Archive & Joycut Announce Usa & Canada Co-Headline Tour
Acclaimed South London collective ARCHIVE and Italian, Bologna-based sound explorers JOYCUT announce a co-headline tour that will unite the two bands for a run of 9 dates across Canada and the USA in 2026.
The tour begins in Montreal on 23 April at the Beanfield Theatre, before heading to Toronto, Boston, New York and Chicago. The tour then heads to the US west coast for dates in Seattle, Portland and San Francisco, before culminating in Los Angeles at the Lodge Room on 11 May.
The tour brings together two bands that share a common ambition to push musical boundaries and innovate – a meeting of kindred spirits and a cohesive package with a story to tell.
Despite Archive’s arena status in Europe the tour represents the band’s first visit to North America – speaking about the upcoming tour Archive founding member Darius Keeler said, “we’re just so happy and excited to finally have the chance to play live for our fans in North America, it’s been a long, long wait for them. And for us! It’s something that we’ve wanted to do for the longest time, I think it’s going to be very special.”
JOYCUT have built a long-standing relationship with North American audiences through extensive touring and media support, most recently highlighted by a featured in-studio session at KEXP.“For us, playing has always meant connecting with people, in a gentle and protective collective embrace. Music is too powerful not to be lived viscerally together. It can tear you open, but it makes us feel alive, and it never lies. Returning now, especially now, alongside ARCHIVE, with whom we share a deep sense of humanity and respect, feels like the most natural way to do it.”
ARCHIVE and JOYCUT 2026 Co-Headline Tour Dates
Thu, 23 April – Montreal, QC – Beanfield Theatre
Fri, 24 April – Toronto, ON – Great Hall
Sun, 26 April – Boston, MA – Sonia
Tue, 28 April – Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg
Thu, 30 April – Chicago, IL – Subterranean
Tue, 5 May – Seattle, WA – Neumos
Thu, 7 May – Portland, OR – Hawthorne Theatre
Sun, 10 May – San Francisco, CA – The Independent
Mon, 11 May – Los Angeles, CA – Lodge Room
Get tickets here: https://archive.ffm.to/usca-dates
About JOYCUT:
JOYCUT is a creative music outpost, never afraid to follow unconventional paths. Formed in Bologna, Italy, and devoted to long-form sound research and exploration, the band has developed a language built around dual tribal and industrial drumming, electronic architectures, orchestral saturations and immersive dynamics, shaped by a cosmic blue sonic identity and extended instrumental compositions.
Sound remains central and uncompromised. From this position, their practice engages deeply with themes of the Anthropocene, the vulnerability of nature, animal farming and the erosion of human values.
Their latest album, TheBluWave (2022), stands as a clear and monumental body of work devoted to the climate emergency, the melting of glaciers and the fragility of humankind — seeking love as a response to fear. This independent, research-driven approach has led JOYCUT to present works in major international cultural contexts, including the debut of the six-act opera KOMOREBI at the Biennale di Venezia, conceived as a soundtrack tribute to Japan.
In 2023, the project expanded further with Wall Of Humanity, premiered in a sold-out performance with a 50-piece philharmonic orchestra, where sound, image and narrative converged to explore collective responsibility and the fragility of human ethics.
JOYCUT were personally invited by Robert Smith to perform as headliners at the Meltdown Festival in London — an experience documented in the award-winning film “One Step Closer To The Moon”. They were later selected by Brian Eno to contribute to the EarthPercent project with the track The Plastic Whale. More recently, in June 2025, JOYCUT contributed the remix Drone:NoDrone to Mixes of a Lost World, a project curated by Robert Smith featuring reinterpretations of The Cure’s latest album.
About Archive:
Archive is a South London-based musical collective renowned for their cinematic soundscapes, genre-defying evolution, and uncompromising artistic vision. Formed in 1994 by Darius Keeler and Danny Griffiths — the band debuted with the critically acclaimed Londinium in 1996, blending trip-hop, rap, and orchestral textures. Over the next two decades, Archive became known for reinventing their sound with each album, incorporating elements of progressive rock, electronica, soul, and post-rock. Following widespread success in Europe, Archive composed the soundtrack to Luc Besson’s Michel Vaillant and cemented their reputation with their album Noise, which propelled them to stardom across the continent. After shifting to a flexible, collective lineup, they released Lights and the politically charged Controlling Crowds series showcasing their lyrical depth and genre versatility. Their later works With Us Until You’re Dead, Axiom, Restriction and The False Foundation, pushed creative boundaries further, with Axiom even spawning a dystopian film premiered at Sundance Film Festival in London.
Upcoming album, Glass Minds – released 27 Feb through PIAS Recordings in North America, is a sonic and emotional odyssey through electronics, motorik rock, subtle dance grooves and beautifully heartfelt songwriting. As with so many of their albums, it sounds different from its predecessors and yet is somehow recognisably, inimitably Archive.
Talking about the newly released City Walls single, taken from the forthcoming album, Keeler says “City Walls is a hauntingly beautiful song with a 'stop you in your tracks’ vocal from Pollard Berrier, and the video that accompanies it is a truly stunning piece of art in its own right”.
Check out the Maxim Kelly directed video for City Walls
Previous singles taken from the forthcoming Glass Minds album, Look At Us and Wake Up Strange are also accompanied by videos directed by Maxim Kelly.
Chris Packham & David Gray Join Green Events & Innovations Conference 2026
The Green Events and Innovations Conference (GEI) is happy to reveal that more environmentalists and thought leaders have signed up for what is becoming a truly star-studded 18th edition of the event.
