European Festival Report 2024 out now

The European Festival Report (EFR) 2024, a packed annual summary of the biggest trends, happenings, and initiatives on the continent’s festival scene, is out now.

The third edition of the annual publication from IQ and festival association Yourope, the EFR is available to read online for free.

This indispensable guide to the European festival business includes discussion of the most pressing issues, analysis of challenges for 2024, priorities for the future, and key information on health, safety and sustainability.

With insights from promoters of festivals of all sizes and across the sector, this is the most up-to-date guide to a fundamental part of European cultural life.

“We are in the midst of a period of significant change for festivals,” says European Festival Report editor James Drury. “Audience behaviour and demands, especially among younger attendees, are changing rapidly; the continuing rise of stadium shows; inflation across the board while ticket prices have to be kept under control; headliner fees rising to near unaffordable levels – are all signs that this is a time of transition. Yet, as futurologist Max Thinius told the European Festival Summit (EFS) in Karlsruhe this November: ‘The future doesn’t just happen – we shape it’.

“We are in the midst of a period of significant change for festivals”

“So, this third edition of the European Festival Report will again share information and inspiration that will demonstrate the power of working together in these changing times. This year, we have a special focus on DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion). There are pages packed with information about how you can ensure your events are welcoming to everyone, plus links to even more advice online. Attracting more diverse audiences and broader lineups is not only commercially sensible but also the right thing to do. As Thinius advised the EFC delegation, ‘Don’t just think, ‘How can I make my festival future-proof?’ also think, ‘How can I positively shape the future for others with my festival?’”

The European Festival Report 2024 contains:

• Results of the European Festival Survey, with input from hundreds of festivals
• A review of the 2024 festival year across the continent
• In depth Q&As with festival pros including Chokri Massahine (Pukkelpop), Gill Tee (Black Deer), Marta Pallarès (Primavera Sound), Mikko Niemelä (Ruisrock), Janina Zeller and Karen Jessen (FKP Scorpio) and Dušan Kovačević (EXIT)
• The latest sustainability initiatives and practical advice
• Advice on how to overcome the challenges booking headliners
• Vital health and safety topics
• A look back at successes, common challenges and solutions

The European Festival Report is a project of Future Fit Festivals, co-funded by the EU.

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