Latest news with #Beat-Herder
ITV News
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- ITV News
Music tourism brings £1.2 billion into North West
International tours from stars like Sam Fender, Chappell Roan and the Foo Fighters helped boost music tourism in the North West by £1.2 billion last year, according to a new report. Live music in 2024 brought 3.3 million music tourists to the region, including some from overseas, as artists played sold-out shows in Manchester, Liverpool and across the region. Fans of a wide range of genres could see their favourites in the North West with Fender at Co-op Live, Roan at Manchester Academy and the Foo Fighters playing the Emirates Old Trafford in 2024. Festivals such as Parklife, Creamfields and Beat-Herder also brought a large number of fans to the region. The report from UK Music – an association which represents the country's commercial music industry – also found music tourism supported around 9,250 full-time equivalent jobs in the North West. The £1.2 billion boost to the economy from music tourism in the region included ticket sales, food and beverage sales, merchandise, venue parking, camping fees, accommodation and travel. Across the country in 2024, 21.9 million people in the UK were 'music tourists' according to the report, meaning they travelled at least three times the average commute for their region to see live acts. A further 1.6 million people travelled from abroad to the UK for gigs, which the report said was driven largely by Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, but international acts including Bruce Springsteen and Burna Boy also made an impact. The report said the total of 23.5 million music tourists gave a £10 billion boost to the UK economy in 2024 in a record for the country as it continues to see success in the industry following the Covid pandemic. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy hailed the nation as 'a powerful home for live music', adding: 'Whether it's a massive stadium show or a packed-out local venue, music is bringing people together and making a huge difference. 'We're incredibly proud of our music industry. It's one of our greatest exports, it inspires young people everywhere, and it's part of who we are as a country.' She added that the Government last week announced a £30 million 'music growth package', which will 'support emerging talent, protect the venues that give them a start and make sure our music scene keeps growing and reaching new heights'. Meanwhile Tom Kiehl, chief executive of UK Music, said the sector is still facing financial challenges. He said 'While music generates huge benefits for our local areas, there remain a number of challenges facing our sector such as the rising cost of touring for artists and the threat of closure looming over venues, studios and other music spaces,' The report launches the local music action charter, which UK Music said will 'help councils and combined authorities create locally tailored music strategies aligned with their specific priorities'. Councillor Liz Green, chairwoman of the Local Government Association's culture, tourism and sport board, said: 'These record-breaking figures show just how important live music is — not just for our local economies, but for the happiness of our communities. 'The report is a timely reminder that investing in local music isn't just good sense – it's a way to boost pride in place and breathe new life into our high streets. We're committed to working with local partners to make sure music continues to thrive in every corner of the UK.'
Daily Mirror
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Sam Fender and Chappell Roan bring £1.2bn boost to North West after tours
Artists including Sam Fender, Chappell Roan and the Foo Fighters played sold-out shows in Manchester, Liverpool and across the North West in 2024, helping to boost music tourism Sam Fender, Chappell Roan and the Foo Fighters rocked the North West's music scene, contributing to a staggering £1.2 billion surge in music tourism last year, a new report has highlighted. In 2024, live gigs attracted 3.3 million music revellers, including international fans, with electrifying performances in Manchester, Liverpool, and other hotspots. The region resonated with tunes from diverse genres, featuring Sam Fender at Co-op Live, Chappell Roan rocking out at Manchester Academy, and the Foo Fighters thrilling crowds at Emirates Old Trafford. Festivals like Parklife, Creamfields and Beat-Herder also played host to hordes of music enthusiasts descending on the North West. UK Music's Tuesday report shed light on the commercial boon, pointing out that these sonic adventures supported roughly 9,250 full-time jobs across the sector. Ticket sales, food and drink, merchandise, venue parking, camping fees, accommodation, and travel expenses all contributed to the hefty economic lift from music tourists. Nationwide, the number of "music tourists" hit a high note with about 21.9 million Brits travelling well beyond their average commute for a spot of live music escapism. Taylor Swift's Eras Tour took the limelight, but a further 1.6 million international visitors also jetted in, lured by the likes of Bruce Springsteen and Burna Boy, according to the illuminating study. The report has revealed a record-breaking £10 billion boost to the UK economy in 2024, with 23.5 million music tourists flocking to the country, marking a high note for the industry's post-pandemic recovery. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy celebrated the nation's vibrant live music scene, stating: "Whether it's a massive stadium show or a packed-out local venue, music is bringing people together and making a huge difference. We're incredibly proud of our music industry. It's one of our greatest exports, it inspires young people everywhere, and it's part of who we are as a country." She also highlighted the Government's commitment to the arts with the recent announcement of a £30 million "music growth package" aimed at nurturing new talent and safeguarding venues, ensuring the music scene continues to thrive and scale new heights. Tom Kiehl, chief executive of UK Music, however, pointed out that despite the sector's economic triumphs, there are still significant financial hurdles to overcome. "While music generates huge benefits for our local areas, there remain a number of challenges facing our sector, such as the rising cost of touring for artists and the threat of closure looming over venues, studios and other music spaces," Mr Kiehl commented. "From Land's End to John O'Groats, all communities have the potential for thriving and diverse music sectors and can offer something unique. At a time when Government is seeking growth, it is crucial to empower local leaders to make this happen to help boost our artists, creators, venues, studios and music businesses." The report introduces the local music action charter, which UK Music said will "help councils and combined authorities create locally tailored music strategies aligned with their specific priorities". Councillor Liz Green, chairwoman of the Local Government Association's culture, tourism and sport board, commented: "These record-breaking figures show just how important live music is - not just for our local economies, but for the happiness of our communities. "The report is a timely reminder that investing in local music isn't just good sense – it's a way to boost pride in place and breathe new life into our high streets. We're committed to working with local partners to make sure music continues to thrive in every corner of the UK."
