Ticketmaster has published its State of Play: Festivals 2025 report, which reveals current trends in the sector.
“The report explores how festivals have evolved into experiences that connect generations, promote sustainability and reflect shifting cultural priorities,” stated Ticketmaster.
Primary research was conducted in July via a nationally representative online survey of 2,000 UK adults who have attended a festival within the past five years.
One of the main headlines from the report is the increasing attendance of families at music events.
Data from the 2019 Festivals State of Play showed that whilst many age groups attended festivals, it wasn’t as popular to attend as multi-generational family groups than the 2025 report indicates.
Music festivals are gaining traction as a modern alternative to the classic family holiday:
· 73% of parents think festivals are better than holidays for introducing children to new cultures
· 67% say they make better family memories
· 43% now see them as a replacement for the classic summer holiday
· 57% say being with their children enjoying live music for the first time is a highlight
· 51% value the shared experiences and bonding time
· 50% enjoy discovering new music together
The trend is backed by attendance data: over half of UK festival-goers (51%) already go with family – including younger relatives (23%), older relatives (13%) or both (15%) – and another 27% say they would like to do so.
At Camp Bestival (pictured) in Dorset, there’s been a 155% year-on-year increase in two to four-year-olds camping with their parents, showing that festivals are increasingly accessible for young families.
Solo festivalgoers and older fans
The report also highlights the growing trend of solo attendance at festivals, with almost one in three surveyed (29%) attending a festival alone, and nearly one in five (18%) saying they would consider it in future.
Many who travel solo to festivals cite the flexibility to enjoy line-ups without compromise, supported by social media communities and meet-up groups that make solo trips easier to plan.
Older audiences are also embracing festivals. Overall, 66% of festival-goers are aged over 35 with Millennials (38%) and Gen X (24%) making up the largest groups.
Nearly four in ten (38%) now attend with younger relatives, and 29% with older family members.
Festivals are the new family holiday, the new weekend escape, and the place people go to connect
Sarah Slater
The report also found that fans want greener festivals:
· 67% of fans say sustainability impacts their ticket choices
· 77% want less waste
· 66% want low-carbon travel options
In addition, social media is shaping how fans discover and experience festivals:
· 25% say they find new festivals through social platforms
· 33% say documenting their experience is part of the ritual
· 12% feel pressure to post while there
Festival organisers are responding with selfie zones and stronger wi-fi to support content creation.
Sarah Slater, SVP music & festivals at Ticketmaster UK, said: “Festivals are the new family holiday, the new weekend escape, and the place people go to connect. Fans want more than just the music – they’re after comfort, culture, and moments that mean something. Our State of Play report shows just how much festivals are evolving – and why they matter to every generation.”
