Outdoor Events + Festivals
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Sector at a Glance
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Outdoor events and festivals of all types are woven into the UK’s cultural fabric
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Globally renowned (rotation) Glastonbury, Notting Hill Carnival, Edinburgh International Festival – to events of all sizes spread across the UK
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Over 141m attendees of outdoor events and festivals in the UK per year
Sector Overview

Outdoor Events + Festivals

Outdoor events and festivals of all types are woven into the UK’s cultural fabric. With a world-leading reputation for experience, delivery and safety, these events welcome millions of people each year. Offering a diverse blend of entertainment and content, shows come in all shapes and sizes and see professional expertise working in tandem with a proudly independent creative element.

The sector sees a diverse mix of multi-national corporates and independent promoters working alongside a host of professional event operators. Often coordinated by technical production and event management specialists, the industry sees temporary infrastructure and structure providers deliver alongside commercial agencies, creative organisations and a host of freelance producers. Safety is a pivotal part of outdoor event delivery and sees close collaboration between authorities, crowd management providers, medical providers and safety consultants. More than 141m attend outdoor events and festivals in the UK demonstrating the strength of this industry sector. With a diverse mix of event types, attendees attend for entertainment, socialising, experience and escapism. A strong sense of discovery, innovation and community lie at the very heart of the Outdoor Events and Festivals sector. From the globally renowned Glastonbury and Notting Hill Carnival to events of all sizes spread across the UK, these shows are often dedicated to culture, entertainment, arts, food, comedy, leisure and lifestyle, offering something for everyone.

Sector News
Event Technology Awards 2024 Finalists announced
The wait is over! The finalists for the highly anticipated Event Technology Awards 2024 (ETA) have been officially announced, celebrating the companies, products, and individuals pushing the boundaries of innovation in the event technology industry. This year’s finalists represent the very best in creativity, innovation, and technological excellence across the events sector globally.
Teamwork Arts returns to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo with all-female Bhangra performance and vibrant rhythms
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is delighted to welcome the return of Teamwork Arts India to showcase the rich tapestry of Indian culture with a Rajasthani Bagpiper, The Bhangra Queens, and the Bollywood Ensemble that they bring to life through performance in the 2024 Show, Journeys.
Scotland hosts global cultural leaders for festival hub of international exchange
The Momentum Delegate Programme kicks off in Edinburgh today, Wednesday 7 August, acting as a central hub from the world-leading Festival City to connect key cultural players from across the world with the wider Scottish and international cultural sector.
The Loop Launches Drug Checking Online Training Courses
Drug checking service The Loop has unveiled a series of online training courses aimed at delivering more in-depth knowledge of the drug market, drug use, and harm reduction. The upcoming courses cover a range of topics, including the latest trends in the UK drug market, responses to drug use at music festivals and outdoor events, and deep dives into substances such as MDMA and ketamine. Specific courses also focus on drink spiking, drug-facilitated sexual assault, harm reduction theories and chemsex.
Latest Sector Research
Sector Events Calendar
November 24
20-21
Event Tech Live
Event Tech Live is the No. 1 globally recognised event bringing event professionals, thought leaders, leading event tech companies and startups together. Event Professionals can register to attend for FREE and access to the latest industry education from industry thought leaders across multiple stages and formats. Event Tech Live features a hosted buyer programme and an exhibition featuring the latest in event technology, software, and innovations from around the world. The event provides the resources, tools and networking opportunities you need to take advantage of technology to create the best events.
November 24
20-21
Event Sustainability Live
Event Sustainability Live (ESL) London is a two-day Exhibition and Conference bringing together event professionals, thought-leaders and sustainability experts. The event takes place on 20th & 21st November at ExCeL, London. The show is free to attend, delegates can explore the latest trends, innovations and products from companies and venues providing eco-conscious solutions helping to create sustainable events. Meet with fellow event professionals from all over the globe who are passionate about event sustainability, share ideas & create new and exciting partnerships.
November 24
27
Production Futures ON TOUR
Production Futures ON TOUR is a production industry careers fair. Find opportunities to learn, train, network and develop careers in production across all aspects of live events, film, music, festivals, touring, brand activation, theatre, TV, broadcast and AV. We are an industry funded FREE event for all ages and to help the first 5 years of your career connecting you to work, training, courses, networking and jobs.
Exhibitions + Congress
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Research

The event industry’s reliance on data to help it plan for the future, increase its resilience, manage risk and justify investment decisions, is growing year on year.

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By bringing the industry and university partners together, research projects will be designed to deliver real benefits to the industry in terms of trend analysis, insights and performance improvements.

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