The large numbers of outdoor music festivals set in smaller communities throughout northern Europe seem to be having a tough time. Many were created in the later 1980’s or ‘90’s by young, local pioneers whose original idea was to present “their” type of (rock) music, and typically found a camp ground or farmer’s field in the city outskirts to set up their event.
They typically never really achieved the full support of (older) community leaders, and had to fight public resentment. Still, they grew their festival, resulting in an annual boost in local retail sales, and found that they contributed greatly to the town or area’s self esteem and brand.
Now, competition between festivals has grown, and the cost of artists has increased greatly since touring has become a primary income source for many artists. In spite of increased ticket prices, festivals are struggling. Yet many communities have a hard time imagining themselves without the festival, and local politicians and common residents now voice a previously unexpressed interest in their local music festivals.
The Hove Festival in Norway, and the Langeland Festival in Denmark, are just two amongst several music festivals that are now in need of financial support from their host communities.
The Hove Festival, which recently recently featured names such as The Raconteurs, Babyshambles og Band Of Horses, has filed bankruptcy, but the city, one of several creditors, has opted to void a claim of more than 4 mio. NKR in order to sustain the festival. The city, as well as the festival, now hope that other creditors are willing to reduce their claims by 35% to ensure next year’s festival. Yet it seems that a small invoice from the neighbouring Quart Festival, covering the use of some fences, may stand in the way, as the Quart Festival is not likely to reduce its claim at all; illustrating the fierce competition between the two festivals.
The local city also stepped in when the Langeland Festival – also named “Denmark’s Greatest Garden Party” – was facing a debt of DKK 11 mio.. The city has now signed a marketing agreement with the festival organiser, realising that the annual festival represents a turnover of DKK 40-50 mio. to stores, campgrounds, tour operators, and other local businesses.
