Why Live Music Festivals Need Us More Than Ever

With Glastonbury about to light up Worthy Farm once again, I’ve been thinking about the bigger picture—beyond the Pyramid Stage. While the headlines will soon be buzzing with surprise guests, wild weather, and viral moments, there’s a quieter story unfolding across the UK festival scene. And it’s not quite as euphoric.

A surprising number of festivals have been cancelled this year—some quietly, some with heartfelt public statements that read more like eulogies. Rising costs, insurance headaches, licensing hurdles, and the never-ending unpredictability of our British weather have left many independent organisers fighting to stay afloat. For every Glasto that sells out in seconds, there are dozens of brilliant grassroots events struggling to break even, or simply calling it a day.

As someone who photographs creativity for a living—and lives for the electric moments where music and people collide—this hits hard. Festivals are more than just a party in a field. They’re places where ideas form, friendships start, and new sounds find their audience. They give photographers, performers, tech crews, and stallholders work. They feed local economies. They feed us.

But it’s not all doom and drizzle. Some festivals are still thriving thanks to passionate teams, loyal audiences, and a refusal to give up. Shout out to Brit Fest 2025, which is shaping up to be one of the boldest new music festivals on the calendar. And closer to home, Loopfest 2026 is already drumming up excitement with a stellar reputation for quality, community and atmosphere.

So if you love live music, art, street food, or just dancing in a field with strangers—support your local or favourite festival however you can. Buy a ticket early. Share their posts. Volunteer. Tell a mate. Every bit of support matters.

Because without us, they can’t do it. And without them, we lose more than a weekend out—we lose something vital.