The State of Independents: Carving Their Own Paths
While consolidation continues across the festival business, Europe’s independents continue to carve their own paths
Feature By James Drury | 5 January 2026
For all the noise around consolidation, global deals, and the rise of stadium spectaculars, Europe’s independent festivals remain the sector’s beating heart. They nurture new talent, bring creative risk to the landscape, and stay stubbornly close to their audiences.
But in 2025, independence is looking increasingly difficult.
From booking challenges to spiralling costs and unpredictable weather, many indie events are operating on thinner margins, within narrower windows, and with deeper personal commitment than ever before.
Sunny Hill Festival –…
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