GEI18 welcomes conservationist and broadcaster Chris Packham CBE, and Dale Vince OBE, founder of Ecotricity and Forest Green Rovers F.C., who will share details of an important collaboration project, and we’ll find out why Chris has become the chief ecologist for Ecotalk. Later, Vince returns with Dan Lambert, manager of hip-hop trio Kneecap and COO of Bohemian F.C., to discuss their experiences of navigating cancel culture and boycotts in Cancel Me, Cancel You.
Multi-award-winning singer-songwriter David Gray will join the prestigious EarthPercent Hour, hosted by the charity's CEO Cathy Runciman, to discuss unleashing the power of music in service of the planet – the core purpose of the charity founded by Brian Eno.
Riders on the Storm: Extreme and the New Norm welcomes Dr Mohammed Shamsudduha, professor of Water Crisis and Risk Reduction at UCL Risk & Disaster Reduction, joining fellow lead author of IPCC reports, and advisor to the Climate Change Committee Professor Richard Betts MBE, alongside festival and sporting event experts. Together this expert panel examines what the latest trends mean, what’s coming next, and how these relate to operational adaptations at events, hosted by Claire Poole of Sport Positive.
Other speakers include Ash Perrin, who brings laughter and play to children in refugee camps through the Flying Seagulls Project; augmented reality and digital artist Doddz; writer/director of critically acclaimed pop musical Hot Mess, Ellie Coote, who will demonstrate art’s unparalleled ability to reach people’s hearts and minds; and musical artists Katarina Barruk and Madame Gandhi.
Rounding off GEI18 will be the International AGF Awards, sponsored by Skydiamond, where AGF celebrate the most innovative and greenest events, venues, organisations, and individuals from across the globe over the last 12 months.
GEI18 is set to be another jam-packed edition. Previously announced sessions include AI & Sustainability, Beyond the Burger Van, and A Greener Tour – Round VI. The final programme will be announced soon.
GEI is the conference for event sustainability. The 2026 edition will take place 24 February at the Royal Lancaster London. A partnership between green event pioneers A Greener Future (AGF) and the world’s leading platform for the live music and entertainment sector, the International Live Music Conference (ILMC).
GEI18 is sponsored by Ecotricity Business, TAIT, AEG & The O2.
More information and tickets at agreenerfuture.com.
About AGF
AGF is a not-for-profit company committed to helping the events sector towards sustainability worldwide. AGF provides certification, education & training, consultancy, sustainable event management, and facilitates the exchange and implementation of good ideas. They share best practice for greener events, and how to not only prevent damage but actually enhance the environment. AGF provides independent assessment and verification of sustainability claims through the AGF Certification for festivals, venues, events and suppliers, sustainability diagnosis and detailed carbon footprinting. More info: www.agreenerfuture.com
About ILMC
Attracting 1,700+ 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 nearly 40 years. In addition to its main conference, ILMC also produces Futures Forum, Touring Entertainment LIVE, and the International Festival Forum. More info: https://ilmc.com/
Contact
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
Sold Out Anniversary Edition - ESNS Celebrates The European And Dutch Music Sector
The 40th edition of ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag) – the leading showcase festival for emerging European music – concluded last night with an impressive line-up of Dutch talent at Noorderslag. Over 300 European acts from 39 countries played for an audience of approximately 40,000 enthusiastic fans, 4,000 of whom were professionals, from all corners of the globe. ESNS 2026 is completely sold out, with 7000 festival tickets and 4000 Delegate Passes. That amounts to more than 25,000 paid visits to the festival and conference.
Festivals Eurosonic and Noorderslag
On Wednesday evening, January 14th, the festival was kicked off spectacularly by Dutch Queen Máxima and managing director Anna van Nunen, after which Eurosonic immediately started in the venues inside De Oosterpoort. On Thursday, January 15th, and Friday, January 16th, Eurosonic took the entire city centre of Groningen by storm, with emerging European acts showcasing their talent across 18 stages to thousands of music lovers and industry professionals. On Saturday, January 17th, the ESNS Conference gave way to Noorderslag, where the best emerging and established artists from the Netherlands were showcased at De Oosterpoort.
The Popprijs, awarded annually during Noorderslag, was won by Suzan & Freek. The Popprijs is awarded to the band or artist who has made the most significant contribution to Dutch pop music in the past year.
Conference
The ESNS Conference was attended by over 4,000 music professionals from all over the world. More than 520 speakers participated in panel discussions, workshops, and keynotes on a wide range of thought-provoking and current topics. Under the overarching theme of Europe Calling, ESNS reflects on a successful anniversary edition. For four days, Groningen became the centre of the European music sector.
Awards
At ESNS 2026, prestigious awards were once again presented across the European music industry. This year, the annual Music Moves Europe (MME) Awards went to Sofie Royer (Austria), Camille Yembe (Belgium), Sarah Julia (Netherlands), Della (Cyprus), and Carpetman (Ukraine). Lia Kali (Spain) took home both the Grand Jury Award and the Public Choice Award. The European Festival Awards, the IJzeren Podiumdieren, the Pop Media Prijs, and the Pop Stipendium were also presented this year.
ESNS 2027
Early bird sales for Delegate Passes begin on January 30, 2026. Artists can apply to play at the showcase festival starting March 1.
About ESNS
ESNS is Europe’s leading platform showcasing emerging European music talent. Every January, Groningen (NL) hosts the ESNS festival and conference, connecting fresh artists with fans and industry professionals. The final day is dedicated to Noorderslag, the benchmark for Dutch pop music since 1986.
