ABSTRACT
Participation in networks is now seen as critical to the success of specialinterest tourism and destinations (Baerenholdt & Haldrup, 2006; Gibson, Lynch & Morrison, 2005; Hall, Cambourne, Macionis & Johnson, 1997; Michael, 2007; Morrison, Lynch & Johns, 2004, Pavlovich, 2003; Shih, 2006; Stokes, 2005; Tinsley & Lynch, 2001). There are calls for more research into networks given their potential to influence tourism planning and investment decisions (Shih, 2006). To date, there has been little research into music tourism networks. The aim of this chapter is to present three case studies on music festivals and demonstrate the incentives and disincentives for network participation. A key finding is that weak ties are associated with novel festival programmes. This chapter highlights the perspective that the future of music festivals is enhanced by a practical engagement with the locality. Relationships within the local business, tourism, educational and social spheres create a greater interest in, and audience for the festivals, which in turn, contribute to the vitality and viability of festivals and events. The link with the locality is important because it is a source of differentiation and gives a festival uniqueness.
