ATTENDANCE of less than 10,000 people at Launceston's Breath of Life music festival on Saturday clearly indicates a need for greater support of music festivals, show promoter Clint Pease says.
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Mr Pease said the event, which featured 35 international, national and local acts on three stages, ran smoothly although ticket sales were down on previous years.
He said lower attendances at music festivals were being seen all over the country.
``This is the nature of the beast and the nature of the economy,'' he said.
``Still, Breath of Life is punching above its weight considering the size of the festival and the size of the state.''
Mr Pease said the open nature of the Inveresk site meant high costs for perimeter fencing and security staff _ both of which were bolstered this year to prevent people from sneaking in.
The festival was supported this year by ticket sales and private sponsorship with no government assistance.
Mr Pease said he would make a pitch to the state government and the Launceston City Council for support in 2015.
``The local economy receives a great deal of traction from an event like this and I hope that the benefits it delivers will be recognised,'' he said.
``We need this to keep the event viable.''
The council offers up to $20,000 in financial support each year for three years for the city's signature events.
The festival applied to be recognised as a signature event in 2012 but missed out on funding. The council contributed $9900 to Breath of Life in 2013 and $11,250 in 2012.
