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
The European Festival Awards Presents The 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award to Ewald Tatar
With the 15th edition of the European Festival Awards set to take place on January 14th in Groningen, The Netherlands the European Festival Awards is proud to announce that this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award will go to Ewald Tatar.
He is one of the most respected and influential figures in the Austrian Music industry with a career that started as DJ and simply a fan of music. He has been involved in running some of Austria's biggest and most legendary festivals like Nova Rock, FM4 Frequency, Forestglade, Clam Rock, Lovely Days or Butterfly Dance! and has brought the biggest names in music to the biggest stadiums and stages in Austria. Ewald Tatar has been responsible for some of the most important headline shows all over Austria by the likes of the Rolling Stones, Prince, Lady Gaga, Bon Jovi, Robbie Williams, Ed Sheeran, Selena Gomez, Guns N’ Roses, Miley Cyrus or Imagine Dragons. Ewald Tatar was also a key figure in bringing Ed Sheeran to Eastern Europe or The Rolling Stones to Warsaw.
Even more impressive than his resume in the music industry is his charitable work. Together with his team and the charity organisation Volkshilfe he organized Voices for Refugees in 2015, a free concert in solidarity with refugees that was attended by 100’000 visitors. In 2022, a sold-out stadium show at Ernst-Happel-Stadion in Vienna called We Stand With Ukraine generated record high donations for war-torn Ukraine. Ewald Tatar and his team are setting the standards for music, entertainment and charity work in Austria, which was also honoured with the induction into the Austrian Hall of Fame.
Congratulations to Ewald Tatar and thank you for dedicating your professional life and beyond to the Austrian music industry, bringing people together and the music industry in general!
The award show is rapidly approaching. In a month, the European festival scene will be gathering at De Oosterpoort in Groningen to celebrate and recognise the festival season 2025. All other winners in 13 categories are to be unveiled on January 14th, 2025.
During the award show, we’ll welcome three up and coming artists on stage. The first one is Dutch indie folk duo Sarah Julia. Their songs transform love, loss, and longing into something quietly luminous. They are also nominated for the Music Moves Europe Awards on January 15th. Secondly, Irish singer/songwriter Dove Ellis will perform at the European Festival Awards. His writing goes from soft acoustic ballads to hammering bass lines to visceral, ambient soundscapes – all kept tight and cohesive behind his high tenor croon. Finally, Carpetman from Ukraine will present his combination of electronic beats, ambient and echoing vocals. The mysterious young singer, hidden behind the mask of a carpet has also been nominated for the Music Moves Europe Awards, the EU prize for emerging European artists.
Tickets for the Award Ceremony, set to take place on January 14th, 2026 at De Oosterpoort in Groningen, The Netherlands are on sale. There are two different options:
PREMIUM TICKETS (€80):
8.15pm – 8.30pm: Welcome Drink
8.30pm – 9.45pm: Sit down dinner with a selected variety of shared dinner plates, incl. drinks
9.45pm – 11.30pm: European Festival Awards ceremony
00.00am – 2.00am: Aftershow Party with DJ Mini (FIN), Location: Tuinfoyer – De Oosterpoort
TRIBUNE TICKETS (€25):
A tribune seat at the Award Ceremony (dinner and drinks excluded)
9.45pm – 11.30pm: European Festival Awards Ceremony
00.00am – 2.00am: Aftershow Party with DJ Mini (FIN), Location: Tuinfoyer – De Oosterpoort
Contact:
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
Shortlisted Nominees For The European Festival Awards 2025 Unveiled
With the 15th edition of the European Festival Awards set to take place on January 14th in Groningen, The Netherlands the European Festival Awards is proud to announce the shortlists for 13 of the ceremony’s categories. For this year, festivals from over 30 countries participated and 300’000 single votes have been cast by the public. This results in 104 shortlisted nominees in 13 distinct categories, not counting the Lifetime Achievement Award, which will be announced separately in the coming days.
We’d like to extend a huge thank you to all of those who applied, voted and otherwise participated in the Awards this year.
