Africa Oyé, Liverpool's renowned festival, has announced its cancellation for 2025, becoming the first UK festival to do so. The decision comes amid rising infrastructure and compliance costs, which have increased by 30% or more.

Artistic director Paul Duhaney explains that without major investment to ensure safe delivery of the festival, proceeding would be irresponsible. The organizers hope to return in 2026.

This cancellation adds to the growing list of 211 UK festivals that have ceased operations since 2019. The Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) advocates for reducing VAT on festival tickets from 20% to 5% to help organizers survive financially.

AIF CEO John Rostron highlights that despite strong sales, festival promoters face near-zero margins due to:

• Post-pandemic cost increases
• Brexit impact on the live music sector
• Lack of government support

The AIF represents 145 UK music festivals, ranging from 500 to 80,000 capacity events, collectively reaching over 3.3 million people annually. Notable members include:

• GreenBelt
• Mighty Hoopla
• Deershed
• End of the Road
• Notting Hill Carnival
• Pitchfork London
• Field Maneuvers
• We Out Here

Without government intervention, the UK risks losing more cultural events that serve as community cornerstones.

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