Night Time Industries Association Urges Political Parties to Prioritise Night Time Economy

The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) is calling on all Political Parties to recognise the vital importance of the Night Time Economy (NTE) by implementing a comprehensive national strategy and appointing dedicated leadership within central government. This appeal is underscored by the following key proposals aimed at fostering growth, resilience, and sustainability within the sector:

  1. Appoint a Minister for the Night Time Economy: NTIA urges the establishment of a dedicated ministerial position to oversee and champion the Night Time Economy at the highest level of government. This role will ensure focused attention and strategic direction for the sector.
  2. Establish Regional Representatives: To facilitate effective communication and coordination across regions, NTIA recommends appointing regional representatives. These individuals will work closely with local authorities and stakeholders to ensure the national strategy is effectively implemented at the local level.
  3. Develop a Central Government Strategy for the Night Time Economy: A national strategy is crucial for the cohesive management of the NTE. NTIA calls for this strategy to be given mandatory consideration by local governments, ensuring alignment and uniformity in policies that impact the night time economy.
  4. Align Local Policies with the National NTE Strategy: To create a unified approach, it is essential that local authorities align their policies with the national NTE strategy. This will foster a cohesive environment for managing the night time economy across the country.
  5. Transfer Control of NTE and Hospitality to DCMS: Shifting the oversight of the Night Time Economy and Hospitality to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) will provide a balanced focus on cultural, economic, and regulatory aspects, ensuring the sector’s diverse needs are met.
  6. Create an Integrated Licensing & Planning System: An integrated system will streamline processes, protect businesses, and create cost efficiencies. This system is essential for reducing bureaucratic barriers and fostering a supportive environment for NTE businesses.
  7. Reform Business Rates: Lowering the multiplier for NTE businesses will protect independent operators and preserve social and cultural hubs, which are the backbone of the night time economy.
  8. Reform VAT to European Standards: Aligning VAT with European levels will support recovery and growth, helping the sector rebound from the current crisis and remain competitive internationally.
  9. Elevate the Agent of Change Principle to Primary Legislation: Implementing this principle in primary legislation will protect existing businesses and communities.
  10. Introduce Mandatory Business Licensing for Security Providers: Creating consistent operating terms, tax parity, and compliance across the private security sector will enhance safety and reliability within the NTE.
  11. Implement a Heritage Protection Scheme for Venues and Cultural Spaces: Similar to protections for galleries, castles, and museums, this scheme will ensure the preservation of venues that are integral to the cultural fabric of our communities.
  12. Establish a National Fund to Support and Protect Cultural Venues: A dedicated fund will safeguard the future of our industry, ensuring that grass roots and cultural venues can continue to thrive and contribute to the economy and society.

Michael Kill, CEO of NTIA, stated, “The Night Time Economy is a critical component of our cultural and economic landscape. These measures are essential for its recovery, giving it the ability to grow and fuel regeneration. We urge all political parties to consider these important recommendations.”

Sacha Lord, Night Time Economy Advisor for Greater Manchester, said:
“The current government has failed the night time economy. All political parties should seize the opportunity in the coming weeks to understand the significant impact the night time economy has on both the economy and culture. It's crucial to recognize that the patrons of our venues, events, and festivals are the voters of the future. Their experiences today will influence their decisions at the ballot box tomorrow.”

“Nightlife, encompassing the enjoyment of events with close friends, family, and communities, plays a vital role in people's lives. The government's neglect of this sector, especially in their prospective manifesto’s, undermines the future of high streets and cultural spaces. Night time cultural spaces not only bolster the local economy but also contribute significantly to the national economy. With proper support, they have the potential to recover, grow, and fulfill their crucial role.

For the complete NTIA Manifesto “Darkest Before the Dawn” Authored by Philip Kolvin KC please follow the link below:
https://ntia.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/10/Darkest-Before-The-Dawn-FINALpdf.pdf


Contact:
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk

 

by Nikki

Greening the Greenfields - How festival goers can be part of the solution

As the summer festival season gets into full swing (the sun was recently spotted in the UK sky), A Greener Future (AGF), the not-for-profit company dedicated to making the live event sector sustainable, shares top tips on how we, as festival-goers, can positively impact the events we attend.

“Festivals are all about fun, community and connection, and they can be even greater when we use them as a catalyst for the green transition we need to see in the world,” says Claire O’Neill, festival sustainability expert and co-founder of AGF.

The best way to protect our future and that of our planet is by reducing, reusing, and sharing. So, let’s start the 2024 festival season off with an (eco-friendly, non-fossil) bang, by packing wisely, travelling conscientiously, eating plant-based, and buying pre-owned items – simple lifestyle choices we can make to significantly reduce our impact on the planet, the wildlife, and each other, whilst still enjoying fantastic events.

So, if you want to be a conscientious, planet-hugging, festivalgoer, follow these tips:

1.Choose the Greenest Way to Travel
One of the most significant negative environmental impacts of greenfield music festivals is audience transport. In the recent 2024 AGF Annual Festival Report, we reported that the average percentage of attendees travelling by car to rural festivals had dropped from 67% to 58%, whilst the average percentage of attendees utilising public transport to attend rural festivals had increased from 16% to 19%.

Instead of driving, can you travel by train or coach? Train travel around Europe is easy and fast and many festivals organise inter-country coaches to shuttle their audiences in. Of course, choosing festivals closer to home is also a way to reduce travel emissions.

Could you pack light and cycle? Check your festival’s website or social media accounts to find out if they run group bike rides – check out charities like Sustrans or organise a group yourself. Group bike rides are a great way to meet fellow festivalgoers and reduce your impact on the environment whilst getting yourself fit enough to throw some serious shapes when you get to the dancefloor.

If you have no alternative but to travel by car, make sure there’s a human bottom in every seat. Connect with fellow travellers through the festival’s own channels or check out platforms like Liftshare and GoCarShare.

3.Reduce Food Waste & Eat Plant-Based
After audience transport, food and drink are usually the second-largest source of a festival’s emissions.

It’s tempting to take enough food with us to last a fortnight when we head to a festival, but studies have shown that much of the food that people take sadly ends up going to waste, along with all its packaging. Only take non-perishable food that you know you will eat, and if you have any left, take it home or donate it to a foodbank.

Crucially, festivals who moved to a fully meat-free event reduced their food-related emissions by over 60% on average according to the 2024 Festival Sustainability Report, with 55% having a formal sustainable food and drink policy that included plenty of delicious local plant-based options.