Tickets for the Award Ceremony, set to take place on January 14th, 2026 at De Oosterpoort in Groningen, The Netherlands are on sale. There are two different options:
PREMIUM TICKETS (€80):
8.15pm – 8.30pm: Welcome Drink
8.30pm – 9.45pm: Sit down dinner with a selected variety of shared dinner plates, incl. drinks 9.45pm – 11.30pm: European Festival Awards ceremony
00.00am – 2.00am: Aftershow Party with DJ Mini (FIN), Location: Tuinfoyer – De Oosterpoort
TRIBUNE TICKETS (€25):
A tribune seat at the Award Ceremony (dinner and drinks excluded)
9.45pm – 11.30pm: European Festival Awards Ceremony
00.00am – 2.00am: Aftershow Party with DJ Mini (FIN), Location: Tuinfoyer – De Oosterpoort
Now, without further ado, here are the shortlists:
Best Major Festival
Presented by: See Tickets
Colours of Ostrava, CZ
Electric Castle, RO
Exit Festival, RS
Mad Cool Festival, ES
Paléo Festival Nyon, CH
Pinkpop Festival, NL
Rock for People, CZ
Rock Werchter, BE
Summer Breeze Open Air,
DE Sziget Festival, HU
Best Medium-Sized Festival
Presented by: Access All Areas
Azkena Rock Festival, ES
Codru Festival, RO
Dauwpop, NL
Greenfield Festival, CH
Mystic Festival, PL
OpenAir St.Gallen, CH
Orange Warsaw Festival, PL
Pohoda Festival, SK
Sea Star Festival, HR
Sunny Hill Festival, XK
Best Small Festival
Week-end au bord de l'eau Festival, CH
Arsenal Fest, RS
BOtanique, IT
D Festival, MK
Dynamo Metalfest, NL
Jazz in the Park, RO
Maifeld Derby, DE
Seaside Festival, CH
Sofia Live Festival, BG
Stars in Town, CH
The Green Operations Award
Presented by: GO Group
Boom Festival, PT
Øyafestivalen, NO
Roskilde Festival, DK
Štěrkovna Open Music, CZ
Valley of Arts, HU
The Event Safety Award
Presented by: YES Group
Pinkpop, Down The Rabbit Hole, North Sea Jazz & Lowlands, NL Rocco del Schlacko, DE
Rock for People, CZ
Roskilde Festival, DK
The Brand Activation Award
Bilbao BBK Live x Repsol, ES
Lowlands x Bol, NL
Mighty Hoopla x Milkshake Festival x DHL, UK/NL
Øyafestivalen x Unicef, NO
Pinkpop x Libresse, NL
UNTOLD x Visa, RO
The Take a Stand Award
Presented by: Take a Stand
Boom Festival, PT
Øyafestivalen, NO
Pohoda Festival, SK
Sziget Festival, HU
Way Out West, SE
New Kid on the Block 2025
Attila Ernhaft (Valley Of Arts), HU
Kristína Mlynárová (Pohoda Festival), SK
Tudor Tataru (Untold), RO
Line-Up of the Year
Presented by: IQ Magazine
Hellfest, FR Lowlands, NL
Mad Cool Festival, ES
Open’er Festival, PL
Øyafestivalen, NO
Primavera Sound, ES
Pukkelpop, BE
Rock Werchter, BE
Sziget Festival, HU
Way Out West, SE
Promoter of the Year
Presented by: Pollstar
Alter Art, PL
Arcadia Live, AT
Barracuda, AT
EXIT Festival, RS
FKP Scorpio, DE
Friendly Fire, NL
Pohoda Festival, SK
Rock for People, CZ
Sziget Cultural Management, HU
Tomorrowland, NL
Newcomer of the Year
Presented by: ESNS
Addison Rae, US
BUNT., DE
CMAT, IE
Fcukers, US
Kneecap, IE
Lola Young, UK
MJ Lenderman, US
Royel Otis, AU
Sombr, US
Zaho de Sagazan, FR
Agent of the Year
Adele Slater, Wasserman Music
Alex Hardee, Wasserman Music
Chris Ibbs, CAA
David Bradley, WME
Geoff Meall, Wasserman Music J
ames Whitting, Wasserman Music
Jules De Lattre, UTA
Kiki Ressler, KKT Berlin
Ryan Penty, Wasserman Music
Steve Zapp, ITB
The Award for Excellence and Passion
Beatrice Stirnimann, Baloise Session, CH
Chokri Mahassine, Pukkelpop, BE
Cindy Castillo, Mad Cool, ES
Claire O'Neill, A Greener Future UK
Emily Eavis, Glastonbury Festival, UK
Greg Parmley, ILMC, UK
Henrik Bondo Nielsen, Roskilde Festival, DK
Ivan Milivojev & Dušan Kovačević & Bojan Bošković, Exit Festival, RS
James Barton, Superstruct Entertainment, UK
Stephan Thanscheidt, FKP Scorpio Germany, DE
YOUROPE - The European Festival Association
