A Bill to require the Secretary of State to enter into negotiations with the European Union for the purpose of agreeing a visa waiver for UK artists and musicians performing at festivals in EU member states; to make provision to facilitate the movement of artists and musicians, and of their equipment, between the EU and the UK to perform at festivals; to require the Secretary of State to publish a Festivals Strategy; and for connected purposes.
House of Commons
Max WilkinsonLiberal Democrat
1 May 2026
May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.
The Festivals Bill would require the Secretary of State to negotiate with the European Union for a visa waiver so UK artists and musicians can perform at festivals in EU member states, and to make it easier for artists and their equipment to move between the UK and the EU for festival work. It also requires the government to publish a Festivals Strategy and sets out related, cross-border arrangements for festival performances.
Currently at the 2nd reading in the House of Commons; the first reading took place on 25 June 2025. If approved, it would proceed to the committee stage and further parliamentary steps.
Generated 21 February 2026
25 Jun 2025
The 2024-2026 session of Parliament has come to an end so the House of Commons is now prorogued until the next session begins on 13 May 2026. Prorogation is the formal end to the parliamentary year.
This Bill will therefore make no further progress.
No recorded votes for this bill yet.
