Festivals vendors are struggling with their businesses right now. As a matter of fact, traders are questioning the value of attending festivals as costs rise and events are being canceled. In 2024 only, at least 36 UK festivals were either postponed or shut down, according to the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF). In addition to that, increasing fees and commission demands are squeezing profits of the vendors, making it very difficult to make the experience a success.
Emily Fields, a vendor who runs the Cornwall-based furniture restoration business The Fields, expressed frustration over the fees now imposed by festival organizers, calling them driven by “pure greed.” She noted that her earnings have significantly dwindled, and lamented how festivals have transformed from their earlier days into highly commercialized events. She has been attending festivals since childhood, and the changes she sees now contrast sharply with the more community-focused gatherings of the past.
“They’re now making you use their card payment systems – you pay to rent the card machine, they then take a percentage of your takings and charge for the pitch.”
A spokesperson for Glastonbury Festival stated that their system ensures vendors are fully aware of all costs before arriving at the site. Unlike many other festivals that have switched to a sales-based percentage fee for all traders, Glastonbury continues to charge a fixed fee, which is individually calculated for each stall.
John Rostron, CEO of the Association of Independent Festivals, stated in June that the UK’s festival industry had hit a “regrettable milestone” and urgently needs more government support. He warned that their research indicates around 100 festivals may close by the end of the year, with even more at risk in 2025 if temporary financial aid is not provided.
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H/T : BBC