Max SteventonFestivals are increasingly becoming multi-generational experiences, more acceptable as solo pursuits, and subject to growing scrutiny over environmental impact, according to Ticketmaster research.
Based on survey responses from 2,000 adults, and internal ticketing data, Ticketmaster’s State of Play: Festivals 2025 report found environmental concerns are increasingly shaping festival choices. Seventy-seven percent of respondents want events to cut waste, a sharp rise from 62% in 2019, while two-thirds said sustainability now influences which festivals they buy tickets for.
The report also found that one of the clearest developments is the rise of families treating festivals as holiday alternatives. Almost three-quarters of parents surveyed said festivals offered their children more cultural exposure than traditional travel, while 43% even considered them a substitute for a family break.
For example, Camp Bestival data shows a 155% jump in camping tickets for toddlers aged two to four, reflecting a broader trend of parents seeking shared experiences, live music their children enjoy, and opportunities to discover new artists together.
Ticketmaster said that more than half (57%) of the survey respondents stated that the the main motivation in buying tickets to a family-friendly festival was the chance to create shared experiences, while 51% highlighted the joy their children get from live music and 50% valued the opportunity to discover new artists together. It said the research illustrates that or many, festivals are no longer just about headline acts but about offering children an immersive environment.
The research also found that solo attendance is becoming more accepted. Nearly three in ten respondents said they had already attended a weekend festival alone, with another 20% open to the idea. However, a third of those surveyed admitted they would rather share the experience with others.
Social media now plays a key role in discovery, with a quarter of festivalgoers first hearing about events online. Once on site, phones are used constantly for capturing and revisiting moments: three-quarters of respondents said they rewatched videos after the event, while 39% called for more charging points.
Despite all these changes, the core role of festivals as a platform for musical discovery remains. A third of attendees added new artists to playlists or social media after attending, while many went on to follow acts or recommend them to friends. In this sense, festivals continue to thrive not only as shared cultural spaces but as vital ecosystems for artists looking to grow their audience.