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Although last year was characterised by instability and geopolitical tensions, 25 festivals and events spanning 12 countries and 4 continents demonstrated their commitment to a better, greener future, successfully achieving AGF Certification in 2025.

A Greener Future (AGF)’s mission is to help the event sector become greener, promoting sustainability at events and festivals across the globe. AGF Certification is based on the world's first and most practical framework for sustainability in the event sector, for those reducing emissions, waste, and enhancing equality and biodiversity.

Events and festivals of all shapes and sizes demonstrated their commitment to sustainability in 2025. These include perennially green fests such as Boom Festival in Portugal and Belgium’s Paradise City - both of which have stitched sustainability into their DNA. Echoes of Earth in India returns with even more sustainability actions. Whilst events enjoying first-time recognition include the beyond legendary Montreux Jazz Festival, Ultra Music Festival in Miami, and AEG Presents’ brand-new LIDO Festival in London, whose battery powered main stage hosted headliners such as Massive Attack and Charli xcx.

To be certified, events undertake a thorough assessment including a self-assessment, site visits from independent assessors, and post-event evidence submitted for an independent auditors’ report. The AGF Framework includes 11 key themes, including local environments & community, travel, food, energy, water, materials, EDI, and governance.

“Congratulations to all of the certified events in 2025, who have continued to prioritise their commitment to protecting our planet and each other, despite some so called world leaders demonstrating the opposite intentions. We’re looking forward to coming together and celebrating at GEI and the International AGF Awards in London next month.”
Claire O’Neill, CEO, AGF 
 
"The AGF certification played a decisive role in accelerating and structuring our sustainability journey. While the Montreux Jazz Festival had already implemented various initiatives – from waste management to soft mobility and responsible partnerships – these efforts remained fragmented. The certification process came at a pivotal moment, just as we were beginning a more holistic reflection on our environmental, social, and economic impact. It enabled us to align our internal objectives around a shared vision of sustainability, build a clear and measurable roadmap, foster collaborations with committed experts and local partners, and strengthen our credibility with our stakeholders.”
Mathieu Jaton, Director, Montreux Jazz Festival

We're thrilled to see the industry-leading efforts of LIDO Festival recognised by this prestigious AGF certification. Having independent verification of the outstanding work that the team undertook in 2025 is hugely important and we cannot wait to continue setting a new standard for sustainability in live events through 2026 and beyond.”
Sam Booth, Sustainability Director, AEG / LIDO Festival

“It was an honour to finally participate in AGF’s certification programme, something we’ve aspired to do for years! The process challenged us to ask meaningful questions, recognise the impact we’ve made, and identify how we can continue to grow. We’re so proud to have achieved certification from this globally respected organisation and excited to continue participating in the programme in the future.”
Vivian Belzaguy, Director of Sustainability, Ultra Music Festival

 

“Paradise City has always been about more than just music. It’s about building a world - even if only for a weekend - that feels hopeful, positive, and future-minded. Being rated ‘Outstanding’ for the sixth year in a row is both an honour and a responsibility. It reminds us that joyful celebration and climate consciousness can go hand in hand. Every year, we ask ourselves the same question: how can we do better? And with every solution we find, new opportunities for improvement appear too. That constant pursuit of better drives us, and we don’t take our role lightly. If we can set an example for what a sustainable festival can look like, then we’re on the right track."
Lucas Trouessin, Paradise City 

 

Certified Festivals & Events in 2025:

Greener Festival & Event certifications – Outstanding
Boom Festival (PT)
DGTL (NL)
Øyafestivalen (NO)
Paradise City (BE)

Greener Festival & Event certifications – Highly Commended
Green Man (UK)
LIDO Festival (UK)
Montreux Jazz Festival (CH)
Sonidos Líquidos (ES)

Greener Festival & Event certifications – Commended
Copenhagen Film Festival Forum (DK)
Cridem pel Clima (ES)
Echoes of Earth (IN)
Estonian Fashion Festival (EE)
Godiva Festival (UK)

Greener Festival and Event certifications – Improvers
Cordillera Festival (CO)
D'A Festival Cinema Barcelona (ES)
elrow Town Madrid (ES)
Jardín de las Delicias (ES)
Monegros Desert Festival (ES)
Phe Festival (ES)
Primavera Sound Barcelona (ES)
Rockygrass and Rocky Mountain Folks Festival (US)
Serielizados International TV Series Festival (ES)
Telluride Bluegrass Festival (US)
Ultra Music Festival (US)
We Out Here (UK)

Certified events and festivals will be presented with their accolades during a special ceremony at the Green Events & Innovations Conference (GEI18), in partnership with ILMC, which takes place 24th February in London.

