A new UK festival data map has been launched, mapping more than 850 festivals taking place in England, Wales and Scotland in 2024, where music is a vital part of entertainment.
The free, open UK music festival resource is designed to update and help the industry count festivals, artists plan tours and fans discover new events in their area.
Commissioned by Steve Heap, the retiring general secretary of the Association of Festival Organizers, with Enhanced IF and livea UK festival data tool created by Chris Carey of FastForward Events, with funding from the Events Industry Forum (main funder) and LIVE (supporter).
Launched on the 14thth In January 2025, content on the EIF website will be monitored and updated by the Fast Forward Events team for the first three months, before its maintenance will be handed over to the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) for ongoing maintenance.
Steve Shipp “When I retire, after 38 years managing the AFO, I want to leave behind answers to questions that are often asked by local and national governments, media, artists, agents and managers.
“How many music festivals are there?”
“This is first and foremost the answer and the basis for ongoing data collection within the festival industry.”
As there is no comparable data set for 2023, this should not be mistaken as an improvement in the unstable and fragile UK festival ecosystem, nor should it distract from the already reported festival closures in 2024 and 2025.
The study covers a range of small and regional events and multi-arts activities that may not be captured by other studies more specifically focused on music festivals.
The aim is to provide as comprehensive a picture as possible of all UK festivals where music is a key part of the event. The definition of a holiday can be difficult to pin down and varies by industry. To be eligible for inclusion in the study, an event had to feature four or more performances on one or more days.
Chris Carey, founder of FastForward Eventsexplain
“As well as considering the wide variety of music festivals in the UK, we hope this work will help artists discover venues to play and plan tours. For fans, we hope they will be able to discover festivals in their favorite parts of the country and attend New events for 2025.”
The online platform includes corrections and additions forms, inviting festivals to register for 2025 dates and providing for any corrections and cancellations, resulting in the most complete set of data on festivals in England, Wales and Scotland for 2025 and beyond.
Jon Collins CEO Live said: “Live music in the UK often lacks reliable data when it comes to establishing our value, size and makeup. This can limit our ability to effectively represent the industry to policymakers and the media. A fundamental issue we have long sought answers to The issue is finally addressed in this study. Having comprehensive and up-to-date information on the size and nature of the UK festival industry will fill a significant gap in our messaging. Thanks to Steve and Chris for putting this information together and publishing it. public domain”.
John Rostron Chief Executive Officer AIF Said: “It’s great to see Steve and Chris’ work coming online, bringing attention to so many festivals across the UK. I’m also relieved that they will be dealing with the adjustments and changes that will be made over the next three months and then will The map is handed over to the Independent Festivals Association and we will then ensure it is free for everyone to access.
“This will be an incredibly valuable tool that researchers, audiences, suppliers and others can use to learn about the festival industry, and a great legacy gift from Steve to the industry he loved.”
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