Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the loss of funding from Creative Europe on music festivals in the UK.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

In its final year of eligibility for Creative Europe, the UK received approximately £13.4m in funding (an annual average based on the estimated total funding received through the UK’s eligibility period).

This Government takes the potential of our Creative Industries seriously – the Creative Industries Sector Plan announced the Government's Music Growth Package of up to £30m over three years from 2026, which more than doubles current government funding from £4.1 million to up to £10 million annually.

Music festivals are crucial to the UK's music culture: they provide a platform for artists, and support local economies and creative jobs. The Music Growth Package recognises this – it will deliver concrete benefits for festivals, artists, and venues through support with touring, performance and mentoring. Independent festivals will be eligible to apply for this funding once the programme officially launches.

The Government regularly reviews international funding opportunities, prioritising participation where it delivers clear value for money and economic impact. We also understand the importance of UK–EU cooperation through EU programmes, which is why we have associated to Horizon Europe, Copernicus, and Erasmus+. The Government has no plans to rejoin Creative Europe at this time.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask His Majesty's Government how much funding the UK received from Creative Europe in the final year for which it was eligible.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

In its final year of eligibility for Creative Europe, the UK received approximately £13.4m in funding (an annual average based on the estimated total funding received through the UK’s eligibility period).

This Government takes the potential of our Creative Industries seriously – the Creative Industries Sector Plan announced the Government's Music Growth Package of up to £30m over three years from 2026, which more than doubles current government funding from £4.1 million to up to £10 million annually.

Music festivals are crucial to the UK's music culture: they provide a platform for artists, and support local economies and creative jobs. The Music Growth Package recognises this – it will deliver concrete benefits for festivals, artists, and venues through support with touring, performance and mentoring. Independent festivals will be eligible to apply for this funding once the programme officially launches.

The Government regularly reviews international funding opportunities, prioritising participation where it delivers clear value for money and economic impact. We also understand the importance of UK–EU cooperation through EU programmes, which is why we have associated to Horizon Europe, Copernicus, and Erasmus+. The Government has no plans to rejoin Creative Europe at this time.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to rejoining Creative Europe.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

In its final year of eligibility for Creative Europe, the UK received approximately £13.4m in funding (an annual average based on the estimated total funding received through the UK’s eligibility period).

This Government takes the potential of our Creative Industries seriously – the Creative Industries Sector Plan announced the Government's Music Growth Package of up to £30m over three years from 2026, which more than doubles current government funding from £4.1 million to up to £10 million annually.

Music festivals are crucial to the UK's music culture: they provide a platform for artists, and support local economies and creative jobs. The Music Growth Package recognises this – it will deliver concrete benefits for festivals, artists, and venues through support with touring, performance and mentoring. Independent festivals will be eligible to apply for this funding once the programme officially launches.

The Government regularly reviews international funding opportunities, prioritising participation where it delivers clear value for money and economic impact. We also understand the importance of UK–EU cooperation through EU programmes, which is why we have associated to Horizon Europe, Copernicus, and Erasmus+. The Government has no plans to rejoin Creative Europe at this time.