1 in 5 Festival-Goers To Offset Rising Costs With More Drugs

A new survey from the Netherlands suggests that music fans will adopt a drugs strategy for the upcoming festival season. One in five (19%) event-goers said they would increase their drug-taking to offset rising food and drink costs. 

According to a study conducted by broadcast program EenVandaag and 3FM radio station, 43% of festival-goers plan to drink less or buy cheaper alcohol, while 25% said the same about food. 

One participant who wants to combat festival inflation with drugs said illicit substances will help him spend less money. “For 20 euros you have an ecstasy pill and a whole day of water at a festival. Beer and food loses you three or four times as much,” he wrote.

Although 62% of respondents understand rising festival costs are inevitable, more than half will skip one or more events because of increased prices. 

For some, the alternative is not going. One in three participants said they want to attend a festival but can’t afford it anymore. 

Lowlands Festival got the most mentions regarding escalating ticket prices. General passes for the event’s 2023 edition cost a whopping €300 – a €45 and €125 increase compared to last year and a decade ago, respectively. 

Festival mammoth Glastonbury also came under fire a few months ago when organizers announced that ticket prices would increase by 19%. Glastonbury’s management quoted “incredibly challenging times” as the reason for the soaring ticket prices.