We can massively reduce our impact by eating a plant-based diet. Or at the very least cutting down on the amount of meat and dairy we consume. Reducing animal agriculture is “our best and most immediate chance to reverse the trajectory of climate change,” according to scientists. The planet, not to mention the animals, and our bodies, will thank us for it.

3.Take Your Camping Gear Home
Camping equipment is for life – not just for festival. Campaigns such as Love Your Tent and #takeyourtenthome have done a great job of highlighting the scale of the problem of abandoned camping equipment at the end of festivals. If you really can’t take it home, then don’t take it. Book pre-pitched camping and travel light.

And if the thought of sleeping in a small tent fills you with abject terror, check out boutique glamping options or buy a second-hand bell tent and share it with non-snoring friends with good personal hygiene.

4.Ditch Single-Use Plastics
Free drinking water is always available at festivals, so take a refillable bottle and save yourself some moolah whilst doing your bit to reduce plastic usage. Or be a real eco-warrior and take a reusable cup and cutlery for that early-morning cup of joe or for snaffling plant-based curry between performances.

And, if a concession stand doesn’t allow you to use your own cup, use their reusable cups if provided.

The 2024 Festival Sustainability Report showed significant areas of improvement in festivals reducing the use of single-use plastics, with 60% having a reusable cup system and bans on single-use plastic serve ware increasing from 54% in 2022 to 75% in 2023. Please help us get that figure higher in 2024.

You can also use reusable containers for toiletries and refill them with eco-friendly products rather than carrying large items or buying small plastic disposables. Look for soaps and toiletries free from chemicals such as triclosan, parabens, phthalates, fragrances and sodium laurel sulphate. Note that vegan soap doesn’t necessarily mean chemical-free. Never buy products with microbeads or cotton buds with plastic sticks.

Disposable vapes are bad for the environment and the majority end up in landfill sites or are incinerated, so please use refillable ones if vape you must.~

5.Just Vote! #CrashTheParty
We can do all of the work in the world on our personal footprints and impacts. If we don’t have a systems that works for a green transition and a Government that will make that happen we will remain stuck. In the UK #CrashTheParty is a non partisan campaign to get people registered to vote, applying for voter ID if they need it, and turning out to the ballot box on 4th July. In the EU the campaign #WeVoteEurope is in full force and for the US #RockTheVote. This could be the most important year of elections of a lifetime as the incoming governments worldwide could either step up and make change, or fail us.

6. And Finally…
Other easy changes we can implement as festival-lovers is using paper hand towels instead of wet wipes (which aren’t biodegradable) and swapping fast fashion for second-hand and vintage.

And for those of us who really want to stand out on the dance floor after one too many pints of organic and locally sourced cider – reach for the biodegradable body glitter.

So, there you have it, five relatively easy changes we can all implement to make the forthcoming festival season the least environmentally impactful fest season yet.

As the African proverb goes: If you think you are too small to make a difference, you haven't spent the night with a mosquito.

Have a fantastic summer!

Contact:
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
Nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
Music Festival PR | Festival PR | Event PR

by Nikki

YOUROPE Releases Diversity & Inclusion Toolset

YOUROPE – The European Festival Association has developed and released the “3F Diversity & Inclusion Toolset” for the European festival sector. The Toolset is a curated collection of resources that can help festival organizers make their events more diverse and inclusive – for their visitors, artists and staff.

YOUROPE is proud to present the Diversity & Inclusion Toolset as part of its three-year project “Future-Fit Festivals” (3F). This toolset is full of resources that can help festival makers create more inclusive and diverse festivals – for the audience, artists and their own team. Resources include guides, tests, checklists, interviews, databases, other toolkits, roadmaps, reports, games and action plans. Most were created by different expert organizations all across Europe and sometimes even beyond. The toolset is public and free to use for any festival or cultural event.

Other contents were created by the project team, e.g., 13 stories of festivals and projects that have implemented measures for more inclusion and diversity. The team wrote these stories, so that festival makers can find inspiration and learn more about good-practices that they can replicate at their own festivals.

The toolset comes as a PDF and an online version. In the PDF, each resource and story are introduced with a few key facts, a teaser of the contents, and a link to yourope.org. There, readers will find full texts explaining the tools and the good-practice examples in detail, as well as download links of the resources.

The Toolset’s Structure
Common types of discrimination (e.g. ableist, racist, and sexist) inspired the Toolset’s topics. Chapters are dedicated to: Accessibility & Inclusion, Anti-Racism Work & Diversity, Gender & Sexual Equity, Consciousness & Responsibility, Allyship, and good- practice stories. To explain terms like “FLINTA*”, “ableism”, and “BIPoC”, the team also assembled a glossary. Plus, they have written a ‘Diversity Mission Statement’ that festivals are free to copy and adapt to their own event.

The team behind the toolset
The Toolset is the result of a collaboration of experts from the YOUROPE network, e.g. from Roskilde Festival (DK), Primavera Sound (ES), Flow Festival (FI), Höme – Für Festivals (DE), Open’er Festival (PL) and OpenAir St.Gallen (CH). They were supported by an advisory board of external experts from different countries and backgrounds. Their tasks were to check the team’s unconscious biases and to ensure that the texts are representative of the groups of people this toolset is dedicated to.

This is the first pan-European publication of its size and topical range to be jointly developed and published by and for the festival sector. It can serve as a relevant toolset for organisers of festivals and other large (open-air) events, also far beyond the borders of the EU.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

For the first time, the Toolset had been presented to the public at ESNS 2024, in a panel giving a sneak peek of its contents. Originally, the development process had started in October 2023.

The Toolset can be found here:

https://yourope.org/project/ditoolset/

Quotes:

Katharina Weber (YOUROPE project management; contributor & editor of the Toolset):
“When we talk to festival organisers about diversity at their events, we sometimes hear that they would like to do more, but they don’t know where to start. They’re afraid of doing something wrong, saying the wrong thing, and the potential backlash that might cause, so they don’t touch the topic.

With this toolset, we give festival organisers a chance to fight this insecurity. It’s a place to start their diversity journey. Our project team did the research and assessed many resources on accessible, diverse, and equal events, so festival organisers don’t have to do it. On top, we hope to inspire them with our stories about good-practice examples from festivals that show how more diversity and inclusion can be achieved.”

