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Financial pressures on festivals ‘causing unsafe working conditions’

Arts Professional
2 min read

Increased financial pressure on some UK festivals has been linked to concerns over safety and sanitation experienced by crew members, according to the performing arts union Bectu.

A survey by Bectu into the experiences of 100 music festival workers found that half of respondents said they felt unsafe at work. One in three said they had experienced a risk to their physical safety.

Production staff, including sound and lighting engineers, set builders and stage management, reported being asked to work 18-hour days, sleeping in camp areas without beds or drinking water and having to use overflowing toilet facilities.

Head of Bectu, Philippa Childs, told The Guardian the sector is becoming like the “wild west”.

“I’m used to hearing about difficult working conditions from across the creative industries, but some of this is extremely concerning,” she said.

“Pre-pandemic, the number of festivals was only going in one direction: more days, more work, and lots of people were keen to attend. Post-pandemic festivals have struggled.”

“I do have sympathy, but fundamental health and safety issues have got to be addressed and shouldn’t form a huge cost, they should actually be part of running a great festival.”

The Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) said that in 2024, 78 music festivals were cancelled or postponed, predicting that the sector could lose between 40 and 50 festivals in 2025.

In response to Bectu’s findings, AIF CEO John Rostron said: “These conditions aren’t ones we recognise or condone at AIF. Festival freelancers are the largest part of our workforce – so we’re very attuned to their needs and problems. We always want to offer ways to help support this valued part of our sector.”