​Almost half of UK music fans cut back on buying festival tickets in 2024, study finds

Almost half of the UK’s music fans cut back on buying festival tickets in 2024, according to a new survey by PIRATE.COM.

In a survey conducted by 1,700 festivalgoers in the UK, PIRATE found that 44% of those purchased fewer festival tickets this year, likely due to rising costs and record-high ticket prices.

The survey follows a recent study by The Association of Independent Festivals (AIF), which found that over 40 UK festivals have cancelled their 2024 editions, mostly citing high production costs and low ticket sales.

Read this next: More than 40 UK festivals have been cancelled this summer

“We decided to survey music fans about their festival plans for the year,” PIRATE said. “We spoke to 1,700 festival-goers and found that many of them were cutting back on their ticket spending.”

PIRATE also found that 27% of those surveyed opted out of purchasing festival tickets completely this year, while 47% will still attend “at least two festivals in 2024”.

David Borrie, PIRATE’s CEO, said on the study: “There’s a strong culture among musicians and music fans to support the acts, promoters, and venues they love, whether by buying tickets, merchandise, or records.”

Read this next: "The pressure is too great": Cosmic Roots calls off 2024 edition

“However, with ticket prices being what they are, the scene can’t sustain the festival circuit on its own. Government support is now essential.”

49% of respondents to the survey said that they wouldn’t pay more than £200 for a festival ticket, while 18% said they wouldn’t pay more than £100. PIRATE also found that 29% of those surveyed are choosing to stick with their favourite festivals in 2024, rather than trying new ones.

Read the full study from PIRATE.COM here.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Assistant Editor, follow her on Twitter