Boost in live music audiences means £4 billion for UK economy

A record turnout to live music events in the U.K. last year helped generate £4 billion (AU$6.7 billion) for the economy in direct and indirect spending.

A total of 30.9 million people attended concerts and festivals in 2016 (an increase of 12% compared to 2015), with total attendance broken down into 27 million for concerts and 3.9 million for festivals.

The annual study conducted by umbrella trade body UK Music’s also found that fans were becoming more passionate about live music – further proof that musicians today earn more from gigs and merchandising.

Dubbed Wish You Were Here, the research found that not only were audience numbers up, but an increasing amount of music fans were willing to travel long distances to get their live experience fix.

Music tourism – which includes both fans from abroad and U.K. citizens who travel domestically from all around the UK to catch festivals and concerts – grew 20% to 12.5 million. 

This growth doesn’t look like slowing either, with the music tourism industry enjoying an increase of 76% since 2011.

Those travelling from within the country now account for 11.6 million attendees, while the number of overseas tourists rose 7% to 823,000, with each spending an average of £850 (AU$1,440)

“Live music in the UK is a tremendous success story and makes a massive contribution to our culture and general wellbeing, as well as our economy," UK Music CEO Michael Dugher said.

“It showcases our talent to the world and brings pleasure to millions every day.”

The report stated that the increase in music tourism in 2016 boosted employment in the UK to 47,445 full time jobs. This was a 22% growth since the year before when the figure was 39,034.

“UK Music’s Wish You Were Here report clearly shows music and the creative industries are not only central to our cultural DNA but also hugely important for creating jobs and growth across the country," Culture Secretary Karen Bradley added.

“Our musicians are cultural ambassadors for Britain and help us show the world that we are an optimistic and open country.”

But it wasn’t all good news. The smaller venues, with capacities less than 1,500, continue to face long-time issues such as red tape, property developers and rising costs. Many of them have closed, with 40% of London’s venues accounting for these.

Now the new data shows that less money is being spent within these venues, adding to the pressure point. There was a 13% drop in direct spending, and a 21% decrease in the number of overseas visitors visiting them.

Dugher, acknowledging these smaller venues’ role as a “vital part of the live music industry”, promised to campaign harder to protect them.

Image: Getty