Music festivals face challenges attracting top-charting artists in Denmark

As major artists like Ed Sheeran and Billie Eilish prepare for large arena concerts in Denmark next year, music festivals are struggling to attract top-charting global stars. Smukfest in Skanderborg opens for camping today, with headliners such as Diana Ross, Burna Boy, and Sam Smith set to perform later this week when the main program kicks off.

Mikkel Xavier, Smukfest’s music director, expresses satisfaction with this year’s lineup but acknowledges the absence of an international draw that is simultaneously topping the charts. He reflects on the unique circumstances of the year when Justin Bieber performed at the festival while ranked number one worldwide, stating that such a situation is unlikely this year, though he remains optimistic about the diverse offerings available.

This trend is not isolated to Smukfest; Danish Live—representing festivals and concert venues—has observed a similar pattern among various festivals, both domestically and internationally. According to Esben Marcher, director of Danish Live, many top stars are increasingly opting for arena and stadium shows, where they can earn higher revenues than at festivals. This shift poses challenges for festivals hoping to secure major acts that they might have previously had a chance to book.

Fabian Holt, a media researcher at Roskilde University, describes this phenomenon as a ‘headliner drought.’ He notes that the desire for grand productions drives artists away from festival stages, which often have limited space for elaborate shows.

Despite rising ticket prices and increased artist fees due to a crowded concert market, Xavier remains confident that they can create a strong music program. Smukfest runs from today until Sunday, August 11.