Huge impact on British-based artists due to Brexit

British artists are a lot less likely to be at European festivals during the first festival season after Brexit. Best For Britain, an organization that campaigned against the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union, calculated that there will be 45 percent fewer British names on festival posters this year compared to 2017 through 2019.

According to Best For Britain, that’s a bad thing. “On tour, many musicians have experiences that shape them and give them a chance to break through to the general public,” says director Naomi Smith. Not only is it harder for British artists to go to Europe, but according to Smith, international musicians “will think extra carefully before adding Glasgow or London to their European tours.”

Artists and others working in the music industry have long indicated that Brexit has made touring Europe more difficult. That’s because of visas and permits that are now required. For example, White Lies was unable to embark on a tour in Paris because they failed to arrange the paperwork to transport their instruments in time.

Visa-free touring

Elton John, along with over a hundred other British artists, signed an open letter to the government last year pleading for visa-free touring. They got their way: in 19 of the 27 member states of the EU, an agreement has been made allowing musicians from the UK to travel without a visa again.

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