ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the economic dimensions of regional music festivals. Economic benefits are crucial, since it usually these that stimulate local council support, the interest and sponsorship of local companies and ultimately support of local people. It provides more depth and clarity to such estimates. The chapter discusses a broader range of economic implications including employment, volunteerism and musical work, contributions to place promotion and the geographical patterns of economic activity festivals generate, including links, networks and capacities not accounted for in simple monetary measures of visitor spending or ticket sales. Festivals have always been a part of the mix of income-earning options for working musicians, and often are linked to the recording industry, so performing an important employment function for record companies and musicians. Beyond monetary and employment impacts are the nature and qualities of social and economic linkages catalyses by festivals, illustrating how festivals act as a 'glue' within the regional economy and community, creating dependencies and reciprocities.
