Words: Tom Hall
Photography: Daniel Morales/Splento
Below: Morgan in his London offi ce
A Fair
deal
Nick Morgan, founder and
CEO of The Fair and CEO of Big
Cat Group, says the odds are
stacking up against festivals
What can be done about the challenges
Borough Councils and government
cause for festivals and events?
Good data is crucial. Th at’s why we at Th e Fair are
working with organisations including Mash Media and the
Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) to enter the
process of sourcing data for local councils, authorities and
borough councils to champion the sector.
Th e issue we are having at the moment when talking to
councils is the lack of specifi c data to help us demonstrate the
value of the sector.
We have festivals where 50,000+ people use London’s
parks and provide huge benefi ts for the local economy such
as shops, transport infrastucture, local suppliers, hotels
and the entire supply chain. Economic impact needs to be
demonstrated.
Th is comes at a time when nearly all local authorities in
England are set to raise council tax and service charges amid
concerns for their fi nancial stability. Meanwhile, the industry
is here with part of the solution in the form of a new and
culturally vibrant revenue stream.
Th ere is far too much red tape for festival and event
organisers. Britain leads the world for festivals and they are a
vital part of our cultural heritage.
Th e UK festival scene and in particular London, is
suff ering at the hands of local residents who are continually
mounting pressure on councils to prevent these events going
ahead. Meanwhile, Councils are in dire need of additional
revenues which we as an industry pay through millions of
pounds in hire agreements. Th ese hire fees have a direct
correlation to supporting parks and leisure services which
benefi t the local community, however we are still met with
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