NEWS
NETHERLANDS
12 % ticket VAT hike angers events industry
The live events industry in The Netherlands has reacted angrily to the Dutch government ’ s plan to raise the sales tax ( VAT ) charged on event tickets from 9 % to 21 % in 2026 . The Association of Dutch Music Venues and Festivals said it was deeply concerned about the consequences of the move : “ A healthy cultural sector is essential to our economy , as cultural visits generate additional spending , including outside the cultural sector .” It said the tax hike would lead to less investment in a sector already hit disproportionately hard in recent years : “ The jobs of over 100,00 people working in this industry are threatened .”
DUBAI
Untold Dubai festival to return after successful debut
Following the debut of four-day EDM festival Untold Dubai , which attracted an audience of 75,000 per day to see headliners including , Majo ’ r Lazer , Ellie Goulding , Sebastian Ingrosso and Hardwell , its organisers have announced that it will return next year with “ cuttingedge stage designs , immersive experiences , and an incredible lineup ”. Untold Festival was launched in 2015 in Cluj-Napoca , Romania . Its co-founder Edy Chereji said , “ We created Dubai ’ s first mega festival . It ’ s an honour for us to be present here after 10 years in Europe .”
AUSTRALIA
Australian festivals thrown $ 8.6m government lifeline
The Australian government has pledged $ 8.6 million to support live music venues and festivals showcasing Australian artists . The ‘ Revive Live ’ funding , announced in the Federal Budget , was welcomed by a festival sector that has seen a string of events cancelled and / or postponed this year , including Newtown Festival , Dark Mofo and Falls Festival . The Australian Live Music Business Council said , “[ We ] welcome this funding , although quite small given the ongoing struggles the live music industry is facing .” Tony Burke MP said the scheme would “ allow critical creative infrastructure and limit venue closures and event cancellations .” accessaa . co . uk 09