OPINION
The Show Must Go On
Julie’ s Bicycle music programme lead Richard Phillips outlines what’ s included in the newly released Show Must Go On report and the Climate Transition Plan.
Alongside unprecedented financial challenges for many in the festival sector, extreme weather has moved from being a freak event to an ever more present risk. It is one that is already having a direct and tangible impact on the industry. In 2024 alone, more than 150 outdoor events in the UK were cancelled, postponed or partially closed due to severe weather, with real financial consequences. Ultimately, unpredictable weather resulting from climate breakdown is now a factor in the long-term sustainability of the industry- in every sense of the word.
With so many competing pressures on festivals and outdoor events, how can the sector take action in a way that is coordinated, realistic and capable of delivering meaningful change?
A landmark new report seeks to provide the answer. The Show Must Go On report, led by Vision for Sustainable Events and Julie’ s Bicycle, is the result of deep industry collaboration to establish an ambitious, shared vision for climate action across festivals and outdoor events.
The report examines the carbon footprint of the UK outdoor events industry and assesses which measures can most effectively tackle it. It provides clear actions for event organisers and suppliers to cut emissions, alongside specific recommendations for government policy to support this effort.
Drawing on a comprehensive dataset from over 80 UK music festivals, the report estimates that the industry is responsible for at least 170,000 tonnes CO2e each year. Put another way, that’ s an average of 15.9kg CO2e generated per festival goer for each day they attend an event.
Crucially, the report sets out a Climate Transition Plan- a clear approach to halve this total by 2030, in line with what is required to avoid the worst effects of climate change. This brings together outdoor live music events around a shared set of actions.
Here’ s the rub
Modelling reveals that the most realistic actions event organisers can implement before 2030, given current operational realities, would reduce emissions by 37 %. Significant progress, yes, but it still falls short of what is needed.
The strength of the Show Must Go On report is in not shying away from this reality. It takes an unflinching look at what events might be able to deliver now, and where systemic barriers are limiting progress.
This challenge is addressed head-on, with the report making a clear case for supply chain innovation and supportive government policy to help cut emissions further and bridge the gap toward halving emissions by 2030.
At the launch event in the House of Commons, on 11 February, those calls for government support were in the spotlight. Key asks included accelerated access to sustainable energy solutions and grid connectivity, greater collaboration to remove barriers to low carbon transport choices, and clearer, more consistent waste management infrastructure.
By bringing clarity to the sector’ s environmental impact and making an honest assessment of the effectiveness of current solutions, the third edition of the Show Must Go On report marks a crucial step forward. It provides an improved picture of industry impacts and a united
Richard Phillips
“ THIS BRINGS TOGETHER OUTDOOR LIVE MUSIC EVENTS AROUND A SHARED SET OF ACTIONS.”
vision for effective action, which all key stakeholders can coalesce around.
We encourage all those involved in outdoor events to engage with the recommendations in the report by picking up the short read version and reviewing the 30 actions for event organisers. Together, we can ensure a thriving, resilient and sustainable outdoor events sector. The show must go on, for generations to come.
l The report will be the subject of a conference panel on the Event Production Show’ s Other Stage on 26 February. It was produced by Vision for Sustainable Events and Julie’ s Bicycle in collaboration with a working group chaired by LIVE Green including A Greener Future, Hope Solutions, Festival Republic and the Association of Independent Festivals.
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