The festival scene in the UK is facing a challenging time, with vendors bearing the brunt of rising costs and widespread event cancellations. According to the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF), at least 36 UK festivals have been either postponed or canceled in 2024 alone, leaving vendors questioning the viability of their businesses. The escalating fees and commission demands imposed by festival organizers are squeezing profits, making it increasingly difficult for traders to succeed in these environments.
Emily Fields, who runs the Cornwall-based furniture restoration business, The Fields, voiced her frustration with the new fees, describing them as driven by “pure greed.” Fields, a longtime festival-goer, lamented how festivals have shifted from community-focused gatherings to highly commercialized events. “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,” she said, highlighting how these changes have severely impacted her earnings.
While some festivals like Glastonbury maintain a fixed fee for vendors, others have switched to a sales-based percentage fee, further complicating the financial landscape for traders. John Rostron, CEO of the AIF, has called for urgent government support, warning that up to 100 festivals may close by the end of the year if financial aid is not provided.
