Mapping The UK’s Festival Business

More than 500 commercial music festivals take place in the UK and contribute £864 million to the British economy, according to a “festival map” unveiled by UK Music.

It’s produced the Great British Music Festivals map with tourist organisation Visit Britain as part of its “Music is GREAT” campaign.

UK Music chief exec Jo Dipple says she knows most people visiting the UK this summer have come for the Olympic Games and therefore “won’t have the time to visit one of our great festivals,” but hopes they’ll be moved to come back and visit one in 2013.

“The map clearly shows the strength and diversity of the festivals on offer, with all tastes catered for – it is clear to see why people travel from all over the world to enjoy what we offer,” she said.

UK Music, an umbrella organisation representing the collective interests of the UK’s commercial music industry, had help with the research from the Association Of Independent Festivals, the Concert Promoters Association and the Association Of Festival Organisers.

“Independent festivals are growing year on year,” said CODA agent Rob Challice, an AIF board member and member of the UK Live Music Group. “I am glad that this map shows exactly how strong the festival scene is and how much the UK has to offer.”