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 VAT rate applied to the cultural sector from 9% to 21%.
The big three promoters in the market are Live Nationowned Mojo, FKP Scorpio-owned Friendly Fire, and indie Greenhouse Talent, with Double Vee Concerts and Agents After All also significant players. Wouter de Wilde, MD and head promoter at Greenhouse…
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