The most expensive Lowlands Festival ever kicked off on Friday, with some 55,000 attendees trekking to Biddinghuizen to see Arctic Monkeys, Stromae and Liam Gallagher over the next three days.

The 245 euro ticket price, excluding a 10 euro service charge, is an increase of 35 euros on previous years. ‘The costs are high, but we do not want to skimp, because the expectations of the public are high,’ Lowlands director Eric van Eerdenburg told NU.nl.

Rising energy prices, a staff shortage and headaches at airports have contributed to the price hike at Lowlands and festivals across the board. Chaos at European airports has led many performers to insist on flying in private jets, another cost that must be shouldered by the organisation.

Still, van Eerdenburg says he’s happy the festival can even go on. Last summer, the annual festival was canceled at the last minute due to rising coronavirus infections. The weather forecast, 24 degrees with only the occasional shower, is also welcome after the heatwave.