Festival season is nearly upon us and many Scots are gearing up for the music event of their choice. From Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival to Glasgow and Edinburgh Summer Sessions, we are totally spoiled for choice this summer.
However, there is no escaping the fact that arts events are costly. Between food, drink, transport, and festival tickets themselves, music lovers can find themselves hundreds of pounds out of pocket before even seeing an act.
In fact, a new study has revealed that a hugely popular music festival in Scotland is the ninth-most expensive music event in the UK. TRNSMT, which takes place over three days in Glasgow Green every July, is the pricey festival in question.
TRNSMT charges £89.50 per day, according to research by online casino guide CritiqueJeu, which examined ticket prices for over 300 UK festivals scheduled in 2025, calculating the cost per day based on the minimum ticket price.
The music extravaganza, organised by DF Concerts, boasts 50 Cent, The Script, Snow Patrol, and Biffy Clyro among its line-up this year. It has become the country's biggest festival since T in the Park wrapped up in 2016.
"Seeing the variation in cost for these festivals can lead to a ‘something for everyone’ ideal," Paul LENGLET, co-founder and editor of CritiqueJeu, said on the findings.
"However, with the cost of living still high and the UK public suffering from hits to their wallets, it’s time to question whether the festivals are giving value for money."
A general admission day ticket currently costs £89.50 from the TRNSMT website, while a full weekend job costs £249.50. There are also options to snap up two day tickets at varying prices.
Elsewhere, Leeds Festival and Reading Festival, both happening in August, share first place as the UK's most expensive festivals based on the minimum day ticket price.
These events, which typically feature similar line-ups across their separate locations, require £125 for a single day's attendance.
BST Hyde Park ranked second most expensive at £101.95 per day. However, it comes with the advantage of a central London location and typically A-list headliners. The event runs from June 27 to July 13, 2025.
If you're looking for a festival with multi-day camping and a diverse lineup, Homestead Festival, which was ranked third among all events at £100 per day, is a popular option.
The festival takes place from July 18-20, 2025 at Fernhill Farm in Somerset.
Parklife Weekender is fourth at £97.70 per day, scheduled for June 8 and 9, 2025 in Manchester. Meanwhile, Bloodstock, known for its heavy metal focus and devoted fan base, ranked fifth on the price index at £96 per day.
In general, the study found a huge price gap between the most expensive and most affordable options.
While Leeds and Reading charge £125 per day, Swanage Blues festival costs just £3.75 daily, Live on the Wye £3.50, and Chester Folk Festival £3.25. These budget-friendly options cost over 97 per cent less than the premium events.
"Festival-goers should consider what they value most in their experience," Paul added.
"The headline acts and production values at Leeds and Reading justify their premium pricing for many attendees.
"But the amenities on offer are often basic portable toilets and junk food stands. Whereas, smaller events often offer more distinctive atmospheres and community connections that appeal to different audiences.”
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