Superstruct Entertainment Unveils Artistic Code to Protect Freedom of Expression at 80-Plus Festivals
On September 9 2026, Superstruct Entertainment— the UK‑based operator that stages more than 80 festivals worldwide— introduced its Artistic Code at the International Festival Forum in London. The new document covers every event in the company’s portfolio, from Mighty Hoopla and Victorious to Kendal Calling, Tramlines, Truck Festival, Field Day, Cross The Tracks, Wacken Open Air, Lost Village, Flow, Defqon.1, Sónar, Zwarte Cross and Boardmasters.
The Artistic Code is built around four pillars: (1) safeguarding artistic freedom within legal boundaries; (2) creating safe and welcoming spaces; (3) ensuring programming and partnerships mirror Superstruct’s values; and (4) fostering inclusivity and fairness. The text explicitly states that performances cannot be censored solely because an artist’s views are controversial, that discrimination or behaviour that endangers people will not be tolerated, and that the company will not support campaigns of incitement or intolerance.
In practice, Superstruct has no artist blacklist. A show may only be halted for safety reasons, and the operator pledges to respect the creative independence of each festival. Political flags are permitted in an artist’s set unless the flag or symbol is illegal in the local jurisdiction.
The code’s launch follows a wave of artist‑led boycotts that began in 2025 after Superstruct’s 2024 acquisition by private‑equity firm KKR, which has ties to Israeli investments. Field Day organisers acknowledged KKR’s financial backing but said the firm had no influence over the acquisition, and Mighty Hoopla issued a similar statement distancing itself from the arrangement. Earlier, Superstruct had argued that the investment supports the music industry and that shareholders share the company’s values.
"The Artistic Code makes our position clear and gives artists and our festival teams shared principles to work from, with creative independence at the heart of them," COO Rebecca Kane Burton told reporters. She added that the code will evolve alongside the company’s festivals and the wider cultural landscape.
By codifying its standards, Superstruct aims to reassure performers that its festivals remain venues for artistic challenge, provocation and expression. The document also provides a framework for booking, contracting and live performance that aligns with the operator’s stated values.
The portfolio spans a wide range of genres and audiences. Wacken Open Air in Germany and Sónar in Spain, among the company’s largest events, have long been celebrated for diverse line‑ups and inclusive atmospheres. The Artistic Code seeks to formalise the principles that have guided Superstruct’s programming decisions for years.
The timing of the announcement comes as the festival industry faces increasing scrutiny over relationships with private‑equity owners. By publicly outlining its approach to artistic freedom and safety, Superstruct aims to address concerns that surfaced after the KKR acquisition.
The full Artistic Code is posted on Superstruct’s website, and the company has said it will review and update the document as festivals and cultural contexts change.
In short, Superstruct Entertainment has introduced a formal set of principles designed to protect artistic expression across its global festival network. The move follows a boycott campaign linked to the company’s new ownership by KKR and seeks to reaffirm the operator’s commitment to creative independence, safety, inclusivity and fairness.
