Membership model to support struggling UK music festivals

A new membership-based model for music festivals is being tested to support struggling events. Grassroots Rising, organized by Chai Wallahs, aims to reduce costs and ticket prices while allowing members to choose artists for the lineup. The UK lost 78 festivals in 2024, more than double the previous year. The initiative, backed by the Music Venues Trust and various industry stakeholders, seeks to address financial challenges and support independent artists and venues. Membership will be available through a crowdfunding campaign starting in September. Grassroots Rising Festival is scheduled for June 18-21, 2026, in Cambridgeshire.