The Disappearing Act: Why Independent Festivals Like GemFest Matter More Than Ever

As of early 2025, the UK has seen over 200 independent festivals disappear since 2019 – and more than 70 closures or cancellations were recorded in the past 12 months alone (Mixmag).

The Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) has warned that dozens more could vanish this year if action isn't taken soon (AIF).

These closures are not isolated events – they’re symptoms of a deeper crisis fuelled by:

• Rising operational costs: Infrastructure and staging expenses have increased by as much as 30%, while average ticket prices have only risen 15%, making it harder for independent festivals to break even (The Guardian).

• Post-pandemic debt: Many organisers are still paying off financial losses from the COVID-19 years, without the safety nets available to larger corporations.

• Brexit and red tape: Import costs, visa requirements, and supply chain delays have added even more strain (The Guardian).

• The cost of living crisis: For many young people and families, festivals have become a luxury they simply can’t afford — and that’s hurting ticket sales across the board (NPR).

Why This Matters

Independent festivals are more than just summer getaways. They:

• Support local economies and small businesses

• Provide paid opportunities for young creatives

• Champion emerging talent and grassroots music scenes

• Offer safe, structured, and inclusive environments for young people

When these festivals disappear, communities lose more than music — they lose moments of connection, pride, and shared culture.

A Better Way Forward

The AIF is calling for immediate support, including a temporary VAT reduction on festival tickets from 20% to 5%, to help struggling organisers stay afloat. Without action, more closures are inevitable.

This is where GemFest 2025 stands apart. Tickets remain just £80, proving that it’s possible to deliver a full-scale festival experience without pricing out the very people it was built for.

In a time when opportunities for young people are shrinking and independent culture is under threat, GemFest represents a rare and much-needed alternative — accessible, community-focused, and proudly independent.