Marta Pallarès (Head of Press at Primavera Sound, YOUROPE Board Member, and co- developer of the Toolset):
"Something stuck with me after a short conversation with the Awareness Team at Reeperbahn Festival in 2023. They handed me a little sticker, a perfect form of a circle made with these words: "It's a process it's a process it's a process." And indeed, making our festivals better, safer, more diverse and more inclusive IS a process: the more you know, the more you realise the things you still don't. And if you are just getting introduced to these concepts, finding where to start can feel overwhelming, even if you might sense that the moment to begin is now.

This is the main goal of our toolset: if your festival is already doing great, but you'd like to get inspiration and ideas to do even better, this is for you. And if you want to start somewhere but you don't know how... this is for you as well.

Remember: it is a process, and doesn't matter where you are, as a circle doesn't have a beginning or an end. Everyone is welcome in it, as long as you decide to join. Welcome aboard.”

About YOUROPE
Since 1998, YOUROPE – The European Festival Association has evolved into the most important association for popular music festivals in Europe. As of May 2024, YOUROPE counts 123 festivals and associated organizations from 30 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) and security and crowded spaces management in the YOUROPE Event Safety (YES) Group. In addition YOUROPE hosts the biannual European Festival Conference (EFC) and organizes the annual European Festival Awards (EFAs).

Contact:
Nikki McNeill I Global Publicity
Nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk

by Nikki

#WeVoteForEurope: 80+ European festivals call on fans to vote

YOUROPE – The European Festival Association and the European Festivals Association (EFA) have organized the campaign #WeVoteForEurope, inviting festivals to encourage their fans to use their right to vote in the upcoming European elections. 80+ Festivals have so far followed their call and publicly supported the campaign that went live on May 28, 12 p.m.

#WeVoteForEurope is a campaign of the European music festivals to engage festival audiences to use their right to vote in the European elections (June 6 – 9 2024). It was initiated by YOUROPE e.V. and rolled out together with the European Festivals Association (EFA), the two most important organisations representing European festivals. To create the biggest possible impact, festivals were asked to share the message on their socials, all at the same time – May 28th, 12 p.m.

In a video message that YOUROPE prepared for all to share, they emphasize the importance of a free and democratic Europe for the festivals on the continent. Only in a free Europe, festivals can thrive. Festivals are places where European values like solidarity, equality and diversity are lived – and in times of rising populism and extreme right tendencies, it has once again become important to defend these values at the ballot.

The initiative is inspired by TAKE A STAND and realised with the great support of the Festivals Colours of Ostrava (CZ), Das Fest (DE), Maifeld Derby (DE), Open’er Festival (PL), Pohoda Festival (SK), Rock For People (CZ), Roskilde Festival (DK), and Sofia Live Fest (BG). The full list of supporters can be found on the campaign website.

#WeVoteForEurope is a project created with complete freedom of content and run on a voluntary basis by its initiators and supporters. It was created in connection with YOUROPE’s three-year network project “3F – Future-Fit Festivals” (which is co-funded within the Creative Europe programme of the European Union).

Do you like the initiative and want to join? Would you share the message and video? Then you are cordially invited to do so. Just download the materials here. Please make sure your posts are public, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #WeVoteForEurope. If you share something, please email office@yourope.org, so you can be added to the list of supporters.

Campaign website: https://wevoteforeurope.eu/

About YOUROPE
Since 1998, YOUROPE – The European Festival Association has evolved into the most important association for popular music festivals in Europe. As of May 2024, YOUROPE Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the

author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

counts 123 festivals and associated organizations from 30 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) and security and crowded spaces management in the YOUROPE Event Safety (YES) Group.

In addition, YOUROPE hosts the biannual European Festival Conference (EFC) and organizes the annual European Festival Awards (EFAs).

Contact:
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk

by Nikki

Brighton Music Conference 2024 Full Programme Revealed

A GUY CALLED GERALD, A MAN CALLED ADAM, CRAZY P, DJ PAULETTE, EROL ALKAN, FLAVA D, HEIDI, MR C, SAYTEK, SOLAH, SMOKIN JO

-Over 200 industry leading professionals taking part in panels and workshops
-Keynote Interviews with Erol Alkan, A Guy Called Gerald and Danielle Moore and Chris Todd from Crazy P
-New and improved ‘A&R Sessions’ headed up by prolific DJ / Producer Steve Mac
-8 networking events at some of Brighton’s best loved venues
-4 exclusive pod parties on the iconic Brighton i360 observation tower with Bushwacka!, Erol Alkan, Fabric and Hospital Records.

The award-winning Brighton Music Conference (BMC), the UK’s leading electronic music and networking event is excited to announce the full programme for its 11th edition.  Taking place at the prestigious Brighton i360 complex and various venues around the city from 22nd to 24th May 2024, BMC will once again bring together Industry-leading professionals and present a programme of insightful talks, workshops and networking events.

This year’s event will include Keynote Interviews with internationally renowned artists Erol Alkan, A Guy Called Gerald, Danielle Moore and Chris Todd from Crazy P. Other sessions include two DJ Q&As featuring a host of top artists including DJ Paulette, Danny Byrd, Heidi, Justin Robertson, Mr. C, Matt Jam Lamont, SYREETA and Smokin Jo and two all-star Producer Q&As with A Guy Called Gerald, Funk D'Void, Just Her, Particle, Saytek, Seb Zito, Shadow Child, Steve Mac and Sally Rodgers from A Man Called Adam, plus a Label Q&A with Hospital Records and 20 years of Shogun Audio.

The Association for Electronic Music will present two sessions on The DJ Touring Landscape and AI & Your Audience, Harm Reduction: Health, Hearing & Wellbeing will be discussed with ACS,  Beatport will present their Annual Report, Cavendish Music will host a conversation with Commercial Artists Writing For Sync, Data Transmission’s Grahame Farmer will deep dive into all things Social Media, Inflyte will explore the question ‘Is the Algorithm Truly Listening?’, the Label Radar session will share key strategies to make your demos resonate in What Labels Are Actually Looking For?, shesaid.so and NOWIE will tackle the topic of Working in Live, Point Blank will present a Track Breakdown of Frankie Knuckles ‘Your Love’ with Ski Oakenfull and AlphaTheta (Pioneer DJ) will be showcasing the OMNIS-DUO all-in-one DJ system and the WAVE-EIGHT DJ speaker.

