New Study Finds 95% Of People Would Be Impacted If Live Events Don't Return This Year
"We know audiences around Australia continue to miss their festivals, concerts and events."
Industry leaders are calling for a more unified approach from the National Cabinet to ensure the survival of large-scale entertainment events in Australia.
A new study commissioned by the Live Entertainment Industry Forum (LEIF) has found that of 35,000 consumers surveyed by EY only 5% of survey respondents said that they would ‘not be impacted if live entertainment events did not return in 2021’.
Additionally, more than 80% of those surveyed reported that they are keen to see the return of greater crowds at events this year.
The study also found that more than 50% of participants said they were happy to attend live events no matter how big the crowd is, with 12% saying that they were uncomfortable attending live events with a large crowd.
It has also found that three-quarters of people say that they consider live events an important part of their work, social, and family life as well as their mental health.
More than 80% of those surveyed also said that they "consider international artists to be a 'significant' or 'very significant' factor in their decision to attend live events".
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“We already know that international superstars love to tour Australia and that we offer them the best fans, the best weather and the best food in the world. We also know that shows by international artists generate 80% of concert ticket sales by value," said Geoff Jones, CEO of TEG and Co-Chair of LEIF.
"They also generate the greatest economic benefit for our country through tourism, travel, hospitality, and other industries, and to our own industry which has been ravaged by the pandemic. EY’s findings show that Aussie fans are hungry for the world’s biggest performers to return to our shores and tour our beautiful country."
“Other international markets are beginning to reopen and offer alternative touring options for artists so it is absolutely critical that we reach rapid alignment with the Federal and State & Territory Governments at National Cabinet level to ensure Australia does not miss out on this vital opportunity for the live entertainment industry to recover from the worst year in its long and storied history," added Roger Field, President Asia Pacific of Live Nation and Co-Chair of LEIF.
“EY’s study shows how vital live experiences are to social cohesion and wellbeing. Events bring us together," said Julia Robinson, General Manager, Australian Festivals Association and LEIF Executive Committee Member.
"They can inspire and move us. Live entertainment is the antidote to last year’s disconnection, and we know audiences around Australia continue to miss their festivals, concerts and events.”
Live Performance Australia’s CEO Evelyn Richardson has stressed the importance of event-goers getting vaccinated as a way of supporting the live events industry.
“If we want keep our theatre and venue doors open, and we want to see our favourite performers on stage, the most important thing we can do right now is to get vaccinated," she said.
"Not only will it keep our communities, families, friends and colleagues safe, it will ensure the future of our industry. Don’t wait. Do it now so we can welcome the world’s greatest acts back to the country that they love visiting and performing in.”
Find out more about LEIF and their work here.
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