Events marketplace, Togather.com, discusses why festivals remain a British summertime staple, even during a cost-of-living crisis.
So far this summer, Glastonbury observed its ‘biggest ever’ crowd, and Elton John’s farewell set attracted crowds of 100,000 and viewership of around 30 million – making it the most watched Glastonbury set ever.
Togather.com says Elton’s performance is indicative of a larger trend of Brits attending festivals this summer in droves, with data from Mintel showing that 35% of people planned to attend a live event in 2023.
Amidst a cost-of-living squeeze, festivals have come back bigger than ever, with metrics from events marketplace togather.com observing that across all of their events, spending onsite has increased 33% over the past year. The site also reported a 50% increase in food and drink sales at Pride this year. According to recent projections, sales in the live events sector are anticipated to reach an impressive £2.79 billion by year-end.
Party suppliers and retailers have reported increased sales in related costumes over recent months, as a result.
Co-founder of Togather.com, Hugo Campbell, commented: “As the cost of living crisis poses challenges for almost everyone, festivals remain an unwavering staple of the British summertime, offering a much-needed reprieve and collective celebration. At Togather.com, we’ve witnessed first-hand the enduring allure of these vibrant gatherings, with onsite spending at our events experiencing an impressive 33% increase. Despite tighter budgets, festival enthusiasts value these experiences as priceless moments of joy, unity, and shared memories.
“Furthermore, the increase in onsite spending at events highlights the resilience of festival organisers and the unwavering support of festivalgoers. As festivals continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape, they remain dedicated to curating experiences that prioritize safety, inclusivity, and unbridled enjoyment for all attendees. Through strategic partnerships and innovative approaches, Togather.com are committed to ensuring that festivals remain accessible and enticing, empowering individuals to partake in these cherished traditions despite economic fluctuations.”