Year-round, ESNS supports new talent through initiatives like the European Talent Exchange and presents major awards including the Music Moves Europe Awards, the European Festival Awards, and the Dutch Popprijs. It partners with key organisations and alliances such as Yourope, EBU, and Green Deal Circular Festivals to foster a diverse, sustainable music scene.
Since 1986, ESNS has helped launch careers of artists like AURORA, Stromae, Christine and the Queens, Fontaines D.C., Sigrid, Altin Gün, The Haunted Youth, The XX, Robyn, Tramhaus, Sam Smith, Hozier, Zaho de Sagazan, Fat Dog, Judeline, Luvcat, Boko Yout, Antony Szmierek, Kingfishr, Sylvie Kreusch, Arp Frique & The Perpetual Singers.
Contact
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
Europe's Next Big Sounds: The Music Moves Europe Awards 2026 Winners Revealed
EUROPE’S NEXT BIG SOUNDS:THE MUSIC MOVES EUROPE AWARDS 2026 WINNERS REVEALED
The Music Moves Europe Awards 2026 proudly announce this year’s winners, celebrating the most exciting and forward-thinking emerging artists from across Europe. Representing bold creativity, musical innovation and cultural diversity, the MME Awards winners reflect the vibrant future of Europe’s music scene and its growing global impact.
The winners of the Music Moves Europe Awards (MME Awards) were officially unveiled during a festive awards ceremony at Eurosonic Noorderslag (ESNS) in Groningen, the Netherlands, on Thursday, 15 January 2026. The evening marked a defining moment for Europe’s next generation of musical talent; Camille Yembe (Belgium), Carpetman (Ukraine), Della (Cyprus), Sarah Julia (Netherlands) and Sofie Royer (Austria) are the winners of an MME Award. The prestigious Grand Jury Prize was awarded to Lia Kali (Spain). And Lia Kali also received the MME Public Choice Award, as chosen by music fans across Europe and beyond.
“Europe’s music scene continues to thrive through its diversity, creativity and bold artistic voices. The Music Moves Europe Awards celebrate the artists who are shaping the future sound of our continent and taking it beyond Europe’s borders. I warmly congratulate all the winners on this outstanding achievement. I am sure that their sounds will reverberate throughout Europe.”
Glenn Micallef - European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport
European Union Prize
Co-funded by the European Commission’s flagship Creative Europe programme, the MME Awards are the European Union’s prestigious prize celebrating the continent’s most exciting emerging artists, the ones shaping the sound of Europe today and tomorrow. Designed to support international careers, the MME Awards have spotlighted some of Europe’s most influential breakthrough acts over the past 22 years, including Judeline, Zaho de Sagazan, Stromae, Alyona Alyona, ROSALÍA, Meduza, Dua Lipa, Night Tapes, Fontaines D.C. and Christine and the Queens. Each winner reflects the diversity, creativity and bold innovation driving Europe’s thriving music scene.
Public Choice Award
The MME Public Choice Award 2026 was decided by music fans across Europe, who voted for their favourite emerging artist via the official MME Awards website. This award highlights the strong connection between Europe’s audiences and its next generation of musical talent.
Prize Package
The winners were selected by an international jury consisting of Jess Iszatt (presenter, BBC Radio 1 and BBC Introducing), Filip Košťálek (music programmer at Colours of Ostrava), Kenza Naaïmi El Fezzazi (French-Moroccan music journalist for Red Bulletin and FIP), Annika Walsh (Head of International Music Strategy at Spotify) and Judeline (MME Public Choice Award 2025 winner).
In total, seven awards were presented: five MME Awards, one Grand Jury Prize and one Public Choice Award. Each MME Award winner receives €10,000. The Grand Jury Prize winner also receives an additional €5,000 green touring voucher. The MME Public Choice Award winner receives €5,000.
Taking the stage at ESNS
All 15 nominated artists performed at ESNS, Europe’s leading music showcase festival and conference, in Groningen, the Netherlands. They also took part in the MME Education Programme, which provides insights and best practices from across the music industry.
The programme is organised by ESNS and Reeperbahn Festival in collaboration with the MME Awards partners: Liveurope, Yourope, Live DMA, IMPALA, Digital Music Europe, ICMP-CIEM, International Music Managers Forum (IMMF) and European Music Exporters Exchange (EMEE).
The Music Moves Europe Awards are a cornerstone of the European Union’s commitment to supporting and promoting the European music sector. By empowering both emerging artists and industry professionals, the MME Awards foster a united, diverse and future-facing European music scene. Presented annually during ESNS, the awards aim to accelerate the international careers of Europe’s most promising musical talents.
Contact
Nikki McNeill: nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
Marloes Leeuw: marloes.leeuw@esns.nl
Download: press kit
Winners of the European Festival Awards 2025
Congratulations to all the winners of the 2025 European Festival Awards. For this year, festivals from over 30 countries participated and 300,000 single votes have been cast by the public. This resulted in 104 shortlisted nominees in 13 distinct categories, not counting the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Here are all winners of the European Festival Awards 2025.