If that wasn’t enough other topics being featured in this year's jam-packed programme include; A&R, DIY and Self Release, Management, Marketing, Neurodivergence, Podcasts, Radio's role in the electronic music landscape, Resident DJs, Ticketing, Vocals and much more. AIM, FUGA, Listen Up Therapy, NTIA, PRS, PPL, Skiddle and Steinberg will also be hosting sessions which will be announced soon.  BMC also supports the charity Last Night A DJ Saved My Life who present an update on their latest projects and how they use the power of music to change lives and save lives. View the BMC 2024 programme here

BMC are also excited to present the new and improved ‘A&R Sessions’ which will feature over 30 labels across different genres giving more opportunities for immediate feedback with leading A&Rs in the electronic music industry. Headed up by the prolific DJ and music producer Steve Mac the ‘A&R Sessions’ will take place at The Tempest Inn on Brighton’s beachfront with a relaxed, friendly environment, where up and coming producers will have the opportunity to book one-to-one sessions with the labels of their choice

The legendary pod parties at BMC are exclusive events held 450 feet above the city in the i360 Pod observation tower. This year’s Pod lineup will feature 4 exclusive networking events supported by AlphaTheta hosted by Bushwacka! and Hospital Records featuring Flava D, Texas and SOLAH on Thursday 23rd May and Erol Alkan presented by Inflyte on Friday followed by the Fabric reunion as the finale with Terry Francis and Howie B and Keith Reily back to back.

Networking is a big part of the BMC ethos and there are plenty of opportunities to meet industry colleagues and connect with like-minded people at the many exclusive networking parties at some of Brighton’s best-loved venues,  The official BMC Welcome Party will take place on Wednesday 22nd May at the Tempest Inn, one of Brighton’s best loved beach bars.  Hosted by AFEM the event will give attendees the opportunity to network and enjoy the sunset and sea views with complimentary canapes and drinks from 7pm and music courtesy of Mr C, Mutiny, Amber Jolene (Live PA), Queen B and Sarah France.

After each day of the conference, there will be a variety of networking events at some of Brighton's best love venues. On Thursday, DJs getting the party started while guests enjoy the sunset on the i360 Top Deck from 5pm will be Carly Wilford, Just Her, Sarah Monument and Zoe Vice.  PRS for Music will host a networking event at The Hotel Pelirocco from 6pm with special guest DJs Brandon Block, Wildblood & Queenie, Caroline the DJ, Ifeoluwa and Harold Heath. Local label Jack Said What  / Out Yer Box will also host a networking mixer from 6pm at The Break Point Cafe with DJs Evl Tom and A-Sides (Hip-Hop set).  shesaid.so will also return to host a networking breakfast event in collaboration with the NTIA on Thursday morning at the i360 complex giving attendees the chance to make some new connections in a relaxed chilled environment before the conference kicks off.

On Friday, Grahame Farmer will kickstart your day with Blueprint breakfast, a special round table session at the i360 complex for up and coming DJs and artists to build their careers. The NTIA will host a networking event in association with ACS at The Tempest Inn with special guest DJs A Guy Called Gerald, Alex P, Dorian Flagrant, Flambe, Mikee Hollywood, Richard Earnshaw, Ridney and Steve Taylor from 6pm. Decadance will also take over Block Bar from 6:30pm broadcasting live with live sets from Kirbs, Kadio, Koipino, Charmain Love and special guest DJ tba.

​​If that wasn’t enough, BMC has teamed up with the beachfront underground electronic music venue The Arch for two special events. On Thursday 23rd May Crazy P Soundsystem will be headlining the main evening event as part of the conference programme. With one of the best live dance music shows on the planet, Crazy P have been leaving their mark on the landscape of British dance music for the last 15 years. Fusing slinky underground disco, deep electronic throbs, shimmering pop moments; this is dance music with a voice, a heart, and soul. Crazy P Soundsystem will be on stage at 10.30pm. Support from NOLAN & English Disco Lovers’ Sam Moffatt.  On Friday 24th May, BMC and Inflyte present Erol Alkan, Funk D'Void, Size and Friends. Celebrating 10 years of Inflyte Room 1 will feature Erol Alkan, Funk D'Void, Paul Inflyte with Room 2 hosted by Size featuring Larnie B2B Robin, Lola, POoK, Rockets and The Lovely Lucinda.

For the official After Party on Saturday 25th BMC Presents G3T LOO5E in the Bunkr with SAYTEK Live, Larnie,  Nina Carina, Lebby, Chema Gonzalez b2b Brunonumerouno Robin.

