The Show Must Go On report, launched last night in the House of Commons. It’s a state-of-the-industry report and climate transition plan for the UK outdoor live events industry, the result of unprecedented industry-wide collaboration.
Vision for Sustainable Events and Julie’s Bicycle published the third edition of the Show Must Go On (SMGO) report, which presents a clear picture of current practices, impact benchmarks, and a Climate Transition Plan with a target of 50% emissions reductions by 2030.
Richard Phillips, JB’s Climate Change Specialist, says:
The Show Must Go On report brings together festivals and outdoor events behind a shared vision for a sustainable sector. It sets out the clearest picture to date of where we are today, what actions need to be taken by event organisers and suppliers, and barriers we need to overcome to meet climate goals. Built through deep industry collaboration, it establishes a united call from the industry for supply chain innovation and supportive government policy to help the sector halve emissions by 2030 and unlock its potential as a societal influence for positive change.
Chris Johnson, Vision for Sustainable Events Forum Chair, says:
Organisations and sustainability experts across the outdoor live sector have come together in an unprecedented effort to create the most comprehensive impact report to date, and a blueprint for collaboration on urgent climate action.
The Show Must Go On Report gives outdoor event professionals of all types and scales an indispensable reference for guidance and motivation to stretch climate ambition and take practical action, with climate action checklists.
The report identifies how festivals can reduce typical footprints by 37%. Subject chapters provide clear actions for event organisers, supply chain, and sector organisations, as well as specific requests of government policy to overcome systemic barriers to stretch ambition and achieve 50% emissions reductions.
Key Government asks from the industry include the national adoption of the Green Events Code of Practice (GECoP), accelerating the installation of grid connections in public outdoor event sites, adopting a consistent approach to waste management, and removing barriers to public transport for audiences.
Generating £1.7 billion in annual revenue, the UK Live Outdoor Events Industry makes up a significant part of the UK’s £6.7 billion music industry.
Jon Collins, CEO, LIVE comments:
This report offers a clear, concise assessment of where we can achieve progress and where we need external support and resources to create that change, clarifying a role for the Government to accelerate and stimulate positive change in matters such as power infrastructure, integrated transport, and reskilling and educating our workforce.
Melvin Benn, Managing Director, Festival Republic, says:
As event organisers, we are uniquely placed to help influence positive change. Our industry brings millions of people together every year, and with that comes both a responsibility and an opportunity. This report is not just a snapshot of where we are, it’s a call to action. The road ahead won’t be without challenges, but we’re no strangers to those. The show must go on, but it must go on sustainably.
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