The Take a Stand Award
Presented by: Take A Stand
Sziget Festival (Hungary)
Line-Up of the Year
Presented by: IQ Magazine
Lowlands (The Netherlands)
The Event Safety Award
Presented by: Citymesh & YES Group
Rock for People (Czech Republic)
Agent of the Year
Steve Zapp (ITB)
Best Small Festival
Dynamo Metalfest (The Netherlands)
Newcomer of the Year
Presented by: ESNS
Addison Rae (USA)
The Brand Activation Award
Pinkpop with Libresse (The Netherlands)
Best Medium-Sized Festival
Presented by: Access All Areas
Pohoda Festival (Slovakia)
The Green Operations Award
Presented by: GO Group
Štěrkovna Open Music (Czech Republic)
Best Major Festival
Presented by: Eventim
Paléo Festival Nyon (Switzerland)
The Award for Excellence & Passion
Stephan Thanscheidt, FKP Scorpio (Germany)
Promoter of the Year
presented by: Pollstar
Exit Festival (Serbia)
New Kid on the Block
Kristína Mlynárová, Pohoda Festival (Slovakia)
The Lifetime Achievement Award
Ewald Tatar (Austria)
The awards ceremony took place on the opening night of ESNS, in Groningen, The Netherlands and was hosted by IQ journalist, Lisa Henderson and A Greener Future CEO Claire O’Neill.
The European Festival Awards team would like to extend a huge thank you to all of those who participated in and attended the European Festival Awards 2025. A special thank you to their presenting partner Eventim, the European Union for the support via YOUROPE’s 3F project, ESNS, Citymesh and media partners IQ Magazine, Pollstar and Access all Areas as well as all of the European Festival Awards partners including all supporters and members of the jury.
See you next year for the Awards 16th edition!
Contact
Nikki McNeill at Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
AGF Honours the Greenest Global Events & Festivals
Although last year was characterised by instability and geopolitical tensions, 25 festivals and events spanning 12 countries and 4 continents demonstrated their commitment to a better, greener future, successfully achieving AGF Certification in 2025.
A Greener Future (AGF)’s mission is to help the event sector become greener, promoting sustainability at events and festivals across the globe. AGF Certification is based on the world's first and most practical framework for sustainability in the event sector, for those reducing emissions, waste, and enhancing equality and biodiversity.
Events and festivals of all shapes and sizes demonstrated their commitment to sustainability in 2025. These include perennially green fests such as Boom Festival in Portugal and Belgium’s Paradise City - both of which have stitched sustainability into their DNA. Echoes of Earth in India returns with a bang. Whilst events enjoying first-time recognition include the beyond legendary Montreux Jazz Festival, Ultra Music Festival in Miami, and AEG Presents’ brand-new LIDO Festival in London, whose battery powered main stage hosted headliners such as Massive Attack and Charlie xcx.
To be certified, events undertake a thorough assessment including a self-assessment, site visits from independent assessors, and post-event evidence submitted for an independent auditors’ report. The AGF Framework includes 11 key themes, including local environments & community, travel, food, energy, water, materials, EDI, and governance.
“Congratulations to all of the certified events in 2025, who have continued to prioritise their commitment to protecting our planet and each other, despite some so called world leaders demonstrating the opposite intentions. We’re looking forward to coming together and celebrating at GEI and the International AGF Awards in London next month.” Claire O’Neill, CEO, AGF
"The AGF certification played a decisive role in accelerating and structuring our sustainability journey. While the Montreux Jazz Festival had already implemented various initiatives – from waste management to soft mobility and responsible partnerships – these efforts remained fragmented. The certification process came at a pivotal moment, just as we were beginning a more holistic reflection on our environmental, social, and economic impact. It enabled us to align our internal objectives around a shared vision of sustainability, build a clear and measurable roadmap, foster collaborations with committed experts and local partners, and strengthen our credibility with our stakeholders.” Mathieu Jaton, Director, Montreux Jazz Festival
“We're thrilled to see the industry-leading efforts of LIDO Festival recognised by this prestigious AGF certification. Having independent verification of the outstanding work that the team undertook in 2025 is hugely important and we cannot wait to continue setting a new standard for sustainability in live events through 2026 and beyond.” Sam Booth, Sustainability Director, AEG / LIDO Festival
“It was an honour to finally participate in AGF’s certification programme, something we’ve aspired to do for years! The process challenged us to ask meaningful questions, recognise the impact we’ve made, and identify how we can continue to grow. We’re so proud to have achieved certification from this globally respected organisation and excited to continue participating in the programme in the future.” Vivian Belzaguy, Director of Sustainability, Ultra Music Festival
“Paradise City has always been about more than just music. It’s about building a world - even if only for a weekend - that feels hopeful, positive, and future-minded. Being rated ‘Outstanding’ for the sixth year in a row is both an honour and a responsibility. It reminds us that joyful celebration and climate consciousness can go hand in hand. Every year, we ask ourselves the same question: how can we do better? And with every solution we find, new opportunities for improvement appear too. That constant pursuit of better drives us, and we don’t take our role lightly. If we can set an example for what a sustainable festival can look like, then we’re on the right track." Lucas Trouessin, Paradise City
Certified Festivals & Events in 2025:
Greener Festival & Event certifications – Outstanding
Boom Festival (PT)
DGTL (NL)
Øyafestivalen (NO)
Paradise City (BE)
Greener Festival & Event certifications – Highly Commended
Green Man (UK)
LIDO Festival (UK)
Montreux Jazz Festival (CH)
Sonidos Líquidos (ES)
Greener Festival & Event certifications – Commended
Copenhagen Film Festival Forum (DK)
Cridem pel Clima (ES)
Echoes of Earth (IN)
Estonian Fashion Festival (EE)
Godiva Festival (UK)
Greener Festival and Event certifications – Improvers
Cordillera Festival (CO)
D'A Festival Cinema Barcelona (ES)
elrow Town Madrid (ES)
Jardín de las Delicias (ES)
Monegros Desert Festival (ES)
Phe Festival (ES)
Primavera Sound Barcelona (ES)
Rockygrass and Rocky Mountain Folks Festival (US)
Serielizados International TV Series Festival (ES)
Telluride Bluegrass Festival (US)
Ultra Music Festival (US)
We Out Here (UK)
Certified events and festivals will be presented with their accolades during a special ceremony at the Green Events & Innovations Conference (GEI18), in partnership with ILMC, which takes place 24th February in London.
