UK Music has unveiled new research highlighting the substantial economic impact of gigs, concerts, and festivals on local economies across the UK. In 2023, a total of 19.2 million music enthusiasts from both the UK and abroad traveled to attend live music events, showcasing a 33% increase from the previous year’s figure of 14.4 million.
According to the research findings:
Total Spending: Music tourism expenditure in 2023 amounted to £8 billion, marking a significant 21% rise from £6.6 billion in 2022.
Employment Impact: The sector supported a total of 62,000 jobs in 2023, up by 17% from 53,000 in 2022.
Foreign and Domestic Tourists: The number of foreign music tourists slightly decreased to 1.014 million in 2023, while domestic music tourists surged by 36% to 18.2 million, up from 13.3 million in 2022.
Music tourism not only enriched London, which saw a 40% increase in visitors to 6.9 million in 2023 from 4.9 million in 2022, but also significantly boosted regions like the South West, with an 86% rise to 2 million visitors, and the North East, which saw a 29% increase to 489,000 visitors.
The upcoming Taylor Swift Eras Tour is anticipated to further elevate these figures in 2024, solidifying the UK’s position as a global hub for live music.
However, amidst the growth, challenges persist for independent festivals and grassroots music venues. The Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) reported closures, postponements, or cancellations of 50 UK festivals for 2024, while the Music Venue Trust (MVT) noted 125 venues either closed or ceased hosting live music in 2023.
UK Music’s Chief Executive Tom Kiehl emphasized the need for supportive measures to sustain the music ecosystem, crucial for nurturing talent and ensuring equitable access to musical opportunities across all regions.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy reaffirmed the government’s commitment to bolstering the creative industries, acknowledging the music sector’s role as a global economic driver and cultural beacon.
In response to these findings, UK Music has called upon the new government to implement measures outlined in its Manifesto for Music, aimed at fostering industry growth and supporting the livelihoods of musicians and artists nationwide.
The impact of music tourism extends beyond economic figures, contributing to the cultural fabric and community vitality of towns and cities throughout the UK. As stakeholders look to the future, ensuring a vibrant music ecosystem remains pivotal in sustaining this growth trajectory and ensuring widespread access to the transformative power of live music.
