NASS Festival’s cancellation highlights continued pressure – AIF

The organiser of UK event NASS Festival has announced that it will not be taking place in 2024 due to rising operational costs. 

Superstruct Entertainment has cancelled the four-day festival, which features music, street art and sports such as BMX, skateboarding and more, due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. The annual event traditionally took place in Shepton Mallet, in Somerset.

“We’re gutted to announce that NASS will not be taking place in 2024,” said the organiser in a statement.

“This decision has not been made lightly. Unfortunately, we have found ourselves impacted by both the cost-of-living crisis and the significant increase in operational costs to run a show like NASS. Regrettably, despite our best efforts, it’s just not economically feasible to continue.”

The Association of Independent Festival’s (AIF) chief executive John Rostron responded to the cancellation, highlighting the continued pressure facing events.

“NASS Festival’s cancellation highlights the continued pressure festival operators are suffering in the face of sky-high operating costs, and the urgent help many of them need to survive,” he said.

“NASS is a particularly painful loss for the UK’s cultural landscape. As a key gateway festival for many young people, its cancellation will have repercussions for the entire sector.

“This is further evidence of the compounding impact of both COVID and the cost-of-living crisis, which means many young people have missed out or not returned to the live event experience. This coupled with high supply chain costs means the squeeze on festivals is increasing, leaving many with no choice but to close.”

The AIF is calling on the UK Government to review VAT on music festival ticket sales and lower the rate to 5% for an extended period, to help support the recovery within the festival sector.

The statement from NASS concluded: “We want to say a huge thank you and heartfelt appreciation to all the artists, athletes, suppliers, partners, media, and staff who have been part of NASS. And to you, our fans, thank you. NASS wouldn’t have existed without you. We feel incredibly privileged that so many of you chose to party with us each summer – many for your first time at a festival.”