Australia's Music Festivals Face Existential Threat from Climate Change, Report Warns

A series of new reports highlight how extreme weather linked to climate change is threatening the future of Australia's music festivals. Recent polling finds that 85% of festival attendees have experienced extreme weather such as heatwaves, floods, or bushfires, with the proportion rising even higher in certain states. As a result, many festival-goers are increasingly hesitant to buy tickets in advance, with a third unwilling to attend if high temperatures are forecast and almost one in five now purchasing ticket insurance. This increased caution is undermining festival business models, which rely on early ticket sales, and is driving up cancellation and insurance costs. Most respondents believe that government action to protect the live music sector from climate impacts is insufficient, prompting calls for stronger climate commitments, improved infrastructure, and better protections for both event organizers and attendees. Without adaptation and increased support, experts warn Australia's once-thriving festival circuit could face extinction.