UK live music and festival sector at risk of collapse due to coronavirus

Independent festivals group says 98% of its members are uninsured for outbreak-related cancellations

The British independent festival sector is at risk of collapsing, with many cancelled events falling through the cracks of government support measures for businesses suffering as a result of the coronavirus crisis.

The Association of Independent Festivals (AIF), which represents 65 festivals in the UK, including Gloucestershire's 2000trees, London's Meltdown and Sheffield's Tramlines, reports 92% of its members saying they face costs that could ruin their businesses as a result of cancelled events, with the vast majority (98.5%) not covered by insurance for cancellation related to Covid-19.