Festival season ‘still possible despite the cancellation of Glastonbury’

Festival season is ‘still possible’ this year despite Glastonbury Festival being cancelled.

Paul Reed, who is Chief Executive Officer at Association of Independent Festivals, told BBC Breakfast that if the government can ensure festival organisers can access insurance, then there’s a chance that smaller festivals could still go ahead.

‘I will say about Glastonbury that it is a different beast to most festivals and most likely ran out of time due to the size and complexity of the event,’ Paul told hosts Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt.

‘There would have been a need there to commit incredible cost to stage the event.

‘For most festivals, the cut-off point is more likely the end of March, it takes about six to eight months to organise a festival.

‘Many more festivals can be more nimble, however, they are rapidly approaching that point where they need to make a decision about this year.’

‘This is devastating news about Glastonbury,’ Paul continued.

‘Not least for the amount of staff and freelancers and companies involved in delivering the event, but a festival season is still possible for this year if Government act now on insurance.’

He went on to explain that festival organisers are currently struggling to get insurance for Covid-19 related cancellations.

He added: ‘We do need Government to intervene in this issue.’

On Thursday, Glastonbury organisers Michael and Emily Eavis announced that the festival has been cancelled for the second year in a row because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The iconic festival, which attracts around 200,000 revellers each year, was set to begin on June 27.

‘We thank you for your incredible continued support and let’s look forward to better times ahead.’

BBC Breakfast airs daily at 6am on BBC One.

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