All certified events are also automatically nominated for the annual International AGF Awards 2026, sponsored by Skydiamond, which recognise the most innovative and green-aspiring events, venues, organisations, and individuals from across the globe in the last 12 months.
There are more festivals and events currently completing their assessments, which will be announced soon, and assessment applications for 2026 are open. Find out more and apply here.
About AGF Certifications
AGF Certification have been developed over 18 years in consultation with hundreds of events, event services, suppliers, and sustainability experts across the key areas assessed. Each application involves a detailed self-assessment, on-site independent audit, post-event supporting evidence analysis, and improvement recommendations. The assessment includes 11 categories: Governance & Systems, Local Environments, Local Community, Travel & Transport, Energy & Power, Procurement, Food & Beverage, Waste & Recycling, Water & Sanitation, External Reach & Behaviour Change, and Carbon Footprint.
To be awarded AGF Certification, events must apply for an assessment and provide evidence, such as fuel or electricity and water usage, waste transfer notes, transport measurements, procurements policies and traceability, and survey data. Applicants also need to address set requirements, and based on their performance against these, can be given the following grades: Improver, Commended, Highly Commended, and Outstanding. Assessments are completed by trained sustainable event auditors and recommendations are made for improvements year on year. https://www.agreenerfuture.com/
About A Greener Future
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; plus sustainability diagnosis and detailed carbon footprinting. www.agreenerfuture.com
About GEI
GEI is the foremost conference for sustainability for the events sector organised in partnership with the worlds leading platform for the live music and entertainment sector, the International Live Music Summit (ILMC) www.agreenerfuture.com/gei
Contact:
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
The European Festival Report 2025: Festivals Still Thriving Despite Rising Production Costs and Boycott Pressure
The European Festival Report is the essential annual guide to the continent’s popular music festival industry, offering insights into current challenges, priorities for 2025, and developments in health, safety, and sustainability. Published by IQ Magazine in partnership with YOUROPE, the fourth edition tracks the sectors' health through data on ticket sales, pricing, production costs, lineups, boycotts and audience behaviour. As festivals face significant pressures while remaining vital cultural events, the 2025 report provides timely and essential analysis.
The report features perspectives from over 220 festivals and includes key insights into how festivals are currently faring, along with an annual season review that highlights both successes and challenges across the sector. It presents practical examples of pioneering solutions in energy, travel, water, waste, and circularity from across the continent, a deep dive into how independent festivals are coping with rising costs and a crowded market, and an overview of the escalating weather risks, safety of events and the resilience strategies being adopted.
It also explores how Europe’s festival culture shapes global trends in sustainability, accessibility, and artistic innovation, and examines the increasing political pressures festivals face and how organisers are defending artistic freedom and inclusivity.
Key findings from this year's survey:
- 28% of established festivals report rising production costs as their most significant challenge – this has been the top challenge four years in a row since the launch of the survey.
- Across all respondents, 33% of major festivals had been the target of some form of protest or call for a boycott.
- Ticket prices increased again, with the average day ticket increasing by 4 – 11.1% depending on the size of the festival – the average ticket prices rose by 5.6% and the average ticket price for a whole event is €203.21.
- For newer festivals, booking artists is the single biggest challenge cited by 31% of respondents.
- International visitors to festivals remains comparatively low. 80% of festivals draw less than 20% of their audience from outside their home country.
Promoters across Europe continue to report that the price of staging events - from infrastructure and labour to technical services - has increased faster than they can comfortably pass on to audiences. This is reflected in ticket prices, with rises broadly in line with European inflation, showing many festivals are using targeted micro-rises, cutting costs, or finding alternative revenue streams rather than increase the cost of attending their events.
All festivals say their costs have increased significantly more than inflation, highlighting the huge pressure festival budgets are under at the moment.
Meanwhile, major festivals are far more likely to have faced calls for boycott in 2025 than medium or smaller festivals.
“This pattern aligns with the broader trend of cultural activism increasingly targeting high-visibility, high-investment events,” says IQ’s James Drury. “Larger festivals sit at the intersection of global finance, political discourse, and mass audiences, making them more exposed to reputational campaigns, whether related to ownership structures, brand partners, environmental concerns, or geopolitical positions.”
Looking ahead, festival organisers anticipate a similar set of pressures shaping their 2026 seasons. Rising production costs remain the primary future worry, followed by artist booking and audience demand – almost identical to the concerns reported for 2025. It’s clear that these are now structural issues that festivals expect to contend with for the foreseeable future.
Holger Jan Schmidt, General Secretary YOUROPE – The European festival Association: “The European Festival Report has become an invaluable piece of festival culture – an unparalleled summary of an entire festival season. It was recently described to me by an EU-level contact as a ‘trademark publication.’ What more could we ask for? Thankfully, it’s the EU itself that allows us to produce this publication and offer it freely to readers around the world. This deep-dive into what our peers create during the year is an inspirational lighthouse project in the YOUROPE agenda every year. And we are lucky that with IQ we can cooperate with the best team we could imagine.”