Full list of confirmed speakers and artists (In alphabetical order):
Abel Reynolds (Finger Lickin), Adam Carter (Exclusive Promo), Adam Griffin (Perfect Havoc), A Guy Called Gerald, Alex Grey (Cavendish Music), Alexander Church (Configurations of Self), Alex Branson (ABC Music Podcast/Beatport), Alex P,  A Man Called Adam, Amber D, Amber Jolene (Defected/LNOE), AmyElle (DJ/Producer), Amy Jayne (1985 Music), Andrew Beaton (Composer), Arnie Wrong, Badger (Critical Music, 20/20LDN, Neosignal Recordings), Barry Ashworth (Dub Pistols), Belinda Matwali, Ben Andrewes (Cavendish Music), Bessi Massey, Bill Brewster (DJ History), Brandon Block, Britt Timmerman (Curve), Bushwacka!, Cam Fyall (Ninja Tune), Carl Loben (DJ Mag), Carly Heath, Carly Wilford, Caroline the DJ, Carter (Slap That Sound), Chad Jackson, Charlotte De Vega (Material Music), Chris Goss (Hospital Records), Cimone Fagan (Shogun Audio), Clara Suess (Suess Media), Claudia Piazza (Maison Riche Artist Management), Colin Dale, Crazy P, Damien Platt (Glasgow Underground), Daniel Curpen (Anjunadeep), Danny Byrd, Danielle Moore (Crazy P), Danny Byrd (Hospital Records), Darren Hemmings (Motive Unknown), Dave Pearce, Dave Philpot (Republic of Sync), Dean Marsh (Creative Law & Business), DJ Paulette, Dorian Perron (Groover), Dr. Janek Meyn (AIDAR), Dulcie Weaver, Duncan King (Skiddle), Ed Brew (Beatport), Ellie Scougal (Inside the USB podcast), Ellie Talebian (DJ/Presenter), Emily Hornbuckle (One House), Erol Alkan, Evl Tom (Evil Nine), Fay Barton (Mizbee), Faye Lawrence (Grape), Finlay Johnson (AFEM), Flava D, Friction, Frances Barber Shillito (FRNT MGMT), Funk D'Void, Gareth Deakin (Sonorous), Gareth Mellor (FUGA), Gemma Farrington (Sentric), George Fleming (Save Our Scene), Gi3MO, Grahame Farmer (Data Transmission), Harold Heath, Hannah Warnes (One House), Heidi, Heiko Hoffmann (The Orchard), Helena Gagern (Salsa), Helen Mubert (Mubert), Hilit Kolet (Faith/Rekids), Holly Sheppard (FUGA), Ian Baird (Brighton & Hove City Council), Ifeoluwa, Irma de Wind (Music Supervisor), Irvine Welsh, Isaac Bentata (Equ.is), James Holdsworth (LNADJ), James Wiltshire (Freemasons / F9), JFB (3xDMC World Champion), J-Felix (Tru-Thoughts), Jess Bays (Superstore Records), Joanna Phillips (Another Rhythm), Johnny Scratchley (Gentleman’s Dub Club), Jonny Lee (LNADJ), Jono Heale (ACS), Judge Jules, Jules Pinkney, Just Her, Justine Taylor (DnB Allstars), Justin Robertson, Justin Rushmore, Keith Reilly (Fabric), Keir Tyrer (K-Tee), Katherine Ellis (Songsiren Music Limited), Katie Knight (Can U Put Me On Guestlist podcast), Kelli-Leigh (You Know My Voice Podcast), Keturah Cummings (Forward Slash), Krafty Kuts, Lara Baker (FUGA), Lizzie Curious, Leon La Rosa (Select Radio), Leon Stephens (Beatport), Lex Luca (OpenDAW Talks), Lola (Size), Marina Palacios (Beatport), Mariana Brandão (Casperaki), Mark Stafford (Lee & Thompson), Matt Johnson (The Pool London), Matt Lally [Hospital Records), Matt Jam Lamont, Matt Johnson (The Pool London), Maya D (Hospital Records), Maya De N'Yeurt (Hospital Records), Michael Grierson (The House Poet), Michael Kill (NTIA), Mickey Jukes (1BTN), Mikee Hollywood, Miss C. (Chloe Sinclair), Mr C, Naomi Bressani (Republic of Music), Neal Lewis (The Drop.), Neil Bainbridge (Neighbourhood PR), Nikki McNeill (Global Publicity), NOLAN (Mobilee / Faith), Oscar Tremain (RightsHUB), Oscar Kriek (Ticketswap), Particle (Critical Music), Paul Hamill (Inflyte), Paul Wells (Elite Music Management), Pola & Bryson, Richard Earnshaw, Queen B, Reece EVPRO, Robert Luis (Tru Thoughts), Rob Woodward, Rowetta (Happy Mondays), Roxanne Oak (PPL), Roxy Roberts (Hear No Evil Management), Sami Qureshi, Sarah Monument, Sarah Moxom (Phoenix Staffing Ltd), Saranne Tardelli-Reid (Sample Clearance Services), Scott Garcia (Kiss FM), Scott Diaz (NITELIFE Audio), Sean Brosnan (Material), Sebastian Mann (Tracklib), Seb Zito, Shadow Child, Shannon Herber (Campaign / Wise River Consulting), Shyam P (Saved),  Siala Stathopoylos (Skiddle), Silvia Montello (CEO Voicebox /remarQabl), Simon Birkumshaw (The Circuit Group), Simon Clarkson (Primary Talent), Si Truss (Future Music), Ski Oakenfull, Smokin Jo, Sophia Wardman (Ayita), Stanley Li (Point Blank), Stanton Warriors, Steve Mac, Steve Parry (SMP3 Promo), Steven Braines (HE.SHE.THEY), Storm Mollison (Rinse FM), Stuart Patterson (Faith), Sujon Ahmed (Trooh Hippi), SYREETA (HE.SHE.THEY), Tammy Tinawi (Cavendish Music), Tarmeet Grewal (FRTYFVE), Taz Mattar (Cavendish Music), Terence Daniel (PPL), Terri-Siân Lugosi (Select Security & Stewarding), Tintin Chambers (OpenLab) TJ Campbell (Hospital Records), Tom Shea (Defected), Toni Tambourine (Tambo PR), Vijay Anand (LNADJ), Wildblood & Queenie.

Speakers and representatives confirmed from industry leading companies including; (In alphabetical order):
1985 Music, ​​1BTN, 20/20LDN, ABC Music Podcast, ACS Custom, AFEM, AIM, AIDAR, AlphaTheta, Anjunadeep, Another Rhythm, Armada Music, Audio Rehab, Axtone, Ayita, Brighton & Hove City Council, Beatport, Can U Put Me On Guestlist podcast, Casperaki, Cavendish Music, Cintapinto, Constant Circles, Creative Law, Critical Music, Crucast, Curve, Cubism, Data Transmission, Decadance, Defected Records, DJ History, DJ Mag, DnB Allstars, Downtown, Elite Music Management, Exclusive Promo, Faith Fanzine, Fat Cat Records, Finger Lickin, Forward Slash, Freakin 909, FRNT MGMT, FRTYFVE, FUGA, Future Music, Global Publicity, Glasgow Underground, Grape, Groover, Hear No Evil Management, Helix, HE.SHE.THEY, Hospital Records, Key Production, Krafted, Inflyte, Inside the USB podcast, Jack Said What, Jalapeno Record, Kiss FM, Label Radar, Lee & Thompson, Listen Up Therapy, LNADJSML, Maison Riche Artist Management, Material, Mesh, Mixo, Motive Unknown, Mubert, Neosignal Recordings, NITELIFE Audio, Ninja Tune, NTIA, One House, OpenDAW Talks, OpenLab, Out Yer Box, Pioneer DJ, Phoenix Staffing Ltd, Point Blank, PPL, Primary Talent, PRS for Music, R&S Records, Recovery World Collective, Red Giant Records, Republic of Music, Republic of Sync, Rhythm Cult, RightsHUB, Rinse FM, Roomsonics, Salsa.me, Sample Clearance Services, Saved, Save Our Scene, Select Radio, Select Security & Stewarding, Sentric, shesaid.so, Shogun Audio, Size, Skiddle, Sleazy Deep, SMP3 Promo, Soma Records, Songsiren Music Limited, Sonorous, Suess Media, Sunflower Records, Superstore Records, Steinberg, Sync Vault, Tambo PR,  Ticketswap, Toolroom Records, Tracklib, The 999 Club, The Circuit Group, The Drop., The Orchard, The Pool London, Trooh Hippi, Tru Thoughts, Trusted Rhythm Records, Voicebox, VoltaXR, Wise River Consulting, You Know My Voice Podcast.