All certified events are also automatically nominated for the annual International AGF Awards 2026, sponsored by Skydiamond, which recognise the most innovative and green-aspiring events, venues, organisations, and individuals from across the globe in the last 12 months.

There are more festivals and events currently completing their assessments, which will be announced soon, and assessment applications for 2026 are open. Find out more and apply here.

16 Jan 2026 | Press release

Universal Music Group launches UK pilot of global education initiative ‘Sound Generation’

Sound Generation kicks off with UK pilot featuring a set of tailored music education resources for primary school The free, online programme will be piloted across all Camden primary schools before rolling out nationwide later this year This builds on UMG UK’s...more

16 Jan 2026 | Press release

2026 MOBO Awards: Nominations announced for Manchester ceremony

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16 Jan 2026 | Press release

AYO Music Group Grows Roster and Catalog, Expands Gapfinder Tool, and Releases Reissue of Rare Joe Washington Vinyl

  Since its official launch in 2024, AYO Music Group, an active copyright administrator offering global administration of publishing, neighboring rights, and recordings, continued to grow throughout 2025 with new additions to their roster, further development of their Gapfinder tool, and upcoming...more

16 Jan 2026 | Press release

BMG launches SYNC+ 

A Unified Global Music-for-Media Powerhouse      BMG announced today the launch of SYNC+, a new global service uniting Commercial Sync, Production Music, and Media Services under one integrated brand.  SYNC+ combines BMG’s world-class repertoire, creative expertise, and strategic music services to deliver a seamless,...more

16 Jan 2026 | Press release

Youth Music reveals the next generation of diverse music talent in ‘Ones to Watch 2026’

  Youth Music unveils 20 emerging artists tipped to shape the future of the UK music industry  Alumni from Youth Music’s Ones to Watch lists, including ALT BLK ERA, JayaHadADream and Mali Hâf, have gone on to win MOBO awards and perform at Glastonbury  Youth Music’s Ones to Watch list is powered by Wingstop for...more

16 Jan 2026 | Press release

Open letter from WIN to European Commissioner Dombrovskis: “Europe as a beacon of fair competition”

With just a few weeks until the European Commission’s final decision on the Universal/Downtown deal, WIN wrote to Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis to warn that the proposed remedies will not mitigate the grave risk that the merger poses to fair competition...more

15 Jan 2026 | Press release

Modern Women have signed to One Little Independent Records

Modern Woman, the London art-rock outfit fronted by primary songwriter Sophie Harris, are set to release their anticipated debut album ‘Johnny’s Dreamworld’ on May 1st 2026 via their new label One Little Independent Records. ‘Johnny’s Dreamworld’ represents the culmination of...more

15 Jan 2026 | Press release

TMRW Music Group Joins LabelWorx for Global Distribution and Label Services

LabelWorx, the leading global distribution and label services provider for independent electronic music, today announced a new partnership with TMRW Music Group, one of Australia’s most respected and influential electronic music companies. Under the new agreement, LabelWorx will provide full...more

15 Jan 2026 | Press release

Atlantic Screen Group Secures $30m from Corrum Capital to Accelerate Film, TV Score and Music Catalogue Acquisitions

  Atlantic Screen Group (ASG) is pleased to announce that it has secured up to $30m in funding from Corrum Capital. The investment will enable ASG to continue its strategic acquisition of film and television scores, while also providing additional capital...more

15 Jan 2026 | Press release

Amazon Music Unveils Global 2026 Artists to Watch Campaign

The initiative spotlights breakout artists poised to shape music in 2026, including Destin Conrad, Seyi Vibez, EJAE, Max Styler, PRESIDENT, NewDad, MEOVV, and Adam Klobi across 28 key playlists worldwide The program also includes seven new Amazon Music Originals from VENGAYO,...more