Read the full report here: https://www.iqmagazine.com/reports/european-festival-report-2025/
About YOUROPE
Since 1998, YOUROPE – The European Festival Association has evolved into the most important association for popular music festivals in Europe. As of January 2026, YOUROPE counts 133 festivals and associated organizations from 31 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 and diversity, equity, inclusion, mental health and more in the WIRE Group (Wellbeing, Inclusion, Responsibility, Equity).
Further, YOUROPE hosts the biannual European Festival Conference (EFC) and organizes the annual European Festival Awards (EFAs).
About IQ
IQ is the leading information resource for the international live music business.
IQ operates across multiple platforms including IQmagazine.com, the daily Index newsletter, IQ Magazine and a number of annual reports, including the International Ticketing Report, Global Arena Guide & European Festival Report.
IQ has a monthly reach of over 90,000 highly-engaged professionals working in the global concert and festival businesses.
Contact
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
Electronic Acts to Discover at ESNS 2026
Electronic Acts to discover at ESNS 2026
ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag), the key exchange for emerging European music, is gearing up to welcome a new wave of electronic acts ready to make their mark at ESNS26. 52 acts from 25 different countries are gearing up to perform, who will be the next electronic artists taking festival stages by storm in 2026.
Among them are three acts already gaining traction, being nominated for the prestigious Music Moves Europe Awards. DITTER (France) are a trio of French brats ready to burn the stage, Might Delete Later (Latvia) who gained rapid traction blending her Lana Del Rey-esque vocals with produced dance tracks akin to Elderbrook and Fred Again and Lunikk, (Bulgaria) who are an experimental dark electro-pop duo.
Other highlights include artists combining electronic and classical music with Xcellence (Greece), redefining the space where electronic and classical music collide and CLARAGUILAR (Spain), an artist and multi-instrumentalist creating soundscapes that combine electronics and sampled elements with orchestral arrangements.
Mechatok (Germany) creates electronic pop soundscapes that often border on the glitchy and unorthodox, and has collaborated with some of the most forward-thinking artists from Drain Gang to Charli XCX to Lorenzo Senni, PISTAMASHINA (Bulgaria) blends an unspeakably mysterious aura with a strangely compelling pop appeal and Inspector Spacetime (Iceland) with a mix of dance music, pop, and electronica which conjures up a delicious recipe that is sure to get you moving.
Xenia (Spain) has a unique blend of dark pop and experimental electronic music, including influences from synth pop, post-punk, reggaeton, and drum ’n bass and Tonser (Denmark) confidently blends cinematic northern soundscapes with explosive electropop, industrial trap-influenced production and deep emotional clarity, creating a brutal and alluring world. Muovipussi (Finland) is a full-energy, queer electronic music group that combine elements from genres like rap, crispy pop, punk and metal. The name of the band means ‘plastic bag’. Muovipussi’s shows are explosive, full of punky energy, and genuinely peculiar, guaranteed to keep you entertained.
Mount Palomar (Ireland), one of the UK’s most forward-thinking voices in electronic music, known for his genre-blurring productions and high-octane modular synth–driven live shows complete with live drummer and Leona Jacewska (Poland) unites cold mutant electro with banging EBM and Italo disco.
DJ and Producer Naarly (Sweden) combines Afro/melodic/tribal house with strong vocal hooks, Susobrino (Belgium) pays homage to Latin rhythms, bridging diverse worlds and cultures and Alex Fernet (Italy) creates modern disco funk sounds.
The Netherlands is a global leader in the electronic music scene, with some of the most popular DJs in the world hailing from the country. Six eclectic acts to look out for at ESNS are Queer icon Alice Olsthoorn, who effortlessly blends hyperpop with club music, creating a futuristic world on stage, Brass Rave Unit, a trio pushing the sonic boundaries of their instruments and merging the sounds of the Amsterdam underground with a sense of urgency and pulsating beats and BUG with their explosive mix of rap, punk, and fast electronic beats with direct and unapologetic lyrics. Nijmegen cult heroes KABOUTERTJE PUTLUCHT (‘Gnome Pit Air’) create a dirty, silly beats with fatty, delicious lyrics, Laguna has a crystalline voice and creates dreamy alt-pop and Tom Forever gallivants on stage in front of you like a frenzied preacher and summons a bombastic display of hyperpop electroclash and evangelic-punk musicality that will compel you to convulse in jubilation.
Other Dutch electronic acts include Emmz is a DJ and producer from Groningen, who creates sets shaped by progressive house, acid, electro and nu-disco, Fremi brings a raw edge to the decks, with a love for dark sounds, blending high-energy UK garage with bass, Hedemann’s sets embrace contradiction: groovy and raw, hypnotic yet human, Italo Hans blends the raw energy of modern underground house with the glow of yesterday, Jennanna who is a young DJ who learned honed her skilled at her student association playing many different styles, from catchy pop to EDM and hardstyle and Red Mantra is a Drum & Bass DJ and producer who is part of an art collective called Subculture. There will also be some additional dj sets to enjoy courtesy of GP UIT G & Yung Felix, Inge van Calkar Selects and Tammo Presents: Foxham Radio.