BMC - Where Beats Means Business
More info on BMC here: https://www.brightonmusicconference.co.uk/

BMC Tickets
BMC Golden tickets - Sold out

BMC tickets are onsale now for £135 + b/f from the BMC website: www.brightonmusicconference.co.uk

Notes to Editors:
For more info and press accreditations please contact Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
Music Festival PR | Festival PR | Event PR

About Brighton Music Conference
The award-winning Brighton Music Conference (BMC) is the UK's leading electronic music conference & networking event, focusing on innovation, education & the key issues facing the electronic dance music sector.  BMC brings together Industry-leading delegates and speakers at over 60 talks, seminars and workshops, alongside networking events throughout the conference duration. It is attended by 1000s of experienced music industry professionals, the next generation of DJs, producers as well as electronic music enthusiasts.

BMC was also awarded by the NTIA at the  Ambassadors of the Night Awards 2019 for their work and commitment to developing awareness and education of the UK Electronic Music Scene internationally within the NTE.

BMC  supports the charity Last Night A DJ Saved My Life.

 

by Nikki

Leading European Music Collaboration Brings Fresh Talent to Summer Festivals

Today on Europe Day we proudly celebrate European artists and festivals. This summer, you simply can’t miss all the upcoming artists who will be performing on the stages of the best summer festivals across Europe. With 100 acts securing over 200 spots on European festival line-ups, it's clear that the ESNS Exchange programme is providing an unparalleled opportunity for emerging artists to showcase their talent.

Attending a music festival is a summer highlight for many Europeans. It’s a place where peace, unity and diversity are celebrated with fellow Europeans. In fact, the world’s first festivals were organised as a protest for peace and unity, a remembrance to the famous Schuman declaration.

ESNS Exchange, co-funded by the European Commission's Creative Europe programme, facilitates the bookings of European acts at festivals outside their home countries. Together with the EBU, Yourope,  export offices and local media we generate significant media exposure for these artists. In this way, ESNS Exchange aims to boost their international careers.

In its 21 years of existence, the ESNS Exchange programme collaborates with a multitude of festivals all over the globe. In 2025, ESNS Exchange is proud to add Arsenal Fest (rs), Live at Leeds (uk), Mladí ladí jazz (cz), Træna festival (no), Electric Castle (ro), Poplar Festival (it), SEI Festival (it), Galway International Arts (ie), and Velvet Festival (hr) to its list of partner festivals. In addition, Music Export Office Poland, Music Export Latvia and Iceland Music have recently joined ESNS Exchange, bringing the total number of platform members to 158. We all look forward to creating an unforgettable summer for even more music fans. 

With already 213 confirmed shows by 100 artists from 28 countries, playing at 73 festivals in 29 European countries, it’s almost impossible not to catch one of the ESNS Exchange artists at a festival near you this summer.

Together with our partners, we’re eagerly looking forward to celebrating a European summer full of emerging artists such as Chalk (ie), Zaho De Sagazan (fr), freekind. (si), Nusantara Beat (nl), Bulgarian Cartrader (bg), ClockClock (de), Ash Olsen (no), and YĪN YĪN (nl) at European music festivals like Best Kept Secret (nl), Eurockéennes de Belfort (fr), Haldern Pop Festival (de), Mad Cool Festival (es), Pohoda (sk), Pukkelpop (be), Rock Werchter (be), Roskilde Festival (dk), Sziget (hu), and Ypsigrock Festival (it).

Get to know more about ESNS Exchange at esns-exchange.eu

Apply or book tickets for ESNS 2025
New European acts showcase their talents in January 2025 to around 40,000 enthusiastic music fans and professionals at ESNS, automatically enrolling them in the ESNS Exchange programme. Each year, the event focuses on a different European country. 

Italy will be the focus country for ESNS25, showcasing the latest music acts on the ESNS stages and putting them in front of an audience of industry professionals, media and music lovers. Focus on Italy at ESNS25 will be supported by Italia Music Export, Puglia Sounds, ER Music Commission, ICE - Italian Trade Agency, Puglia Sounds, ER Music Commission, local European Broadcasting Union partner Rai Radio 2, and the European Talent Exchange partner festivals Apolide Festival, Sei Festival, Arezzo Wave, Linecheck Music Meeting & Festival, Poplar Festival, Ypsigrock Festival, and ESNS.

ESNS25 takes place from 15 to 18 January 2025 in Groningen, the Netherlands.

Apply to play at ESNS

Want to join ESNS25 as a delegate? A limited amount of Delegate Passes for ESNS25 are now available at a medium rate at ESNS.nl
Purchase a Delegate Pass


Contact:
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
Nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
Music Festival PR | Festival PR | Event PR

 

by Nikki

A Greener Future’s Industry-leading Sustainable Events Training

A Greener Future’s Industry-leading Sustainable Events Training
9th – 10th May 2024, Oxford

A Greener Future (AGF) is gearing up to deliver the next edition of its industry-leading Sustainable Events Training programme, which this time will be hosted by Oxford Brookes University in the UK.

As the global events industry seeks to become sustainable, and with government bodies such as the UK’s DCMS (Department for Culture, Media and Sport) calling for environmental standards for festivals, what better place to turn for training than the founders of the world's first green standards and certification for festivals and events?

Sustainable Events Training will take participants through the analysis of key environmental impacts, enhancing environmental awareness and developing sustainability practices within the events industry, equipping partiipants with the knowledge and skills to become certified assessors for global festivals and events.

The programme is also suitable for those who want to work in event sustainability in general, who wish to upskill, or improve their understanding of sustainability, including event organisers, local authorities, suppliers, academics and researchers, as well as those who are simply passionate about developing their existing knowledge surrounding improved event sustainability. The programme is an invaluable opportunity to enhance skills and contribute to a greener future for the events industry.

Programme participants will gain invaluable insights from industry experts as they learn through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical case studies.

Those who successfully complete the programme will become Stage 1 Certified A Greener Future Assessors and will receive a certificate of completion. Upon completion, participants are then eligible to move to Stage 2 of the training programme, which involves site visits to events and festivals and the completion of assessments under the supervision of one of our senior assessors, with the aim of becoming senior assessors themselves in the future.

ABOUT THE TRAINING:

The AGF Sustainable Events Training programme is designed to provide participants with a deep understanding of the key operational issues that impact the environment during events. Developed drawing upon over 18 years of experience in assessing festivals and events globally, our course covers a wide range of topics, including:

  • Legal Framework & Policy
  • Local Impacts & Risks
  • Sustainable Procurements
  • Travel & Transport
  • Event Power
  • Solid Waste & Recycling
  • Water Usage, Wastewater & Sewerage
  • The Circular Event
  • Behaviour & Communication
  • AGF Assessment Familiarisation & Post-event Reporting

TRAINING DATES:

Email teresa@agreenerfuture.com to register for In-person training at Oxford Brookes University.

