BDKV Situation Report: Rising costs are increasing the financial pressure on festivals

In a management report published at the end of May, the German Association of the Concert and Event Industry (BDKV) highlights the growing cost burden facing the festival sector. Whilst ticket prices have risen since the end of the pandemic, production costs for infrastructure, staff and regulatory requirements have increased much more significantly. This is making financial planning increasingly challenging for many organisers.

The success of festivals is increasingly being decided at short notice. At the same time, the high price sensitivity of visitors makes it difficult to pass on increased costs to end customers.

This development is particularly relevant for festival planners, sponsors and service providers. Tight budgets are increasing the financial risk across the entire value chain. At the same time, the use of fair secondary market platforms to combat ticket fraud is becoming increasingly important.