Country Profile: The Netherlands

The Dutch live business is facing a number of challenges at the moment that could seriously affect its future.

In July, the Association of Dutch Pop Music Venues and Festivals called for more venue subsidies after a large number of venues reported losses despite attendance numbers rising. The country’s festival sector is also in crisis, with it being reported that by May, 50 festivals had already cancelled.

This followed 100 festivals (mostly sub-10,000 cap) evaporating in 2024. Some relief for the beleaguered sector came with the news in late 2024 that the government was mothballing plans to increase the…