We cannot afford to see a swathe of ‘pre-emptive’ cancellations of festivals that may actually be able to go ahead as this will decimate an already struggling sector. Photo credit: Shutterstock
The announcement that Glastonbury 2021 has been cancelled is yet another blow to the music industry, which has already been one of the worst hit sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many musicians who haven’t been able to perform live since March 2020 and have not been eligible for any Government support were relying on the summer festivals to provide some financial relief.
We were pleased to hear that the Government is considering an insurance scheme for festivals and other live events but we urge them to make an announcement on this as soon as possible.
We cannot afford pre-emptive cancellations
MU Live Performance Organiser Dave Webster says:
“We are bitterly disappointed to hear that Glastonbury has announced it has had to cancel this year’s festival. It is yet another devastating blow to the music industry caused by Covid-19.
“We desperately need clarity from the Government on insurance because a great many other festivals and events are in a very precarious position for 2021. We cannot afford to see a swathe of ‘pre-emptive’ cancellations of festivals that may actually be able to go ahead as this will decimate an already struggling sector.”
Whilst the industry continues to be hard hit by Covid-19, it’s essential that the Government invests in musicians.