Contact:
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
AGF Awards International Venues With Greener Arena Certification
Arenas from across the globe have demonstrated their commitment to sustainability in 2025 by achieving AGF’s Greener Arena Certification. Recipients include Ancienne Belgique, Brussels (BE), Co-op Live, Manchester (UK), M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool (UK) and AsiaWorld-Expo (HK).
Receiving certification for a fourth time are Forest Green Rovers FC, “the world's greenest football club,” according to the UN. For the third time Glasgow’s OVO Hydro, (the first-ever arena to obtain the certification in 2021). For the second time London’s ABBA Voyage are also certified.
AGF (A Greener Future) is a not-for-profit dedicated to making the global event sector greener. To be certified, venues undertake a thorough assessment using the AGF Framework with self-assessment, site visits, and post-event evidence submitted to AGF’s assessors for an independent auditors’ report. The AGF Framework includes 11 key themes, including local environments, community, travel, food, energy, water, waste, EDI, and governance.
Arenas making the grade in 2025:
Greener Arena certification – Outstanding
Forest Green Rovers FC’s The New Lawn, Stroud (UK)
Greener Arena certification – Highly Commended
Co-op Live, Manchester (UK)
M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool (UK)
Greener Arena certification – Commended
OVO Hydro, Glasgow (UK)
Greener Arena certifications – Improvers
ABBA Voyage (UK)
Ancienne Belgique, Brussels (BE)
AO Arena, Manchester (UK)
AsiaWorld-Expo (HK)
P&J Live, Aberdeen (UK)
Claire O’Neill, CEO, AGF said: “Venues are the backbone of the live indoor sector and touring circuit. The more venues that take sustainability seriously, the more artists have a song sheet to sing from that connects with their values and perpetuates a greener event sector for everyone. Hats off to the greener arenas and venues who made the grade in 2025.”
Dane Vince, Forest Green Rovers CEO said: "We are proud to receive this Outstanding Greener Arena award, as we strive to lead the way with innovative and sustainable solutions, in line with our mission as the worlds greenest football club. As an environmental conscious business, we aim to inspire and educate more organisations to help protect the planet and be part of a Green Britain."
Eddie Dos Santos, Director of Operations and Venue Management at the ACC Liverpool Group, said: “To see the M&S Bank Arena recognised alongside other leaders in sustainability is incredibly rewarding. Our journey has been rooted in making meaningful, measurable change - whether that’s rethinking how we power our events, reducing waste at scale, or working closely with our audiences and partners to protect our local environment. Earning this accreditation reinforces that our approach is working, and it motivates us to keep pushing further. We’re proud to represent Liverpool in this movement and to show that venues like ours can set a positive example for the industry.”
Sara Tomkins, Sustainability & CSR Director, Co-op Live: “We are delighted to see Co-op Live’s focus on giving back to the planet recognised by A Greener Future, testament to the innovative efforts placed in our design, supply chain, and daily operations. Sustainability sits at the very heart of the venue, leading industry-wide conversation on reducing the live entertainment industry’s carbon footprint. We continue to encourage ourselves, our friends, partners, and peers to strive for meaningful positive impact, and indeed a better future."
