The revenue of British festivals such as Glastonbury has plummeted since the start of the pandemic. Getty Images
The revenue of British festivals such as Glastonbury has plummeted since the start of the pandemic. Getty Images
The revenue of British festivals such as Glastonbury has plummeted since the start of the pandemic. Getty Images
The revenue of British festivals such as Glastonbury has plummeted since the start of the pandemic. Getty Images

UK music industry demands action to save summer festivals


Paul Peachey
  • English
  • Arabic

The British music industry is seeking government help to get major live events staged this summer.

The Covid-19 pandemic resulted in a 90 per cent drop in revenue for festivals in 2020, with fears of job losses for half of the 200,000 workforce.

Industry body UK Music called for a government-backed insurance scheme as part of a blueprint published on Tuesday.

It also called for grants and tax relief to get the sector back in business as soon as possible.

Officials said the industry – with a pre-Covid contribution to the economy of £5.8 billion ($7.9bn) annually – could play a vital role in galvanising the UK's recovery but that it needed time and support to prepare.

The pandemic came after a boom year for festivals, with visitor numbers up 6 per cent to 5.2 million in 2019.

"Government is rolling out the vaccine and is openly speculating about returning to normal by the spring," chief executive of UK Music Jamie Njoku-Goodwin said.

"But there is a serious risk that even if this proves to be a reality, lack of notice and available insurance options will mean much of the 2021 summer music season can’t go ahead."

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Khalifa Mubarak (24) An accomplished centre-back, the Al Nasr defender’s progress has been hampered in the past by injury. With not many options in central defence, he would bolster what can be a problem area.

Ali Salmeen (22) Has been superb at the heart of Al Wasl’s midfield these past two seasons, with the Dubai club flourishing under manager Rodolfo Arrubarrena. Would add workrate and composure to the centre of the park.

Mohammed Jamal (23) Enjoyed a stellar 2016/17 Arabian Gulf League campaign, proving integral to Al Jazira as the capital club sealed the championship for only a second time. A tenacious and disciplined central midfielder.

Khalfan Mubarak (22) One of the most exciting players in the UAE, the Al Jazira playmaker has been likened in style to Omar Abdulrahman. Has minimal international experience already, but there should be much more to come.

Jassim Yaqoub (20) Another incredibly exciting prospect, the Al Nasr winger is becoming a regular contributor at club level. Pacey, direct and with an eye for goal, he would provide the team’s attack an extra dimension.

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Planes grounded by coronavirus

British Airways: Cancels all direct flights to and from mainland China 

Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific: Cutting capacity to/from mainland China by 50 per cent from Jan. 30

Chicago-based United Airlines: Reducing flights to Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong

Ai Seoul:  Suspended all flights to China

Finnair: Suspending flights to Nanjing and Beijing Daxing until the end of March

Indonesia's Lion Air: Suspending all flights to China from February

South Korea's Asiana Airlines,  Jeju Air  and Jin Air: Suspend all flights

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  • George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets