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Packed-out concerts and festivals over the summer indicate the UK live music scene’s “upward trajectory” according to the head of the LIVE trade group.
LIVE said recent figures suggest revenue at many gigs and festivals in Britain has returned to pre-pandemic levels and ticket purchasing behaviours amongst music fans have positively changed following an unsure environment brought about by the pandemic.
The trade group said festivals such as Glastonbury, BlackFest, Boardmasters, Reading and Leeds showed “the power of the live music sector in true force this summer”. LIVE also highlighted the increasing diversification of the UK live music scene with Burna Boy becoming the first African artist to headline a stadium show in the country when he played London Stadium in June.
Jon Collins, chief executive of LIVE, said: “The UK’s live music sector has burst back to life after the pandemic, with world-class festivals and concerts delighting millions across the UK over the last few months. In London alone, recent figures have revealed that over one million people attended live music events in the capital in the first week of July.
“Whilst we saw fewer fans purchasing tickets and attending live music events following the pandemic, compounded by the cost-of-living crisis, we are now witnessing an upward trajectory in the number of tickets being sold and fans attending events.
“The result this will have on the economy as a whole is phenomenal and, with the right support from government, we could be doing even more including supporting the grassroots venues and events that are providing a platform for the next generation of talent.
“The UK’s live music sector is the envy of our friends across the globe and the support from fans will illustrate to policymakers and beyond just how critical the live music sector is and cannot be taken for granted.”
UK Music last month unveiled its ‘Here, There and Everywhere’ report, which details the contribution of music tourism to the UK economy. UK Music’s report showcases the impact of different regions across the whole of the UK including specific breakdowns for Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland as well as other English regions.
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