UK festival ticket prices surge above inflation, BBC analysis finds

BBC News analysis reveals that ticket prices for major UK festivals have risen significantly above inflation over the past decade. Reading and Leeds tickets increased from £145 in 2007 to £325 in 2025, £80 more in real terms. Parklife saw a 71% real-terms rise since 2013, while Glastonbury tickets rose 30% to £374 by 2025. Wireless bucked the trend with a 10% decrease from 2012 to 2024, then a sharp rise to £157 in 2025. Post-pandemic increases were steep across most events. Festival Republic cited rising costs for artist fees, staging, security, and infrastructure. Association of Independent Festivals CEO John Rostron attributed hikes to pandemic losses and Brexit-related skilled labour shortages. Fans like Katie Scarlett and Russell Akbar report prioritizing festivals over holidays and using payment plans to afford tickets.