Recent feedback from a nine.com.au reader poll indicates a growing demand for increased government funding in the music industry.
“The government should support music in the same way they back international sports like tennis, golf, and soccer,” a reader expressed to 9news.com.au.
In fact, 39 percent of those surveyed admitted to feeling at least ‘somewhat concerned’ about the future of Australian music festivals, especially following recent developments.
The Park Waves festival, originally slated for February 2026, was called off on Tuesday due to various challenges, including economic constraints.
“Ultimately, the numbers no longer stack up,” the festival organizers stated.
Similarly, the Changing Tides 2025 event was scrapped, and Groovin’ The Moo canceled its 2024 shows and did not make a comeback in 2025.
Changing Tides 2025 was canned, and Groovin’ The Moo cancelled its 2024 shows and didn’t return in 2025.
Falls Festival and Splendour in the Grass gave 2025 a miss as well.
Rising operational costs, a lack of available funding and grants, and insurance costs have made it challenging for organisers to finance festivals.
Australians’ ticket buying habits have also changed, creating uncertainty for organisers.
Festival goers ages 18 to 24 are purchasing tickets at lower rates than pre-pandemic.
Patterns of later ticket buying are also continuing, creating additional costs and risks some organisers simply can’t keep up with.
But when organisers have to jack up ticket prices to cope with rising operational costs, it prices some Aussies out altogether.
“Music festival tickets are too expensive,” one reader said.
Another added that it’s not surprising that Aussies can’t afford them when many struggle to afford groceries and rent.
A combined 61 per cent of nine.com.au readers said they were ’not very concerned’ or ‘not concerned at all’ about festival cancellations.
But only 30 per cent were opposed to government investment in Australia’s live music industry to support festivals.
One reader said events like festivals need to be self-sustainable, rather than relying on government support.
About 28 per cent of readers were on the fence about government investment.
“I don’t go to music festivals but some could bring more tourism to the country so perhaps the government should invest in some,” one said.
Others were concerned about how it could affect taxpayers.
“Festivals should be supported by the music labels to support our music industry, not be taxpayer-funded,” said one.
