Festival attendances to drop in 2012

It has been reported that festival attendances are set to drop significantly in 2012, according to new research from YouGov, Music Week has reported.

The SixthSense Music Festival report suggests that only 51 per cent of previous festival-goers (those who have attended at least one festival in the past) are planning on going to a music festival this year. Furthermore, the research revealed that 39 per cent of those previous attendees surveyed now go to fewer festivals due to the current economic climate.

However, while 45 per cent of UK festival-goers say that the recession has not impacted on the number of festivals they attend each year, only five per cent believe they represent value for money.

Commenting on the findings from the report James McCoy, research director for YouGov SixthSense, said: “While financial constraints may curtail the number going to festivals this year, factors within the industry itself should also be taken into account. For instance, the absence of a Glastonbury Festival is particularly significant. It’s the flagship UK music festival and the most visible expression of festival culture, occupying a key place in the UK psyche.”

The report was conducted from findings of an online survey conducted November 18-28th 2011 with a total sample size was 1114 UK adults aged 16+ who have been to at least one music festival in the past.