Exploring the Future of Music Festivals in 2021

The cancellation of Glastonbury and Coachella has cast doubt over the return of festivals to the northern hemisphere in 2021. However, some organizers are still optimistic. Notable festivals such as Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza are being announced for late August and early September. Additionally, Spain’s Primavera Sound has not yet cancelled its festivals in Barcelona, Porto, and LA. With most of Europe in lockdown and infection rates still high in the US, many are questioning whether festivals and large cultural events can continue.

Cancelled Festivals in 2021

Glastonbury and Coachella, arguably two of the biggest music festivals globally, are cancelled for the second consecutive year. Dr. Cameron Kaiser, a public health officer for Riverside County, stated that due to ongoing high COVID-19 rates, “the event will not be taking place.” The conditions at such large gatherings would make tracking potential risks nearly impossible.

Similarly, the organizers of the Burning Man festival have yet to make a decision regarding this year’s event after it transitioned to an online format in 2020. The festival’s Associate Director of Communications stated, “It’s impossible to say right now if Black Rock City can happen in 2021.” Meanwhile, Wonderfruit in Thailand has not confirmed its plans for this year.

Mardi Gras in New Orleans has been significantly toned down, with no parade scheduled, although some residents are decorating their houses to lift spirits. Rio’s vibrant Carnaval was postponed to July, but due to rising infection rates, celebrations have been cancelled. Other spring festivals across the Caribbean are similarly facing cancellations.

Festivals That May Proceed

Many significant live music events are expected to continue in late summer and fall. The Bonnaroo Music Festival, originally set for June, is scheduled for Labor Day weekend in Tennessee. Other festivals on the calendar include the Governors Ball, Riot Fest, and Aftershock. While the New York Afropunk festival is still on the agenda, Chicago’s Pitchfork Music Festival is also scheduled for September with details pending.

In Europe, Lolapalooza Paris is planned for June 17. Its Stockholm counterpart has yet to cancel its plans for July 3 and ticket sales continue. Spain’s Primavera Sound aims for a June festival, following trial events that successfully adhered to COVID-19 safety protocols. Furthermore, Belgium’s premier dance festival, Tomorrowland, has not yet pulled the plug on its July event, depending on public health guidelines.

In the UK, the Isle of Wight festival is slated from June 17, with organizers remaining hopeful for future updates. The country’s biggest rock festival, Download, also plans to proceed in June. Similarly, the Wireless festival (2-4 July) and both the Reading and Leeds festivals in August seem set to go ahead.

Ireland’s Longitude festival has announced its lineup featuring Kendrick Lamar and others for July. The popular Electric Picnic also remains officially unconfirmed. However, experts are skeptical about the feasibility of large gatherings this year. Professor Luke O’Neill suggested optimism may shift toward 2022 when vaccination efforts are expected to yield significant results.

Adaptations for Future Festivals

With the anticipation of returning to music festivals, many questions remain about the future of these vibrant gatherings. Professor Mercedes Carnethon from Northwestern University highlights the likelihood of continued face mask protocols and limited capacity at such events to mitigate risks.

Health experts emphasize the importance of observing proper hygiene practices in crowded scenarios, especially emphasizing outdoor events in the near future.

Vaccine Rollout and Its Impact

The trajectory of the vaccine rollout will significantly influence the future of large gatherings. Allowing early mass events could lead to potential setbacks in vaccinations and further lockdowns. Experts urge caution, understanding that a vaccinated society must not fall victim to the spread among partially vaccinated communities.

“I think it’s going to be a while before mass gatherings are permitted, and suggest a long wait before festivals resemble those of 2019,” shared Greg Towers. Many are eager for a return to pre-pandemic festival life, focusing on safety and community well-being in the process.