Financial pressure grows for Dutch venues

The Association of Dutch Pop Venues and Festivals (VNPF) is calling for increased subsidies after financial losses grew across the Netherlands’ venue sector despite rising attendances.

The trade body’s newly published financial  report showed that 6.9 million visitors flocked to the 30,831 performances in the country last year – an 8% upturn on 2023 – although the trend was not consistent across the board. In total, 64% of the 59 venues surveyed saw an increase in attendance and 36% witnessed a decrease.

Revenues rose by 12% to €253.1 million, but total expenditure was up 14% to €255.3m, with more than half of venues reporting losses.

“While ticket sales and hospitality revenues are increasing, they are not keeping pace with rising costs,” warns the VNPF. “Programme costs increased by 17% in 2024, and personnel costs by…

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