All Electronic acts at ESNS26:
Abor & Tynna (Germany/Austria), Alice Olsthoorn (Netherlands), Brass Rave Unit (Netherlands), BUG (Netherlands), Chibi Ichigo (Belgium), Clara Kimera (France), Claraguilar (Spain), DasRADIAL (Luxembourg), DITTER (France), Emmz (Netherlands), Etceteral (Slovenia), EV (England), EVE+POL (Romania), FIDJU KITXORA (Portugal), Fremi (Netherlands), GANNA (Ukraine), GANS (England), GP UIT G & Yung Felix (DJ-set) (Netherlands), Hedemann (Netherlands), Hildá, Länsman & Tuomas Norvio (Finland), Inge van Calkar Selects (DJ-set) (Netherlands), Inspector Spacetime (Iceland), Italo Hans (Netherlands), Jennanna (Netherlands), KABOUTERJE, PUTLUCT (Netherlands), Kordz (Georgia), Laguna (Netherlands), Leona Jacewska (Poland/Germany), Lunikk, (Bulgaria), Léonie Pernet (France), Mechatok (Germany), Might Delete Later (Latvia), Mount, Palomar (Ireland), Muovipussi (Finland), Naarly (Sweden), Neon Lies (Croatia), Nightbus (England), Omar Dahl (Belgium), PISTAMASHINA (Bulgaria), punktò (Lithuania), Red Mantra (Netherlands), ROYA (Denmark), Swank, Mami (Norway), Tammo Presents: Foxham Radio (DJ-set) (Netherlands), The Null Club (Ireland), Tom Forever (Netherlands), tonser (Denmark), Why Kai (Norway), Xcellence (Greece), Xenia (Spain), yuraa (Spain), ZeMe (Latvia)
Listen to the electronic acts playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/102pTKikZ5iUslHVD1qQsI
Showcasing artists from all over Europe, ESNS has previously helped kick-start the careers of electronic acts such as Aluna George, Buraka Som Sistema, C2C, Colin Benders, Crystal Fighters, FM Belfast, Georgia, James Blake, Jungle, L’Imperatrice, Meduza, Mezerg, Milky Chance, MØ, Mura Masa, Natte Visstick, Pongo, Rudimental, San Holo, SKIP&DIE, Weval, Yard, Years & Years, Yune Pinku and The XX.
The music showcase festival celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2026, taking place from January 14 to 17 in Groningen. The complete line-up included 320 confirmed emerging artists. The selection represents 41 countries, more than ever in the history of ESNS. View all acts here https://esns.nl/en/festival/artists
About ESNS
ESNS is Europe’s leading platform showcasing emerging European music talent. Every January, Groningen (NL) hosts the ESNS festival and conference, connecting fresh artists with fans and industry professionals.
Year-round, ESNS supports new talent through initiatives like the European Talent Exchange and presents major awards including the Music Moves Europe Awards, the European Festival Awards, and the Dutch Popprijs. It partners with key projects and alliances such as Yourope, EBU and Green Deal Circular Festivals to foster a diverse, sustainable music scene.
Since 1986, ESNS has helped launch careers of artists like AURORA, Stromae, Christine and the Queens, Fontaines D.C., Altin Gün, The Haunted Youth, girl in red, Lykke Li, Joost, The XX, Robyn, Tramhaus, Hozier, Zaho de Sagazan, Judeline, Luvcat, Boko Yout, Kingfishr, Sylvie Kreusch and Arp Frique & The Perpetual Singers.
Contact:
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
European Talent Exchange Presents Final Results 2025
ESNS Alumni make international impact across festivals in 2025
European Talent Exchange proudly presents the final results of 2025, a year in which emerging European artists crossed borders at an exceptional pace. Throughout the year, the programme supported 352 shows by 150 artists from 29 countries, performing at 95 festivals in 31 countries. The 2025 results show a vibrant and connected European festival scene, with ESNS alumni quickly moving from their January showcases to stages across Europe and beyond. The European Talent Exchange (Exchange) platform is coordinated by ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag) and co-funded by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union.
Eurosonic Noorderslag artists shine across Europe’s top festivals
ESNS25 artists automatically join the European Talent Exchange and are tracked by ESNS Radar, which follows their bookings at 130 partner festivals. From the first festival announcements in spring to the summer line-ups, ESNS 2025 artists featured prominently at leading partner festivals. Festivals such as Sziget (Hungary), Lowlands (Netherlands), Rock Werchter (Belgium), Colours of Ostrava (Czechia), Maifeld Derby (Germany), Pukkelpop (Belgium), Ypsigrock (Italy), and Winterthurer Musikfestwochen (Switzerland) demonstrated strong support for fresh European talent.
These festivals, along with dozens more across Europe, put ESNS artists at the heart of their 2025 line-ups, highlighting how the Exchange programme propels emerging talent onto the big stages in real time.
Artists shaping the sound of 2025
Here’s a closer look at Europe’s rising stars in 2025, with artists from across the continent making their mark at major festivals after playing at ESNS:
-Luvcat (England) toured extensively in 2025, appearing at festivals including Lowlands (NL), Pukkelpop (BE), Rock en Seine (FR), Sziget (HU), Way Out West (SE), Montreux Jazz Festival (CH), Mad Cool Festival (ES), and Reeperbahn Festival (DE).
-Cliffords (Ireland) performed at a number of major events held throughout the UK and Europe, including Glastonbury (GB-ENG), TRNSMT (GB-SCT), Rock Werchter (BE), Haldern Pop (DE), and Best Kept Secret (NL).
-Sylvie Kreusch (Belgium) was embraced by festivals such as Les Eurockéennes De Belfort (FR), Ypsigrock (IT), Electric Castle (RO), Lowlands (NL), and Gurtenfestival (CH).
-Judeline (Spain) travelled widely in 2025, appearing at festivals including Linecheck (IT), Coachella (US), Down The Rabbit Hole (NL), Dour (BE), Gurtenfestival (CH), and Paléo Festival Nyon (CH).