15 Jan 2026 | Press release

First details revealed for BRITs Fringe with Brighter Sound

BRING ON THE BRITs WITH MASTERCARD: THE 2026 NOMINATIONSWATCH ON WEDNESDAY 21ST JANUARY FROM 5PM ON THE BRITs’ INSTAGRAM AND FACEBOOK WHATSAPP ANNOUNCED AS 2026 OFFICIAL VOTING PARTNER THE BRIT AWARDS 2026 WITH MASTERCARDSATURDAY 28TH FEBRUARY 2026 AT CO-OP LIVE, MANCHESTER ON ITV   In a...more

15 Jan 2026 | Press release

Mercury Prize shines global spotlight on Newcastle and the North East

New figures have shown the region's economy received a boost of more than £1.4 million by hosting the 2025 Mercury Prize.  A new report commissioned and published by Newcastle City Council has highlighted the huge impact the awards ceremony and fringe activity had...more

15 Jan 2026 | Press release

Winners of the 2025 European Festival Awards

  Congratulations to all the winners of the 2025 European Festival Awards. For this year, festivals from over 30 countries participated and 300,000 single votes have been cast by the public. This resulted in 104 shortlisted nominees in 13 distinct categories,...more

15 Jan 2026 | Press release

PRS Foundation and Amazon MGM Studios reveal 4 talented composers receiving targeted Prelude support in 2026

  Carrie Penn, Fernando Gimeno, Jolene Khor and Rebekah Fitch selected to receive up to £3,750 each in grant support and mentoring Grantees were announced at a special event at BAFTA PRS Foundation, the UK's leading charitable funder of new music and talent...more

14 Jan 2026 | Press release

Cutting Edge Group acquires music catalog of award-winning composer John Paesano

Deal includes scores from billion-dollar franchises including Maze Runner trilogy,Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, Invincible, and Marvel’s Daredevil, adding over 80 premium film, TV and video game scores to Cutting Edge’s portfolio.   Cutting Edge Group (“CEG”), the leading specialist investor in and manager...more

14 Jan 2026 | Press release

10 UK music creators receive support to attend Eurosonic Noorderslag 2026 through PRS Foundation’s International Showcase Fund

  Supported artists across the UK include EV, Mount Palomar, Plantoid and SOAPBOX 2026 marks the 20th year of International Showcase Fund enabling UK artists to break into new overseas territories   PRS Foundation, the UK’s leading charitable funder of new music and talent development,...more

14 Jan 2026 | Press release

A Greener Future Honours the Greenest Global Events & Festivals

Although last year was characterised by instability and geopolitical tensions, 25 festivals and events spanning 12 countries and 4 continents demonstrated their commitment to a better, greener future, successfully achieving AGF Certification in 2025. A Greener Future (AGF)’s mission is to...more

14 Jan 2026 | Press release

Merlin Announces its Board for 2026-27, Welcoming Five New Board Members

Merlin, the digital music licensing partner for the world's leading independent labels and distributors, kicks off 2026 by announcing its new Board, bringing together leaders from the independent music industry in 12 different countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America,...more

14 Jan 2026 | Press release

Musical AI Raises $4.5M US to Expand its Proprietary AI Attribution Technology

Already in use, Musical AI’s attribution tech can immediately ensure a fully licensed future for AI companies. Musical AI, the pioneering attribution and rights management platform for generative AI, has closed a $4.5M US round led by Heavybit and supported by BDC and Build...more

14 Jan 2026 | Press release

BBC Radio 2 presents a stellar line-up for Piano Room month

  Radio 2’s Piano Room makes a triumphant return next month on Vernon Kay’s mid-morning show (9:30-12pm weekdays) with 16 incredible live performances from a star-studded line-up including Tori Amos, Melanie C, Mumford and Sons, Pulp, Darius Rucker, Labi Siffre and...more

14 Jan 2026 | Press release

Fender unveils connected music ecosystem with Fender Studio Pro, audio interfaces and controllers

A New Era Of Music Creation Begins With The Next Generation Of Studio One Pro As Fender Studio Pro, Quantum LT, Quantum HD, AudioBox Go™ and Motion™ Production Controllers   Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) today announced a significant milestone in its evolution...more

14 Jan 2026 | Press release

Zo Lief announced as Record Store Day Unsigned winner

  Record Store Day and Breed Media are delighted to announce Zo Lief as the winner of RSD Unsigned 2025, the nationwide competition celebrating the UK’s most exciting unsigned talent. Selected from hundreds of entries across the country, Zo Lief impressed the judging...more

