The cancellation of Wireless 2026 could cost the festival more than £30m in turnover, says the Association of Independent Festivals CEO John Rostron.
Speaking to The Independent, he said that “Wireless is roughly 50,000 people. You’re talking about a show that has got to be turning over around £10m a day – that would be a sensible guess. At that level, it’s probably a £30m revenue loss. That’s a guess, but based on other shows of that size.”
John added that the amount lost may be more due to funds “brought in through ticket income, sponsorship and food and beverage spend [and] merch” across the weekend, and speculated on whether the festival will be fully insured for the cancellation. “What it [insurance] would pay out on is the questionable part of that booking and that show,” he told the publication.
The cancellation of the London festival comes after its decision to book American rapper Ye (FKA Kanye West) for its three date event. Soon after Ye was announced Wireless main sponsor Pepsi pulled out as the festival’s main sponsor, while UK Prime Minister Kier Starmer called the decision to bring Ye to London “deeply concerning” in reference to the rapper’s past comments on the Jewish community. Ye was subsequently denied entry to the UK by the Home Office.
