At the final panel of this year’s Kontakt titled “The Cradle of the British Festival Industry – Beginnings, Development, and Future,” moderated by Jake Beaumont-Nesbitt from the International Music Managers Forum, distinguished representatives of the British music scene participated, including Chris Tofu MBE from Continental Drifts and Malcolm Haynes from the Star and Garter pub. This event was an exceptional opportunity to delve into the very core of the development of festival culture in the UK, examine current challenges, and trends that will shape its future.
The speakers shared their invaluable experiences from the beginnings of their journey. Chris Tofu took the audience through his early days as a DJ and event organizer, while Malcolm Haynes spoke about his work on projects like Banksy’s Dismaland and the Gumball Rally. Both speakers emphasized how the early days of enthusiasm, innovation, and passion were key to shaping today’s scene.
Commercialization and the Future of Festivals
The discussion soon shifted to issues of commercialization and the challenges the festival industry faces today, such as the dominance of large companies like Live Nation. Tofu and Haynes also touched on the shift in focus from passion-driven festival organization to a profitable model, highlighting the importance of preserving the authenticity and integrity of festivals despite economic pressures.
Innovation and Sustainability as Keys to Success
The panelists emphasized the importance of innovation and adapting to new trends, such as the urbanization of festivals and their sustainability. There was talk of the need for festivals to move closer to cities and use renewable energy sources to minimize their environmental impact.
One of the central themes of the discussion was the role of culture, arts, and other non-musical content in the festival experience. Haynes particularly highlighted the importance of creating unique environments and experiences that transcend traditional musical performances, providing visitors with richer and deeper experiences.
Conclusion: Towards a Future Full of Challenges and Opportunities
The panel “The Cradle of the British Festival Industry – Beginnings, Development, and Future” illuminated how the beginnings of the British festival scene have influenced global festival culture and highlighted the necessity for continuous innovation and adaptation of the industry to new challenges. At a time when the world is facing economic pressures and the need for sustainable solutions, authenticity, creativity, and community remain the key pillars on which the future of the festival industry will be built.
#Kontakt24 Panel Report: Ex-Yu Time Machine through Stories and Records
Eighth KONTAKT Concluded - 20,000 Visitors, 200 Delegates from 7 Countries, Numerous Performances and New Releases Arranged
