The UK’s Culture, Media and Sport Committee has launched a fan-led review of live music policy, and the festival community is already buzzing. An anonymous survey targeting music fans, artists, and festival-goers is gathering on-the-ground insights to tackle ticket prices, venue access, transport, artist support, and more.
This direct call to the fans came alive on r/glastonbury_festival, where users shared concerns and hopes for the future of UK festivals. The conversation zeroed in on several thorny issues:
- Industry consolidation: Many fans worry about Festival Republic and Live Nation’s growing control over UK festivals, fearing homogenization and limited diversity in bookings.
- Cashless policies: The move toward cashless venues is causing accessibility headaches for attendees without digital payment methods.
- Ticketing confusion: Multiple ticket platforms with differing user experiences have fans yearning for streamlined, transparent purchasing processes.
- Value disparities: A wide gulf in cost versus experience between mega festivals and indie events is raising questions about fairness and pricing.
Festival communities widely praised the government’s engagement approach, hopeful it will bring real change—especially with the 2027 Glastonbury festival lineup and policies on the horizon.
Launched officially in June 2025, this review aims to bolster grassroots venues, bolster the broader music scene, and improve live music sustainability by fully integrating fan feedback.
As the survey wraps up, all eyes remain on the Committee to transform these fan insights into action plans that keep UK festivals diverse, accessible, and vibrant for years to come.
Source: r/glastonbury_festival