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The Independent
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Number of British acts playing at festivals in Europe plummets after Brexit
The number of British music acts performing at major European festivals has significantly decreased since Brexit, with an average fall of a quarter compared to pre-Brexit levels (2017-2019). Analysis of four major festivals, including Benicassim, Lollapalooza, Rock en Seine, and Roskilde, revealed Benicassim experienced the largest drop, with 58 per cent fewer British acts. Industry leaders and musicians, including Elton John, have highlighted that increased paperwork, red tape, and costs are creating a 'logistical nightmare' for touring artists. Organisations like Best for Britain, the Independent Society of Musicians, and UK Music warn that these barriers are damaging opportunities for artists, impacting the UK's £7.6bn music industry, and diminishing its cultural influence. There are urgent calls for the government to address these challenges and work with European partners to implement solutions, with Labour's manifesto also committing to sorting out issues for touring musicians.
Daily Tribune
02-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
UK music tourism hits record £10 bn in 2024: study
Music tourism contributed a record £10 billion ($13.8 billion) to the UK economy last year as fans flocked to live shows by Taylor Swift and other big acts, industry data from UK Music revealed yesterday. 'Charli XCX, Bruce Springsteen, Sam Fender and Dua Lipa helped lure a record 23.5 million music tourists to concerts and festivals,' UK Music added. Both figures were up by around one quarter on 2023, while the vast majority of 'tourists' were fans travelling from other areas of the UK. 'Taylor Swift's Eras Tour helped drive the 2024 figures to a new high with legions of overseas tourists coming to the UK to see the stars and enjoy concerts and festivals including Glastonbury,' it added. UK Music said this year's Oasis reunion tour, starting in Cardiff on Friday, 'will hopefully continue the success story'. Looking at the total 2024 spending, £5.1 billion came from music tourists attending concerts and festivals in the UK, including the cost of tickets, travel and accommodation, the study showed. A further £4.9 billion was spent indirectly through the value chain, including costs such as fencing and security,' it said. UK Music noted that 'local music ecosystems stimulate the economy by boosting footfall, powering the hospitality and retail sectors, and creating vibrant places that attract residents, visitors, and investment'. Its chief executive Tom Kiehl warned however of 'a number of challenges' facing the sector, 'such as the rising cost of touring for artists and the threat of closure looming over venues, studios and other music spaces'.
Business Times
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Times
UK music tourism hits record £10 billion in 2024: study
[LONDON] Music tourism contributed a record £10 billion (S$17.5 billion) to the UK economy last year as fans flocked to live shows by Taylor Swift and other big acts, industry data from UK Music revealed on Tuesday (Jul 1). 'Charli XCX, Bruce Springsteen, Sam Fender and Dua Lipa helped lure a record 23.5 million music tourists to concerts and festivals,' UK Music added. Both figures were up by around one quarter on 2023, while the vast majority of 'tourists' were fans travelling from other areas of the UK. 'Taylor Swift's Eras Tour helped drive the 2024 figures to a new high with legions of overseas tourists coming to the UK to see the stars and enjoy concerts and festivals including Glastonbury,' it added. UK Music said this year's Oasis reunion tour, starting in Cardiff on Friday, 'will hopefully continue the success story'. Looking at the total 2024 spending, £5.1 billion came from music tourists attending concerts and festivals in the UK, including the cost of tickets, travel and accommodation, the study showed. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself. Sign Up Sign Up 'A further £4.9 billion was spent indirectly through the value chain, including costs such as fencing and security,' it said. UK Music noted that 'local music ecosystems stimulate the economy by boosting footfall, powering the hospitality and retail sectors, and creating vibrant places that attract residents, visitors, and investment'. Its chief executive Tom Kiehl warned however of 'a number of challenges' facing the sector, 'such as the rising cost of touring for artists and the threat of closure looming over venues, studios and other music spaces'. AFP
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."
