UK Music Chief Makes Call For Urgent Government Support In Wake of Glastonbury 2021 Cancellation

21 January 2021 - Press release

Reacting to news of the cancellation of Glastonbury 2021, UK Music Chief Executive Jamie Njoku-Goodwin urged the Government to give urgent financial support to the UK's crisis-hit music industry.

The news of Glastonbury's cancellation was announced by organisers Michael and Emily Eavis in a statement today (Thursday).

 

UK Music Chief Executive Jamie Njoku-Goodwin said:

"This cancellation is devastating for all of us on both on a personal and professional level. It will have a serious impact on thousands of jobs right across the country and many jobs in the supply chains for Glastonbury.

"There is now a huge cloud of uncertainty hanging over the whole summer festival and live music season with the entire industry left in limbo and thousands more jobs in jeopardy.

“It is absolutely critical that the Government look at more financial support for the music industry and those who work in it as a matter of urgency. Without more Government help, there is a real risk that some of our world-leading music scene will disappear forever.

"The music industry is desperate to get back on its feet when we can operate safely. When the time comes for the post-pandemic recovery, we can play our role in our country's economic and cultural revival. But until that point, we need more financial support to keep us going.

"If that support is not forthcoming, we will risk losing some of our finest emerging talent with the fear that Covid could rip a giant and permanent hole in the UK's music scene and our cultural fabric."