Consolidation and the ‘balance of power’: Agents and festivals on independence in 2026

Speaking at the International Festival Forum this week, leading sector figures discussed how festivals can grow in scale while preserving independence

News By Ciaran Donnelly | 9 September 2026

R-L: Jess Kinn, Giannis Paltoglou, Charly Beedell-Tuck, Kem Lalot © @mosdrew

Consolidation in the festival sector has “changed the balance of power” in the industry, according to leading agents and festivals speaking at the International Festival Forum in London this week.

Speaking on a panel titled ‘Beyond Consolidation: How Festivals, Artists and Independent Agencies Can Thrive Together’, hosted by Roam Artist’s Jess Kinn, Solo agent Charly Beedell-Tuck, Hellfest’s Kem Lalot, and Ejekt Festival’s Giannis Paltoglou told industry figures that the question of whether festivals can grow and preserve their independence comes…

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