14 Jan 2026 | Press release

Merlin: Dan Waite, Better Noise Music CEO – Joins as Board Observer

Merlin, the digital music licensing partner for the world's leading independent labels and distributors, kicks off 2026 by announcing its new Board, bringing together leaders from the independent music industry in 12 different countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America,...more

14 Jan 2026 | Press release

Frontiers Label Group launches Blkiiblk Records and appoints Mike Gitter Global Head Of A&R

FRONTIERS LABEL GROUP is proud to announce the launch of its metal, hard rock and extreme music label, BLKIIBLK RECORDS.  Having released tentpole signings, BIOHAZARD in 2025; with thrash titans, MEGADETH unleashing their much anticipated, self-titled final album on January 23, Frontiers is taking...more

14 Jan 2026 | Press release

Watch A$AP Rocky Perform New Music from Don't Be Dumb in Upcoming Episode of Amazon Music’s “Songline” Series

Premiering on Yams Day—January 18—at 9 p.m. ET, this special episode of “Songline” will showcase the hip-hop icon as he brings his new album to life, with special guests and unexpected moments filmed in New York City   Watch exclusively on Amazon...more

14 Jan 2026 | Press release

Eternal Research Opens New Hollywood Studio, the Demon Lair

2026 will mark a series of firsts for Eternal Research, the creative studio building a new multimodal, synesthetic orchestra. One of the biggest developments is that the company will open its first physical location: a studio dubbed the Demon Lair, after...more

14 Jan 2026 | Press release

Globally renowned independent music retailer Rough Trade announces 50th anniversary plans for 2026

INCLUDING: LIMITED EDITION VINYL RELEASESROUGH TRADE CLUB: ESSENTIAL, A NEW YEAR-LONG VINYL SUBSCRIPTIONEXCLUSIVE LIVE EVENTS+ MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED   Throughout 2026, Rough Trade marks its 50th anniversary with a year-long programme of releases and events, reflecting both its history and its...more

14 Jan 2026 | Press release

Sony Music Publishing Acquires Renowned Nashville Publisher Big Yellow Dog Music

Sony Music Publishing Nashville today announced the acquisition of legendary independent publishing and artist development company Big Yellow Dog Music (BYD), effective immediately. With the agreement, the company now owns and administers Big Yellow Dog’s renowned catalog of songs and serves...more

14 Jan 2026 | Press release

Peermusic signs producer/songwriter/recording artist Dan Lancaster

Peermusic, the global independent music publishing company with 39 offices in 33 countries, has signed songwriter/producer and recording artist Dan Lancaster to a go-forward worldwide publishing deal as announced today by Ralph W. Peer, Managing Director, U.K., Australasia and Vice President of peermusic's...more

14 Jan 2026 | Press release

Universal Music Group appoints Hannah Poferl as Chief Data Officer

  Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, announced today the appointment of Hannah Poferl as its Chief Data Officer, effective immediately. She will be based in Santa Monica and report to UMG's Chief Operating Officer, Boyd Muir. A...more

15 Jan 2026

  • Court battle over unpaid royalties could have implications for the industry in the streaming era (see News)

  • Luminate released its 2025 year-end music report (see Reports)

14 Jan 2026

  • Impala sets out crucial questions on UMG/Downtown, AI, sovereignty and more for EU & music sector (see Comment)

13 Jan 2026

  • Spotify’s new co-CEOs highlight what’s ahead for the company (see Digital)

12 Jan 2026

  • Music publishers sued by X in growing licensing battle (see News)

  • Call on EU to clamp down on unauthorised ticket reselling (see News)

09 Jan 2026

  • Lucian Grainge outlines UMG's 2026 plans in staff memo (see News)

  • Skye Newman wins Radio 1's Sound of 2026 (see News)

08 Jan 2026

  • Spotify now lets you share what you’re streaming in real time with friends (see Digital)

07 Jan 2026

  • Streamed and retail entertainment sales grew four times faster than UK economy in 2025 (see News)

  • UMG announces collaboration with NVIDIA to pioneer responsible AI for music discovery, creation, and engagement (see News)

06 Jan 2026

  • 2026 music industry predictions (see Features)

05 Jan 2026

  • New wave of global British breakthrough talent helps UK recorded music grow for 11th consecutive year (see News)

19 Dec 2025

  • What’s going to give you the marketing edge in 2026? (see Features)