New research led by behavioral scientist Dr. Patrick Fagan shows that people who regularly attend concerts and festivals can feel up to 21% better in their overall wellbeing.
A new study by behavioral scientist Dr. Patrick Fagan, carried out in partnership with O2, suggests that going to gigs and festivals does more for us than just make us happy in the moment. People who attend live music events regularly report up to a 21% increase in overall wellbeing, with lower stress, better mood, and stronger social connection than those who rarely go out. The research describes a “gig a fortnight” as a kind of psychological prescription that could help people feel more emotionally recharged and engaged with life.
What stands out is that the benefit isn’t only about the artist or the song  it’s the collective atmosphere. Being surrounded by a crowd sharing the same experience, energy, and emotion creates a strong sense of belonging and presence. Festival‑goers often describe feeling “switched off” from everyday stress and more emotionally reset after a show. The study suggests that live music events provide something increasingly rare in modern life: a shared, in‑the‑moment connection that feels both energising and restorative.