership with a united objective to break down barriers to music, and make the electronic music industry a more inclusive and accessible career opportunity for people entering the creative sectors and provide routes to access night time spaces to showcase their talent.
With NTIA’s focus on protecting and enhancing electronic music culture, communities and all things nightlife, Music Lotto has created a unique lottery that gives back to up and coming artists and businesses within the creative industries across the UK.
The Music Lotto Launched in the summer of 2022 as a digital fundraising lottery. Each lottery ticket costs £1, with 50% of all ticket sales split between the grants programme for talent, giving artists financial support to further their career, with further donations going to a range of charity partners.
Over the next 6 months, NTIA & The Music Lotto will be bringing together ambassadors and partners to provide access to various support including The Music Lottos’ grants programme.
The grants programme will allow unsigned talent to apply for monetary support of up to £1k for anything they may need, including equipment, studio time, access to tech and performance spaces etc
Night time venues who wish to provide a platform for up and coming artists can also apply for support. We want to encourage venues to expand and diversify their music offering to drive a more inclusive customer experience.
Michael Kill CEO NTIA says
“Over the course of the last 4 years, we have witnessed the struggles faced by emerging talent across the electronic music sector, and the subsequent void in the talent pipeline.”
“The night time culture economy has always been an advocate for new and emerging talent, and prides itself on giving grassroots artists a platform to access physical audiences, and the ability to build their fanbase.”
“The Music Lotto programme will go a long way to help fund new talent across the creative sectors, helping to rebuild local and national talent pipeline and generate more opportunities for aspiring artists across the UK.”
Silvana Kill, Director NTIA says
“We are continually looking at ways to support up and coming artists and creatives, as well as venues who want to provide a platform for new talent. Our partnership with The Music Lotto aims at just that, and we are thrilled to be working with them.”
“Late night venues provide a main vein of opportunities for new music. Through providing an inclusive platform for artists, and for people to come and experience the wide spectrum of music talent out there. These platforms are being suffocated because of the erosion of venues, the work we do with partners like The Music Lotto is critical to connect new diverse talent with night time spaces and ensure both our current and future generations won’t lose out.”
Adrian Norman, CEO The Music Lotto says:
“I’m thrilled for us to be working with the Night Time Industries Association in this partnership. They are a company I have admired for a while and together I think we can really make a difference to the independent music industry and give artists the support they need,”
Together we aim to be a funnel of opportunities paving the way for the next generation of talent.
The Music Lotto will be announcing its first round of grant applications in the coming months, so follow their instagram to be the first to know @music_lotto.
Notes to Editors:
The Music Lotto
The Music Lotto is one arm of The Independent Music Support CIC, a not-for-profit organisation set-up to support the independent music industry
Launched in the summer of 2022, the Music Lotto is a digital fundraising lottery. Tickets are £1 and 50% of all ticket sales are split between their grants programme for talent, to give artists financial support with anything they may need, as well as donated to their charity partners. Each ticket has a 1 in 50 chance to win a prize each week, with a top prize of £25,000.
Tickets are bought through their website, with the lottery logistics managed by a licensed External Lottery Management Company. The Lottery is drawn every Saturday at 8pm and winners will be notified via email. Players also have the option to donate their winnings back into the fundraising pool.
Once The Music Lotto launches its grants programme, they’ll be giving away up to 7 prizes a month with a monetary value of up to £1000.
Since launch, with 3,800 tickets sold, one live event and one festival stage, the Music Lotto is organically gaining support with 0 marketing spend.
Their mission is to be a positive force for independent music artists.
Website: www.music-lotto.co.uk
Instagram: @music_lotto
Night Time Industries Association
The NTIA is a Trade Association and Membership Organisation that promotes the unique contribution of The Night Time Industry in the UK and internationally.
-Ensuring that the public discussion about the benefits to the UK – and internationally – of the Night-Time Industry is clearly understood across society.
-Championing the enormously successful entrepreneurs who make Britain one of the most exciting international destinations for tourists.
-Challenging the unfair treatment and attitudes currently being imposed upon the Night-Time Industry.
Our members are serious about working and living in the areas their establishments exist within. NTIA is committed to encouraging members to engage with the local community to ensure conversations and understanding.
-Communicating with decision-makers and helping to forge a “360-degree” approach whereby legislators, the police, local planning authorities, and residents are all part of the national and local discussion to help continually improve business, culture and creativity in Britain.
Website: www.ntia.co.uk
Instagram: @wearethentia