After a long wait, music festival season is finally here, and we couldn't be more excited! With COVID-19 restrictions lifted, it's time to let our imaginations run wild and focus on creating unforgettable experiences for festival-goers. If you're planning a festival this summer, we've got you covered. Let's dive into the top five music festival trends for Summer 2023 and how you can bring them to life.
#1: Embracing the New Normal
Even though COVID-19 restrictions are easing, it's important to prioritize safety and make festival-goers feel comfortable. Consider implementing optional face masks or providing handwashing stations throughout the venue. These small measures can go a long way in promoting positive behavior and ensuring a safe environment for everyone.
Dominic Perez-Silva, Senior Partnerships Manager at Eventbrite, highlights the benefits of crowd control and contactless events: "Throughout the pandemic, venues, festivals, and promoters have been forced to consider contactless events, go cashless, and implement timed entries." By accepting these changes, you'll provide clear information to your attendees and make crowd management a breeze.
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#2: Embracing Nostalgia
Nostalgia is making a comeback in Summer 2023's music festivals. There's a renewed interest in music and fashion from past eras, such as early hip-hop, 1990s R&B, 1980s punk, and 2000s emo. Festivals like Back 2 Festival '22 are showcasing artists from these eras, attracting a diverse range of listeners. As Dominic Perez-Silva explains, younger generations are embracing these genres because their favorite musicians are incorporating them into their music. Embrace the nostalgia and create an environment that is inclusive and reminiscent of the past.
#3: Beyond the Music
While live music is the heart of any festival, attendees are seeking more than just great performances. Offer novel experiences and interactive activities to engage festival-goers. Perez-Silva suggests leveraging technology, such as immersive experiences or live broadcasts, to enhance audience participation. Additionally, consider adding extra activities like artisan fairs, cooking demos, or yoga lessons to cater to diverse interests. By diversifying your offerings, you'll increase audience engagement and keep your most loyal followers satisfied.
#4: Extended Festivities
Who said festivals have to last just one day or a weekend? Consider extending your event across multiple days or weekends, like the Big Dub Event, to give attendees more time to enjoy the festival experience. Spreading out your event can also help manage crowd sizes and create a more intimate atmosphere. Experiment with different formats, such as hosting club nights or themed events, to keep the excitement going throughout the summer.
#5: Festivals with a Purpose
Incorporating philanthropy into your music event can have a positive impact on local communities and attract socially conscious attendees. Encourage charitable donations by offering incentives or creating "pay it forward" ticket options. Perez-Silva emphasizes the importance of social awareness: "There is an obvious need for a more socially aware event, and guests are now scrutinizing this more and more." By aligning your festival with a cause, you'll create a meaningful experience that resonates with your audience.
Now that you're armed with the top five music festival trends for Summer 2023, it's time to start planning and executing your festival. Embrace the new normal, embrace nostalgia, go beyond just music, extend the festivities, and celebrate altruism. By staying innovative and catering to your audience's evolving preferences, you'll create an unforgettable experience that will keep them coming back year after year.
For more festival-related content and upcoming events, stay tuned!
