Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to announce new plans that will reduce red tape for festival organisers, making it easier to obtain multi-year licences. The government says the changes will take a "more balanced" approach to licensing, particularly benefiting small festivals.
Under the current system, organisers must battle through excessive paperwork each season. The new streamlined licensing deals will last for multiple years, cutting down on bureaucracy. Reeves stated: "The UK's festival scene is world famous... but for far too long smaller festivals especially have struggled to get off the ground because of outdated and excessive red tape."
The plans follow a consultation where ministers heard from festival organisers who described the current regime as "stifling". The government is expected to accept most of their key recommendations when it responds on Thursday. Safety and crime prevention will remain priorities, but local authorities will be told to consider the potential growth impact of licensing decisions.
Additionally, pubs and nightclubs will benefit from changes to be announced this weekend, making it easier to serve customers outside for longer and stay open later.