Daily Mirror
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Beat-Herder full line-up as more acts join Armand Van Helden on festival bill
Beat-Herder will celebrate its 20th birthday next month, with acts including Goldie, Slipmatt, Dub Pistols and Fabio & Grooverider all contributing to the party vibe The full line-up at this year's Beat-Herder festival has been revealed, with more acts added to the bill. This year's event is extra special as the festival is celebrating its 20th birthday – and a whole host of big name acts are set to help bring the party in Lancashire's beautiful Ribble Valley to life. Taking place over four days, it will run from Thursday July 17 to Sunday July 20. On the opening day, viral TikTok sensation Fish56Octagon , house icon Darius Syrossian, and the legendary Slipmatt will kick off the forest frenzy on the Toil Trees stag. Joining them, and newly announced, is rising star Paige Tomlinson, as well as Clara B and Emma Forster, who will be spinning house, disco, and Afrobeats. On the main stage new additions include the powerhouse DJ duo Dick & Dom, 12-piece live dance music act Dutty Moonshine Big Band, drumming collective Drum Machine, and the award-winning Clitheroe Pop Choir. Over at The Ring, drum & bass heavyweight Goldie will be joined by The Medic MC, alongside D&B fire starters Anaïs, Doktor and Benny Page, DJ Helen, Dom James, and G-Breezy for a Thursday night tear-up. On the Smoky Tentacles stage, British electronic duo Stanton Warriors, dance outfit Plump DJs and Amy True join the fold. In a UK festival exclusive, Beat-Herder announced the return of Claude VonStroke - for the first time since 2016. The Dirtybird label boss brings his unique, bouncy tech-house to a feverish Friday night in Toil Trees, marking a magical alignment between Claude's 20 years and Beat-Herder's two-decade celebration. The ever-evolving Stumblefunk stage goes fully turbo, adding to a stacked weekend with Denham Audio, Kelvin 373, The Nextmen, Origin8a & Propa, Oram, Zapya, Gen-Z, and Ask My Bull, plus a whole host of bass bandits and beat-slingers, locked and loaded for maximum damage. Continuing venue announcements, the mighty Fortress line-up is unveiled in full force. With structural bass pressure from Dave Clarke, Dillinja, Tim Reaper, Ammara, Posthuman, D.A.V.E. the Drummer, and more, the Fortress blends acid, techno, UKG, D&B, jungle, and legendary house classics – complete with fire-blazing ramparts. The Beat-Herder Parish Church also returns with a new line-up. Blasting from the pulpit & dishing it from the lectern, there'll be singing and raving on the pews aplenty. Reggae runs wild all weekend, not just Sundays, with Bushrocker Hi-Fi sound system and a hand-picked selection of UK dub talent including DJ Valvatron (Axis), Ramon Judah, Professor P, and more. The Launderette, presented by York's Young Thugs, will host a spin cycle of mixed genre delights and a Sunday foam party featuring Jodie Langford, Drooligan, Rothko, and more. The Sunrise crew are also back with a slightly-delic edge, UV eye candy, and late-night psychedelic stompers. Seventeen new DJs including Fuzzy Logic, Lost Element, and more have joined the lineup to keep everyone raving until dawn in the glowing realm beyond. The latest announcement builds on a stellar lineup featuring global dance icon Armand Van Helden, jungle pioneers Fabio & Grooverider with The Outlook Orchestra, and liquid D&B masters Hybrid Minds. BBC Radio 1 tastemaker Jaguar, electrifying selector HAAi, Polish powerhouse duo Catz 'n Dogz, rising D&B talent Anaïs, house innovator Emma Forster, and disco dynamo Clara B. Festival favourites such as Goldie, Slipmatt, Dub Pistols, lyrical star Gardna, afro-fusion collective K.O.G., and electro icons ZERO 7 round out a line-up that's bursting with 20 years of Beat-Herder magic. Beyond the music, Beat-Herder is renowned far and wide for its enchanting and immersive landscape. With towering sculptures, interactive installations, and whimsical creations, the festival transforms its grounds into a wonderland of imagination, where every turn reveals a new surprise. From hidden tunnels, a secret swimming pool, cars to dance on, teleporting phone boxes, and a parish church complete with stained glass windows and handmade hymn books, at Beat-Herder, creativity knows no bounds. This meticulous attention to detail has earned Beat-Herder top honours, including Festival of the Year at the 2024 Northern Music Awards and TPD TV's Best Festival of the Year. Past accolades include Unique Festival Arena (AIF Festival Awards) and the Extra Festival Award (UK Festival Awards) for creating unforgettable experiences. At the heart of Beat-Herder are six school pals who forged this incredible party in the fires of the 90s free rave scene and, with hearts on sleeves, remain committed to keeping it fiercely independent, 20 years on.
