Reggio Live Fest 2026 faces funding delay as new mayor's office stalls approval

The Reggio Live Fest, a music festival organized by Show Net and promoter Ruggero Pegna, is slated for September 9‑15 2026 in Piazza Indipendenza and the Lungomare of Reggio Calabria. The event, which attracted over 100,000 attendees in each of its two previous editions, secured a three‑year regional grant covering 2024‑2026 and relies on a combined budget of roughly €400,000 (plus VAT) contributed by the Calabria Region (€100 k), the Municipality of Reggio Calabria (€110 k), the Metropolitan City (€110 k), and Pegna’s own company (€80 k plus €60 k in anticipated VAT refunds).

Despite the funding plan being approved, the new municipal administration has not yet confirmed its participation, leaving the festival’s financing uncertain. Pegna expressed confidence that the approval will be granted, noting the festival’s inclusion in the “Eventi di Grande Interesse Turistico” program and its economic benefits for the city.

The festival will feature seven consecutive live performances over a week, coinciding with local Marian festivities and the Feast of the Madonna, and aims to continue its record‑breaking attendance and tourism impact.