Festival Organiser Insurance

Festival Insurance

Here at Graham Sykes Insurance we understand that organising a Festival can be complex, time consuming and frustrating as well as exciting. It is essential that you have the right Festival Insurance to protect you as the organiser from financial loss as well as protecting your customers and employees.

The type and amount of Festival Insurance you may need can varies depending on the nature of the event you are oranising. As a result this can become a distraction that you could do without when you're organising the event, this is where we come in - we're here to help you get the cover you need, at a competitive price and we'll help you through the process to get Festival Insurance that's right for you and your event.

We offer a Festival Insurance policy that caters for events of most types and most sizes.  So, whatever the type of Festival you are organsiing we can help, from 'Book Festival to Beer Festival' we can arrange a policy for you. Our highly experienced team are also here to take your call and give you a quote over the phone, just give us a call at 01395 255100.

Festivals in the UK

Since 1970, the landscape of festivals in the United Kingdom has undergone significant transformation, reflecting broader social, cultural, and technological changes. The post-war era's burgeoning countercultural movements found expression in various music and arts festivals that began to proliferate across the UK, establishing a legacy that continues to influence the festival scene today.

One of the most iconic festivals to emerge during this period was the Glastonbury Festival, which held its first event in 1970. Inspired by the ethos of the 1960s counterculture, Glastonbury combined music, arts, and a strong sense of community. It rapidly grew in popularity, becoming a staple of the British summer and a global symbol of festival culture. Glastonbury’s eclectic mix of music genres, from rock and pop to electronic and world music, set a precedent for future festivals.

The 1970s and 1980s also saw the rise of punk and new wave music, which led to the creation of festivals that catered to these specific subcultures. Events like the Reading Festival, originally a jazz festival, evolved to feature rock, punk, and heavy metal acts, reflecting the changing tastes of the youth. This period was marked by a DIY ethos, with smaller, independent festivals popping up across the country.

The 1990s brought about further diversification with the advent of electronic dance music (EDM) and the rave scene. Festivals like Creamfields, which began in 1998, showcased the growing popularity of EDM and attracted large audiences with their immersive, high-energy experiences. The rise of club culture also influenced the structure and nature of these events, integrating elaborate light shows, sound systems, and a more vibrant nightlife culture into the festival experience.

In addition to music festivals, the UK saw a proliferation of arts, literary, and food festivals. The Edinburgh Festival, which includes the Edinburgh International Festival and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, continued to expand throughout the latter half of the 20th century. The Fringe, in particular, became a crucial platform for experimental and independent performing arts, attracting performers and audiences from around the world. Literary festivals, such as the Hay Festival, founded in 1988, became prominent fixtures, celebrating literature, debate, and ideas.

The new millennium brought technological advancements that further transformed the festival landscape. Social media and digital platforms revolutionised how festivals were marketed and experienced, enabling real-time interaction and broader engagement. Festivals became more immersive and interactive, incorporating multimedia art installations, virtual reality experiences, and live-streaming, which allowed remote audiences to participate.

Environmental concerns and sustainability also became significant themes in the organisation and execution of festivals. Events like the Green Man Festival in Wales and Shambala in Northamptonshire emphasised eco-friendly practices, from waste reduction to renewable energy use, reflecting a growing awareness of environmental issues among festival-goers.

Overall, the history of festivals in the UK since 1970 is characterised by diversification, innovation, and a continual adaptation to the evolving cultural landscape. These festivals not only provide entertainment but also serve as vital expressions of community, creativity, and contemporary issues.