-Carpetman (Ukraine) moved across Europe’s festival circuit in 2025, performing at Reeperbahn Festival (DE), Ypsigrock Festival (IT), Festival Europavox Clermont-Ferrand (FR), and Colours of Ostrava (CZ).
-Boko Yout (Sweden) toured extensively in 2025, performing at festivals including The Great Escape (GB-ENG), c/o pop Festival (DE), Lowlands (NL), Das Fest (DE), Reeperbahn Festival (DE), and Paléo Festival Nyon (CH).
Artists from across Europe made their mark on key festival circuits, including Erika Rein (SK), Loverman (BE), MAQUINA. (PT), Mitsune (DE), Personal Trainer (NL), Sami Galbi (CH), Smag På Dig Selv (DK), Soft Loft (CH), The Pill (GB), sunnbrella (CZ), Kingfishr (IE), Bassolino (IT), Daniela Pes (IT), and many others. From the UK, Alessi Rose, Big Special, jasmine.4.t, Antony Szmierek, Chloe Slater, Getdown Services, and Ugly gained international traction with performances spanning Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Scandinavia, and beyond.
Festivals championing new European music
In 2025, partner festivals continued to play a vital role in elevating ESNS alumni. Sziget featured 14 ESNS artists, Lowlands 7, Roskilde Festival 6, and Maifeld Derby 7. Other key festivals showcasing ESNS talent included Iceland Airwaves and Pukkelpop (7 each), Poplar Festival, Trans Musicales and End of the Road (6 each), Primavera Sound (3), and Glastonbury (2). Across Europe, ESNS artists took the stage at festivals in 31 countries, highlighting the broad reach and growing influence of ESNS alumni.
A collaborative force driving European talent forward
European Talent Exchange continues to thrive through close collaboration with YOUROPE, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), 31 media partners, 24 members, and six associated partners, including 26 export offices. With a network of around 130 partner festivals, the programme remains the strongest structural support system for emerging European artists seeking international exposure.
About ESNS
ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag) is an independent platform dedicated to showcasing and accelerating European music talent worldwide. With a history spanning nearly four decades, ESNS offers breakthrough opportunities through its annual festival and conference. In 2026, ESNS celebrates its 40th anniversary, taking place from 14-17 January 2026 in Groningen, the Netherlands.
Contact
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
Global Nightlife Leaders from Over 30 Countries Converge on Liverpool for Night Time Economy Summit 2026
Liverpool will take centre stage in the global nightlife conversation as night-time economy leaders from more than 30 countries converge on the city for the Night-Time Economy Summit 2026, taking place on 11th and 12th February 2026.
Hosted at Blackstock Market, the two-day Summit is delivered by Night Time Industries Association in partnership with the International Nightlife Association, Global Cities After Dark, welcoming over 50 senior city representatives, Night Mayors, policymakers, academics and industry experts from across Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and Australasia.
URBACT to Host Dedicated Global Nightlife Stage
A major highlight of the Summit will be a dedicated Global Cities After Dark stage, curated by the programme on night-time economy built on the success of the URBACT Cities After Dark network. Drawing on extensive experience of the programme supporting cities across Europe and beyond, the programme will bring global insight, best practice and proven policy approaches to discussions on nightlife governance, planning and public space after dark.
International Cities and Countries Represented
Delegates will travel to Liverpool from over 30 countries, including Singapore, Canada, USA, Argentina, Mexico, Australia, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus and Estonia, among others.
Confirmed and invited city representatives include Paris, Amsterdam, Bologna, Genoa, Tallinn, Braga, Nicosia, Mannheim, Piraeus, Malaga, Zadar and Budva, ensuring a truly global exchange of ideas and experience.
Michael Kill, CEO, Night Time Industries Association, commented:
"The Night-Time Economy Summit 2026 in Liverpool represents a unique opportunity for cities from across the globe to share insights, best practices, and strategies for creating vibrant, safe and sustainable nightlife. Liverpool’s leadership and commitment to innovation after dark makes it the perfect host city for this international gathering."
Summit Programme Highlights
Across the two days, the Summit will explore how cities can design, govern and grow successful night-time economies through sessions focused on:
- Measuring success and impact after dark
- The 15-minute city and decentralised nightlife
- Reimagining public space at night
- Embedding nightlife within local institutions
- Extending transport, safety and public services after dark
- Youth, culture and the future of nightlife
Sacha Lord, Chair, Night Time Industries Association, said:
"Nightlife is a vital part of a city’s culture, economy and identity. This Summit will bring together global leaders to explore how we can build thriving night-time economies that benefit residents, businesses, and visitors alike. We’re proud to see Liverpool at the forefront of this conversation."
Simone d’Antonio, Lead Expert of Cities After Dark and co-founder of Global Cities After Dark
“The night-time economy has become a key arena for innovative approaches to sustainable urban development. The Summit offers an important opportunity to present the integrated strategies developed by the URBACT Cities After Dark network and to encourage local authorities to engage with the Global Cities After Dark programme, which will continue the dialogue on night policies in the coming years”
Liverpool on the Global Nightlife Map
By hosting the Night-Time Economy Summit 2026, Liverpool reinforces its status as a global nightlife city, recognised for its culture, creativity and leadership in after-dark policy. The Summit will showcase Liverpool’s night-time economy while connecting the city to an influential international network of peers.
Further announcements, including keynote speakers and public-facing events, will be released in the coming months.
Contact
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
Nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk