Number of British acts playing at festivals in Europe plummets after Brexit

• The number of British music acts performing at major European festivals has significantly decreased since Brexit, with an average fall of a quarter compared to pre-Brexit levels (2017-2019).
• Analysis of four major festivals, including Benicassim, Lollapalooza, Rock en Seine, and Roskilde, revealed Benicassim experienced the largest drop, with 58 per cent fewer British acts.
• Industry leaders and musicians, including Elton John, have highlighted that increased paperwork, red tape, and costs are creating a “logistical nightmare” for touring artists.
• Organisations like Best for Britain, the Independent Society of Musicians, and UK Music warn that these barriers are damaging opportunities for artists, impacting the UK’s £7.6bn music industry, and diminishing its cultural influence.
• There are urgent calls for the government to address these challenges and work with European partners to implement solutions, with Labour’s manifesto also committing to sorting out issues for touring musicians.

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Number of British acts at European music festivals plummets since Brexit