For more info on AGF Training courses and to register: https://www.agreenerfuture.com/training/training-tz9zd.

 

by Nikki

Brighton Music Conference Announce Full List of Pod Parties and Events

The award-winning Brighton Music Conference (BMC), the UK’s leading electronic music and networking event is excited to announce the full list of pod parties and events for its 11th edition.  Taking place at the prestigious Brighton i360 complex and various venues around the city from 22nd to 24th May 2024, BMC will once again bring together Industry-leading professionals and present a programme of insightful talks, workshops and networking events.

Networking is a big part of the BMC ethos and there are plenty of opportunities to meet industry colleagues and connect with like-minded people at the many exclusive networking parties at some of Brighton’s best-loved venues, including the legendary pod parties at BMC held 450 feet above the city in the Brighton i360 Pod observation tower.  This year’s Pod lineup will feature 4 exclusive networking events supported by Funktion One and AlphaTheta hosted by Bushwacka! and Hospital Records featuring Flava D, Degs and SOLAH and on Thursday 23rd May and Erol Alkan presented by Inflyte on Friday followed by the Fabric reunion as the finale with Terry Francis, Howie B and Keith Reily back to back.

The official BMC Welcome Party will take place on Wednesday 22nd May at the Tempest Inn, one of Brighton’s best loved beach bars.  Hosted by AFEM the event will give attendees the opportunity to network and enjoy the sunset and sea views with complimentary canapes and drinks from 7pm and music courtesy of Mr C, Mutiny, Amber Jolene (Live PA), Queen B and Sarah France. 

After each day of the conference, there will be a variety of networking events at some of Brighton's best love venues. On Thursday, DJs getting the party started while guests enjoy the sunset on the i360 Top Deck from 5pm will be Carly Wilford, Just Her, Sarah Monument and Zoe Vice.  PRS for Music will host a networking event at The Hotel Pelirocco from 6pm with special guest DJs Brandon Block, Wildblood & Queenie, Caroline the DJ, Ifeoluwa and Harold Heath. shesaid.so will also return to host a networking breakfast event in collaboration with the NTIA on Thursday morning at the i360 complex giving attendees the chance to make some new connections in a relaxed chilled environment before the conference kicks off. 

On Friday, Grahame Farmer will kickstart your day with Blueprint breakfast, a special round table session at the i360 complex for up and coming DJs and artists to build their careers. The NTIA will host a networking event in association with ACS at The Tempest Inn with special guest DJs A Guy Called Gerald, Alex P, Dorian Flagrant, Flambe, Mikee Hollywood, Richard Earnshaw, Ridney, Steve Taylor from 6pm. Decadance will also take over Block Bar from 6:30pm broadcasting live with live sets from Kirbs, Kadio, Koipino, Carmain Love and special guest DJ tba.

Providing the musical backdrop during the day at the i360 complex will be Toolroom and Data Transmission with DJ’s performing in the iconic Bug Bar. Line ups to be announced. The BMC Networking Hub is this year curated by Berlin-Brighton and will feature a host of local talent who feature on radio stations, labels and events including 1BTN, Codesouth FM, Frisky Radio, Decadance Radio, Soul Shyne, Female Sound Academy and Size including; Banxi, David Morpeth, DJ Wheels, Female Sound Academy, J-Felix, Koipinoxia, Lee Garrett, Liz Davies, Lola, Markus Saarländer, Mick Fuller, Mickey Jukes, Nadia, Pook, Tasha Fox and Tor Lloyd.

If that wasn’t enough BMC has teamed up with the beachfront underground electronic music venue The Arch for two special events. On Thursday 23rd May Crazy P Soundsystem will be headlining the main evening event as part of the conference programme. With one of the best live dance music shows on the planet, Crazy P have been leaving their mark on the landscape of British dance music for the last 15 years. Fusing slinky underground disco, deep electronic throbs, shimmering pop moments; this is dance music with a voice, a heart, and soul. Crazy P Soundsystem will be on stage at 10.30pm. Support from NOLAN & English Disco Lovers’ Sam Moffatt.  On Friday 24th May, BMC and Inflyte present Erol Alkan, Funk D'Void, Size and friends. Celebrating 10 years of Inflyte Room 1 will feature Erol Alkan, Funk D'Void, Paul Inflyte with Room 2 hosted by Size featuring Larnie B2B Robin, Lola, POoK, Rockets and The Lovely Lucinda.

For the official After Party on Saturday 25th BMC Presents G3T LOO5E in the Bunkr with SAYTEK Live, Larnie,  Nina Carina, Lebby, Chema Gonzalez b2b Brunonumerouno Robin.

BMC - Where Beats Means Business
More info on BMC here: https://www.brightonmusicconference.co.uk/

BMC Tickets
BMC Golden tickets - Sold out
BMC tickets are onsale now for £135 + b/f from the BMC website: www.brightonmusicconference.co.uk

Notes to Editors:
For more info please contact Nikki | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk

About Brighton Music Conference
The award-winning Brighton Music Conference (BMC) is the UK's leading electronic music conference & networking event, focusing on innovation, education & the key issues facing the electronic dance music sector.  BMC brings together Industry-leading delegates and speakers at over 60 talks, seminars and workshops, alongside networking events throughout the conference duration. It is attended by 1000s of experienced music industry professionals, the next generation of DJs, producers as well as electronic music enthusiasts. 

BMC was also awarded by the NTIA at the  Ambassadors of the Night Awards 2019 for their work and commitment to developing awareness and education of the UK Electronic Music Scene internationally within the NTE.

BMC also supports the charity Last Night A DJ Saved My Life.

by Nikki

Amsterdam Dance Event Announces First Headline Speakers Timbaland & Martin Garrix, Grace Ladoja and more

Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) reveals the first lineup of ADE Pro speakers and confirmed events. Highlights include Timbaland and Martin Garrix, fabric celebrating its 25th anniversary with Laurent Garnier, and HOMECOMING founder Grace Ladoja, alongside industry heavyweights at Armada Music, WME, UTA, Awakenings, Intercell, DGTL, and many more.

