Samsung sponsors first UK 'ticketless' festivals

The Red Hot Chili Peppers gig at Knebworth on June 23 will be the first time this technology has been used by an artist anywhere in Europe. Wakestock, set to become Europe’s most technologically advanced festival by using this technology, will follow.

Promising secure access and virtually no queues special RFID wristbands will be issued and read on arrival to validate entry. The wearer also has the option to link the band to their social media profiles or use it to enter competitions associated with the events.

Simon Stanford, VP, Telecommunications & Network Division, Samsung UK & Ireland said, “We’re delighted to announce our involvement...In [the] future, everyone will be able to use their mobile phone as their ticket whether they are music fans going to a gig, or commuters travelling to work.”

Festival goers will also be able to personalise their wristband to check in on Facebook, share their experience online or upgrade to VIP by heading to the Samsung Galaxy Note experimental stand. Samsung are also working on allowing festival goers with an NFC enabled mobile to be able to use it as their ticket at future events.

Business Director of Billington Cartmell Music, Denzil Thomas who conceived the associated, commented, “Pretty soon NFC will be ubiquitous in ticketing, it’s been great to have Samsung kick it all off in the UK.”

Stuart Galbraith, from Kilimanjaro Live, the promoter of both events added, “We are very excited to be working with Samsung and Intellitix in being one of the first UK promoters to embrace this new technology and look forward to developing adaptations across many events.”