As a promising resurgence of festivals take place across the UK this summer, economic activity in host towns is rising.
Recent figures suggest revenue at many gigs and festivals in Britain has returned to pre-pandemic levels and ticket purchasing behaviours amongst music fans have positively changed following an unsure environment brought about by the pandemic.
From Glastonbury to BlackFest, Boardmasters to Reading and Leeds Festival, there is something for all music fans, supporting homegrown and grassroot bands and artists, and not forgetting the headline acts.
A key testament was Burna Boy’s sell-out show this summer at the London Stadium as part of his Love Damini tour, making him the first African artist to headline a stadium show in the UK.
CEO of LIVE, Jon Collins reacts to a summer of music, reflecting on the recovery of the live music sector post COVID-19: “The UK’s live music sector has burst back to life after the pandemic, with world-class festivals and concerts delighting millions across the UK over the last few months. In London alone, recent figures have revealed that over one million people attended live music events in the capital in the first week of July. Whilst we saw fewer fans purchasing tickets and attending live music events following the pandemic, compounded by the cost-of-living crisis, we are now witnessing an upward trajectory in the number of tickets being sold and fans attending events.”
“The result this will have on the economy as a whole is phenomenal and, with the right support from government, we could be doing even more including supporting the grassroots venues and events that are providing a platform for the next generation of talent. The UK’s live music sector is the envy of our friends across the globe and the support from fans will illustrate to policymakers and beyond just how critical the live music sector is and cannot be taken for granted,” concluded Collins.