A certification ceremony will take place as a part of the International AGF Awards 2026 ceremony, which is held during the Green Events & Innovations (GEI18) Conference, in partnership with the International Live Music Conference (ILMC), on 24th February in London.
Arenas who achieve certification are automatically nominated for the International AGF Awards. The event is sponsored by Skydiamond and will feature the most innovative and green-aspiring global events, venues, organisations, and individuals from the last 12 months. Awards include the International Greener Festival Award, supported by Earth Positive Future, the Greener Power Award, supported by GeoPura, and the Greener Arena Award. The shortlist of nominees will be announced in January.
Last year’s roll call included 34 nominees from 14 countries, with nine taking home one of the prestigious awards.
There are more arenas, festivals, and events currently completing their assessments, which will be announced in due course. Applications for 2026 assessments are open. Find out more information and apply here.
Notes to Editors:
About AGF Certification
AGF Certification has 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/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 environmental impact 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 world’s 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
Music Ambassadors Tour 2025: Bearing Witness to War and Cultural Defiance in Ukraine - From the Traces of Destruction to the Revival of Tradition
On December 15-18, 2025, the Ukrainian Association of Music Events (UAME) and its Music Saves Ukraine initiative will hold the third edition of the Music Ambassadors Tour — an international cultural diplomacy initiative that brings leading representatives of the European music industry to Ukraine to show them the role that culture plays in a country living through war. The impact from the first two editions, held in 2022 and 2024, can still be felt now as its participants have become Ukraine’s ambassadors within the music world — loud voices, which can be heard across festivals and professional events, rallying support for the rebuilding of Ukrainian culture and highlighting Ukrainian voices.
During the tour, international guests together with the UAME team will explore Kyiv and travel to the north and the south of Ukraine. For security reasons, the exact routes and locations are not disclosed. The purpose of the journey is to allow participants to witness the contrasting reality in which Ukrainian culture currently finds itself: between spaces where it has been deliberately targeted and physically destroyed by the invaders and spaces where it is defiantly nurtured and restored by Ukrainians despite the challenges war brings.
In the south, the guests will see with their own eyes the destruction brought to communities, their music schools and cultural institutions in an attempt to erase the platforms where the future musicians, educators and cultural leaders are born. Today, many of them remain without infrastructure, instruments and means to continue to educate. These ruins represent not only physical destruction but, above all, a targeted attempt to erase cultural continuity and national identity. At the same time, it will be seen how UAME|Music Saves Ukraine, together with ambassadors from previous tours, helped these music schools by telling their stories and providing them with new instruments and educational materials, giving at least some hope and relief to young music students and teachers, who bravely pursue cultural growth no matter what.
In the north, the team will show how Ukrainians counteract this onslaught on culture and rediscover, preserve and revive Ukrainian music tradition - from the living practice of crafting traditional musical instruments to the work of cultural practitioners who document and recover fragments of lost musical memory. It is not about folklore as a museum artefact, but a living tradition that continues to shape identity even amidst war.
At the end of the journey, a networking event will be held in Kyiv where the participants will meet Ukraine’s cultural community and music professionals, take part in discussion panels where they will share their impressions while discussing how, with joint effort, culture can become a driving force for rebuilding and positive change.
The tour brings together representatives of music institutions, festivals and professional platforms from across Europe.
Among the confirmed participants are
- Vaidas Stackevičius (Lithuania), CEO of M.P.3 Group and co-founder of the Lithuanian Music Business Association;
- Ivan Milivojev (Serbia), co-founder of EXIT Festival and Exchange Ambassador of Eurosonic Noorderslag;
- Pavla Slívová (Czech Republic), head of booking at Colours of Ostrava;
- Mikko Niemelä (Finland), CEO of Ruisrock Festival;
- Maiju Talvisto (Finland), Executive Director of Our Festival and Co-director of shesaid.so Finland;
- Kristīne Kleina (Latvia), Founder of Deep Fried Agency, which specializes in music management and artist development;
- Robbie Tolson (Scotland), social entrepreneur, DJ and founder of Turn The Tables;
- Winston Tifferson (Trinidad & Tobago), Turn The Tables trustee, senior HR/people partner and DJ.