Featured speakers & keynotes
None other than superstar hit makers Timbaland and Martin Garrix are set to share the stage at ADE Pro for a creative conversation not to be missed. In addition, ADE’s cross cultural partnership with Nigerian music & art platform HOMECOMING introduces the event’s founder Grace Ladoja to shed light on the Nigerian cultural scene and opportunities for African artists. HOMECOMING will also lead on African-facing curation, programming & initiatives across ADE 2024. One of London’s most famous and influential clubs, fabric, celebrates 25 years at ADE Pro this year with frequent collaborator Laurent Garnier. Fabric and Garnier have teamed up on the curation of their fabric mixes showcasing the club’s long musical legacy.

Meet and connect with the industry experts at ADE Pro
With the introduction of ADE’s new tailor made matchmaking experience, professionals can expect an innovative series of sessions designed to enrich their business at ADE Pro. The initial lineup of these sessions enable ADE Pro members to get up close and connect with the agents of WME, UTA, CAA, Primary and Wasserman, alongside the event organisers & promoters behind some of ADE’s most loved festival events including Awakenings, Intercell, Loveland, Insomniac Europe / AMF, DGTL, Shelter, BonBon, AVA, E&A Events, Thuishaven, Zeezout / Making Waves, and more. ADE also presents the opportunity to connect with the experts at top record labels Armada Music, Helix Records, Spinnin’ Records, b:electronic and Get Physical, and organisations BumaStemra and Sena.

First confirmations for ADE Festival 2024
In addition, the first promoters and organisers have confirmed their participation on the road to ADE Festival 2024. Tomorrowland celebrates its 20th anniversary with Our Story and a secret lineup at Ziggo Dome, and AMF returns to the ArenA on ADE Saturday. Awakenings, DGTL, Intercell, Loveland, Shelter, Thuishaven and Zeezout are set to host ADE events this year, with more announcements following soon.

Attend ADE Pro 2024
The ADE Pro Pass grants access to the full conference program, alongside networking events, the ADE Festival program and more. Tickets are now 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.

ADE Pro Conference
ADE Pro is the ultimate annual business gathering for the global electronic music industry. The four-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 3,000 artists and 600 speakers in almost 200 venues. The five-day event attracts visitors from over 150 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

Contact
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
Nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
Music Festival PR | Festival PR | Event PR

 

by Nikki

Latest AGF Festival Sustainability Report Released

AGF (A Greener Future) has today released its latest ‘Festival Sustainability Report’  for European festivals, providing industry wide benchmarks for the festival sector.

The 2024 report is a culmination of a year of information gathering, data analysis and number crunching for the 40+ festivals from all over Europe assessed by AGF in 2023, with sections on mobility, food & drink, water & sanitation, power & fuel use, waste & recycling, and carbon emissions.

There have been some significant areas of improvement, such as bans on single use plastic serve ware increasing from 54% in 2022 to 75% in 2023, a reduction in average waste per person per day from 0.75 kg to 0.5 kg, and more festivals going fully vegan or vegetarian.

AGF were also able to expand on their carbon footprint breakdowns for festivals, and compare emissions by type of festival. The results further highlighted the significant impact of travel and transport, and that food and drink are often the second largest source of emissions after audience transport. Crucially, festivals who moved to a fully meat-free event reduced their food-related emissions by over 60% on average.

Water use increased at both urban and rural camping festivals, significantly at the latter, with an average of 26 ltrs pppd, up from 19 ltrs pppd in 2022. The increase could be due to various factors, however it does align with the hottest summer on record recorded in summer 2023. Changes to the environment in which outdoor events are operating points to the broader need for the sector to prepare for climate adaptation in addition to climate change and pollution prevention.

The collection of accurate data on build, decor, staging and merchandise materials purchased remains a challenge, as well as engaging with Sponsors and Hospitality areas to provide the necessary information and to assess their impact. AGF are working closely with clients and the sector to bridge these gaps.

In addition, while an increasing number of festivals are switching to renewable fuels such as HVO, it is important to highlight that, although considered renewable, these fuels still generate emissions and air pollution. Reducing overall fuel use and improving the availability and affordability of hybrid, battery, and grid systems remains a key opportunity to decarbonise the sector.

This year's findings highlight the evolving trends and the significant steps forward demonstrated by festivals and their suppliers across Europe and beyond.

Key Findings from the 2024 Report:

Travel & Transport

  • 68% domestic artists on line ups on average (from 61% in 2022).
  • Reduction in the average share of attendees reporting travelling by car to rural festivals from 67% to 58%, with an increase in reported plane travel.
  • The average share of attendees using public transport to attend rural festivals increased from 16% to 19%.

Food & Beverage

  • 75% banned single-use plastic serve ware (increasing from 54% in 2022).
  • 60% had a reusable cup system.
  • 55% had a formal sustainable food and drink policy.
  • Red meat dishes accounted on average for more than half of a festival’s food emissions.

Water & Sanitation

  • 12% used compost toilets for over 3/4 of their sanitation demand.
  • 75% of festivals still use some portable chemical toilets onsite.

Power & Fuel Use

  • 38% used HVO Fuel for 100% of generators.
  • 15% of festivals used grid electricity for over 90% of their power needs.
  • Encouragingly, events are increasingly introducing hybrid, renewables, and battery storage systems to reduce fuel use.

Waste & Recycling

  • 5 kg average waste per person per day (reduced from 0.75kg).
  • Onsite recycling separation rates increased from 38% (2022) to 46% (2023).

Carbon Emissions

  • Audience travel and food & beverage are frequently the largest emissions sources, closely followed by production transport and artist transport.
  • Removing meat resulted in an average reduction in food-related emissions of over 60%.


Claire O’Neill, AGF CEO Says:
“2024 is the 18th year that AGF is assessing festival impacts worldwide. It’s good to see improved understanding, data, and performance from events. We are seeing progress, but more still needs to be done to now additionally adapt to changing and more extreme weather. There is a huge opportunity for collaboration with other sectors such as transport, energy, water and food who all have targets for net zero and protecting ecosystems. New ways of doing things need dynamic and attractive platforms to reach people, which is what festivals are. While progress is good, the background is changing, adversely - We’re on a path to net zero but the path just got steeper, so we need to keep upping our game”

Download the full report here

About AGF
AGF is a not-for-profit company committed to helping events, festivals and venues around the world towards sustainability. AGF provides certification, education and training, consultancy, resources and green riders, facilitating the exchange and implementation 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 sustainability claims through the AGF Certification for festivals, venues, tours and events, Sustainability Diagnosis and detailed Carbon Footprinting. www.agreenerfuture.com

Contact:
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk

by Nikki