Even before Covid hit our shores in 2020, artists and organisations within the music sector found their business models severely challenged. Stand-alone open-air music festivals in particular had difficulty managing rising costs in a tight market, while the impacts of Covid only exacerbated the problems. A number of festivals closed and, most recently, two major annual contemporary festivals, BluesFest and Splendour in the Grass, were forced to cancel programs in 2025 and 2026.
This approach to the music festival, gradually building support over a long period while delivering quality programming, has secured a loyal 20,000-strong audience base.