The list of participants is not final and will be expanded further
Music Ambassadors Tour was conceived as a way to speak about Ukraine not through abstract narratives, but through lived experience on the ground and real contact with people who are fighting for their freedom. It highlights the importance of having international voices supporting Ukraine, which drown out the silence that emerges from the destruction brought by war. This is how the team behind the project implements cultural diplomacy: not as a symbolic showcase, but as an experience that continues to reverberate through our international participants, who carry it back to their countries, festivals, institutions and professional environments. An important feature of each tour is the documentary movie, which follows the team and participants on their journey, so that viewers can share this life-changing experience with them.
“We do not want to simply talk about the war. We want the international community to see how war destroys culture — and how, despite everything, culture defies it and continues to resist. This immersive journey makes our guests more than just witnesses; it turns them into real ambassadors of Ukraine,” notes the UAME team.
Importantly, the Music Ambassadors Tour has already resulted in long-term impact beyond the journeys themselves. Thanks to the partnerships and trust built throughout the project, the UAME team has become part of the process of updating music education in Ukraine. Within the framework of the Music Saves Ukraine initiative, music schools across the country received new music instruments and contemporary educational materials. This project was implemented together with the Swiss foundation Culture & Education for Life, which was created by UAME|Music Saves Ukraine ambassador Christof Huber following his participation in Music Ambassadors Tour 2024. In this way, the project has shown how just a single visit to a brave country at war and encounters with brave people fighting for the survival of their country and its culture can leave a lasting impression and inspire the creation of long-term initiatives, which make a real difference in the lives of Ukrainians.
Evolved from a one-time initiative into an element of sustained work aimed at rebuilding and shaping the future of Ukrainian culture.
Follow the tour:
https://www.instagram.com/musicsavesukraine/
Links to visual elements of the tour and photos from previous tours: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Ohhx2f0oFnfLhFo-GtCYmZIRVU8Do8bE?usp=sharing
Watch the documentaries from the first two edition of the project here:
Music Ambassadors Tour 2022 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6olbr0zAUGo)
Music Ambassadors Tour 2024 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGgIXVne2ic)
This project is produced by the Ukrainian Association of Music Events with the support of the Askold and Dir Fund as a part of the Strong Civil Society of Ukraine - a Driver towards Reforms and Democracy project, implemented by ISAR Ednannia, funded by Norway and Sweden. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of UAME and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the Government of Norway, the Government of Sweden and ISAR Ednannia.
Background information
The Ukrainian Association of Music Events (UAME) is a non-governmental organization founded in Kyiv in 2019 by music industry professionals. UAME works to develop Ukraine’s music sector, create an open and sustainable environment for its community, and promote Ukrainian music both nationally and internationally.
Music Saves Ukraine is a charitable initiative launched by UAME on March 1st, 2022 in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Since then, it has been supported by around 100 music events across Europe — from professional music conferences to large-scale festivals — uniting the international music community around supporting Ukraine.
ESNS Festival Line Up Complete For 40th Edition
ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag) announces the final 41 artists from all over Europe that will be playing at Eurosonic and Noorderslag. The music showcase festival celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2026, taking place from January 14 to 17 in Groningen. The complete line-up holds 261 confirmed emerging artists. The selection represents 39 countries, more than ever in the history of ESNS.
Eurosonic line-up complete
With Barbora Hora (cz), Chikiss (by), Dina Jashari (mk), Droom Dit (nl), Etceteral (si), Fauna (se), Flo Naegeli (de), Funky Flamingo Fiasco (md), Goldkimono (nl), Hildá Länsman & Tuomas Norvio (fi), Isak Benjamin (se), Man/Woman/Chainsaw (uk-eng), Mount Palomar (uk-nir), N’famady Kouyaté (UK-Wales), Nusantara Beat (NL), Odhran Murphy (UK-Northern Ireland), Saga Faye (SE), Sofía Gabanna (ES), Susobrino (BE), and YĪN YĪN (NL) complete the Eurosonic line-up, which will be performing from Wednesday to Friday at various venues throughout the city of Groningen.
