Brexit Affects UK Musicians at Festivals

A growing number of grassroots musicians from the U.K. are struggling to perform at European festivals, as industry experts highlight the increasing preference for local acts. These artists are often seen as more cost-effective and less risky due to potential border delays. This shift has made it increasingly difficult for U.K. musicians to gain traction on the European stage, with many feeling the impact of post-Brexit regulations. Musicians like Dewdney recount frustrating experiences with customs officials, who enforce local regulations that contradict U.K. guidance. This has led to tense situations, where compliance with tax rules becomes a significant hurdle for U.K. artists seeking to perform in Europe without incurring local taxes. Many emerging musicians find themselves either losing money or barely breaking even, complicating their ability to tour effectively. Fitzgerald, a band member, notes that while they attempt to adhere to regulations, they often face obstacles when doing so. He recalls a particularly stressful experience at customs in Brussels, where their adherence to protocol resulted in delays that nearly caused them to miss their performance. This highlights the broader issue of compliance that many artists grapple with in the current climate. Deborah Annetts, chief of the Independent Society of Musicians, has been vocal about the need for a visa waiver agreement between the U.K. and the EU. She criticizes the previous government for rejecting this proposal, arguing that it has become easier for European musicians to tour in the U.K. than for U.K. musicians to tour in Europe, a situation she describes as "farcical."