ISSUE #4

More people than ever are
ocking to watch live music,
with attendance at concerts and
festivals at an all-time high.
A new report found that there has been a
12% rise in audiences at live music events
over the past 12 months, bringing £4bn in
to the UK economy and providing a
welcome boost for the
music industry.
UK Music’s study,
Wish You Were Here,
found that audience
numbers had hit 30.9
million, up from 27.7
million in 2015, with 4
million people
attending the evergrowing
number of
British music festivals in 2016.
It is further evidence that the
live sector is one of the most vibrant and
protable parts of the music industry, and
it is through ticket sales and merchandise
that most musicians generate the majority
of their revenue.
The research found that people were
increasingly willing to travel from other
parts of the UK, and even from abroad, to
attend live music events. Music tourism
rose by 20% in 2016, and almost 1 million
people travelled to the UK from abroad
specically to attend concerts and
festivals, spending an average of £850.
The chief executive of UK Music, Michael
Dugher, said: “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. It showcases our talent to the
world and brings pleasure to millions
every day.”
However, the report also found that there
was a sharp fall in the
amount of money being
spent at smaller venues
– those with a capacity
of below 1,500. These
are the venues that
have been closing in
their droves over the
past decade, declining
by 35% in London
thanks to rising costs,
pressures from property
developers and strict
licensing laws.
“UK Music will continue to campaign to
safeguard smaller music venues, many
of which are ghting for survival,” the
former Labour MP said.
She was echoed by Juliette Carter, a
British manager whose roster has
included R&B singer Dawn Richard and
Awful Records’ Ethereal. “Whilst it is
great to see the live industry ourishing,
it is vital we continue to support smaller
venues which serve as the foundation for
tomorrow’s festival headliners,” said
Carter
SHROPROCKS.COM // P5