3FM, FunX, NPO Luister Soul & Jazz
Together with media partners 3FM and FunX, ESNS announces five young artists for Noorderslag: Dylisa (FunX), Fit (3FM), Josua Peter (3FM), Lavils (FunX), and XXJULÍA (3FM). Together, they form the line-up for the talent stage hosted by 3FM, FunX, and Sena.
halfpastseven, JUNO, KAGAMI, Kruidkoek & Joost Oomen, QUANZA, and Sunflower have been confirmed for the NPO Luister Soul & Jazz stage at Noorderslag.
Final names for Noorderslag
Dutch talent Alice Olsthoorn, Fellatio, Frank Arnold, Honey I'm Home, Isabel van Gelder, LUNA, Marilu, Naga Kirana, Politie Warnsveld, and Tom Forever will be performing on the final Saturday of ESNS at De Oosterpoort, completing the Noorderslag line-up.
The Party Committee at Noorderslag
Noorderslag gets off to a good start in 2026. Dutch rapper Donnie opens the festival's Main Hall with a special act, ‘Donnie presents: The Party Committee’. In this show, the biggest Dutch hits of recent years are reviewed, for which the folk rapper invites his musical friends, such as Marco Schuitmaker, Ammar, and Robert van Hemert, onto the stage. With this program, Donnie claims the success of the folk genre in recent years, in which he has played a key role.
Europe Calling
In recent years, ESNS has highlighted individual countries as a focus, but with its new Europe Calling manifesto, the focus shifts to a shared cultural movement. Under this theme, ESNS26 presents a fresh mix of Europe’s most exciting emerging artists. All confirmed artists reflect Europe’s diversity, covering a wide range of genres, languages and cultural roots, from the Arctic North to the Mediterranean and from Central Europe to the vibrant sounds of Eastern Europe. The line-up reflects the full scope of Europe’s thriving music scene.
ESNS26 Tickets
Tickets for ESNS26 are now available. Purchase a Delegate Pass (at a Late rate - rates will go up soon) or a Eurosonic Noorderslag Festival Ticket.
ESNS Delegate Passes include:
- Fast-lane access to 250+ showcases
- Full access to the ESNS Conference
- Networking lounges and hospitality options
- Access the ESNS Delegates Database
- Access ESNS Analytics for up-to-date artist data
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
For more info contact nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
Emma Banks, Ramones producer Craig Leon and Sziget’s Tamás Kádár speaking at ESNS Conference
Topics include activism on stage, corporatization of the music sector, music export and exchange
ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag) announces a new wave of conference highlights for its 40th edition, taking place from January 14 to 17, 2026 in Groningen. None other than music agent and co-head of Global Touring at CAA, Emma Banks, producer Craig Leon, Sziget festival director Tamás Kádár and the Director-General of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), Noel Curran, are attending Europe’s largest music conference.
One hour with Emma Banks
Journalist Lisa Henderson (IQ) invites music agent and Co-Head of Global Touring at Creative Artists Agency (CAA) Emma Banks to the stage for an in-depth keynote conversation about her career, the music industry and the future of live music. Banks is one of the most influential figures in the global live music business. From her early days in London’s agency scene to leading one of the world’s most powerful touring divisions, she is shaping the touring landscape for some of the world’s biggest artists like Red Hot Chili Peppers, Katy Perry, Paramore and Florence & The Machine (to name but a few!).
From Ramones to the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Producer, composer, and arranger Craig Leon comes to ESNS to reflect on his groundbreaking work as a producer for acts like the Ramones. Leon played a pivotal role in shaping the sound and success of artists such as Talking Heads, Blondie, Richard Hell, and Suicide. Exactly fifty years ago, he produced the self-titled debut of the Ramones—a record that would forever redefine the landscape of punk music both in the US and Europe. Expect rare insights into the making of that seminal album, interwoven with behind-the-scenes stories and vivid anecdotes. A masterclass not to be missed.
