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The Christmas lights are up , the festive spirits are flowing and we are well on our way to a new year filled with opportunities and challenges . Looking back on 2024 , it ’ s been another year packed with countless landmark achievements that make me extremely proud to be part of the live events industry . From safely delivering huge stadium concert extravaganzas for the likes of Taylor Swift , the enormous effort to make the Paris Olympics both spectacular and sustainable , Wembley Stadium ’ s and LS Events ’ work to make the UEFA Champions League Final memorable for all the right reasons , another stunning edition of Glastonbury … I could go on and on .
Many of the individuals , promoters , agencies , suppliers and venues responsible for delivering stunningly complex and impressive major events in 2024 were recognised at the AAA Conference & Awards on 5 December .
Heartfelt congratulations to all the winners , not least Green Man Festival owner Fiona Stewart whose truly pioneering contribution to the festival industry made her an obvious choice for the Editor ’ s Award . It was only the third edition of the event , and it ’ s something we are looking to evolve and expand each year . The AAA team is focused on delivering an event for you , the live events community , so I would very much welcome your feedback .
Clearly , 2024 has been incredibly tough for independent festival operators with AIF reporting that 72 UK festivals were cancelled this year ( P . 13 ). Against that backdrop it is great to not only see plans announced for the launch of independents such as Found and Homestead , but also large-scale festivals including Lido in London and Newcastle ’ s Come Together . On page 24 , we hear from promoters including AEG ’ s Jim King and TEG ’ s Toby Leighton-Pope on why they feel next year is
a good time to launch a festival .
We also hear from two other major players in the festival world , with Tomorrowland co-founder Michiel Beers calling on today ’ s investors to take a more positive approach to supporting young live event entrepreneurs ( P . 18 ), while on the back of the 25th edition of the Isle of Wight Festival , John Giddings ( P . 30 ) discusses the event ’ s reprisal and evolution .
Sticking with the festival theme , we also focus on the success of one of the big winners from the AAA Awards . Voted Promoter of the Year , From The Fields has seen its Kendal Calling sell out in record time this year . We ask co-founder Andy Smith what ’ s behind its continued success .
So grab a cup of tea , maybe a mulled wine , or whatever takes your fancy , kick back , relax and enjoy the issue . I ’ ll see you out there somewhere in the new year !
Christopher Barrett , Content Director
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CONTENT DIRECTOR Christopher Barrett
PORTFOLIO DIRECTOR Steve Theivendrarajah
MARKETING MANAGER Gus Agostini
PRODUCTION CONTROLLER Sabrina Boucher
CIRCULATION MANAGER Samy Shafeeq
PAGE PRODUCTION PA Media
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