Sziget, a new chapter
Director of Sziget Festival Tamás Kádár will be attending the ESNS Conference to talk about the growing influence of large ownership structures across the festival scene. Private equity firms, corporate takeovers and big investment groups are increasingly shaping the future of live music. We’ve all heard the stories: artists refusing to play, the unease surrounding companies like KKR and festivals like Sziget forced to quit after acquisition when profit is not high enough. However Kádár is hopeful: “we are fighting for a new chapter of Sziget returning to its independent roots”.
When activism meets polarisation
Activism in music has taken centre stage over the past year and it’s a key theme at the conference in 2026. As the leading expert on polarisation, Bart Brandsma (Inside Polarisation), will explore the correlation between activism and “us versus them” thinking. Understanding these dynamics and the role that activism plays in today’s cultural landscape can lead to more thoughtful conversations and choices about how actively you want to engage.
Director-general of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), Noel Curran will explore the future of public service media and cross-border collaboration in Europe. With a distinguished career spanning leadership roles at Ireland’s national broadcaster RTÉ and an award-winning background in investigative journalism, Curran brings a unique perspective on how media can serve the public good in a rapidly changing landscape.
House of Europe
Located at the heart of the ESNS Conference, House of Europe is the place where different cultures meet and collaborate. European music export offices will bring flavour to the programming, showcasing the best from their regions — from local talent to culinary delights and cultural traditions. European Music Exporters Exchange (EMEE) hosts a session about building bridges through music export and exchange, invitation only.
German Music Export by Initiative Musik invites ESNS delegates to test their knowledge of music “made in Germany”. Meet the German artists performing at ESNS 2026 in short live spotlight sessions, fun interviews, and entertaining quiz rounds. Conference attendees will also discover the new Catalan music scene while sipping on a 30' Cocktail and enjoying Iberian ham, hosted by Catalan Arts and iCat and experience Italy like never before, with Don Pasta’s Food Sound System - Vinyl and Cuisine, presented by Italian Trade Agency, Puglia Sounds, Emilia-Romagna Music Export, Assomusica, Sicily Music Conference and Italian World Music Network.
Bulgarian Music Association, EU NextGeneration and Recovery and Resilience Plan Bulgaria will also bring together artists, managers, festivals, and industry representatives to connect, exchange ideas, and explore opportunities. After the networking reception, prepare for something that can make some of you laugh, but many to cry; the Bulgarian pepper.
Other featured speakers confirmed for ESNS 2026 include:
Bas Dokter (Agents After All), Barbara Vos (Barbara Vos), Bas van Wageningen (bassist DI-RECT), Ben Wynter (Unstoppable Music, Power Up), Brij Gosai (Pollstar), Canan Yurdakul (EBB Music), Claire O’Neill (A Greener Future), Dorian Perron (Groover), Dr Charisse Beaumont (Black Lives in Music), Dylan Heneck (SubmitHub), Eric Skunck (YouTube), Ernst-Jan Pfauth (journalist, schrijver & media pionier), Froukje (artist), Kevin Cole (KEXP), Koos Zwaan (Inholland University of Applied Sciences), Lesley Grieten (Concert at SEA), Ognjen Tomašević (EXIT Festival), Paulina Parvanov (Austrian Music Export), Peter Verkennis (Stichting Bospop), Roisin O’Connor (The Independent), Ruth Barlow (Beggars Group), Saskhia Menendez (Sassy Records LTD), Tim van der Zalm (Labeltje Labeltje), Tirsa Creusen (Pinkpop), Vasil Gjuroski (Tromsø World).
ESNS26 Tickets
Delegate Passes for ESNS26 are now available at a Late rate at ESNS.nl - Rates will go up soon. Purchase a Delegate Pass
ESNS Delegate Passes include:
-Fast-lane access to 250+ showcases
-Full access to the ESNS Conference
-Networking lounges and hospitality options
-Access the ESNS Delegates Database
-Access ESNS Analytics for up-to-date artist data
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:
For more info contact: nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk