Connecting the live music industry
AIP releases first report on Independent Promoters in the UK
May16
The Association of Independent Promoters (AIP) has published its first in-depth report on the state
The Association of Independent Promoters (AIP) has published its first in-depth report on the state of independent live music promoters in the UK.
Based on a survey of its 150 members, the report outlines the sector’s contributions, challenges, and demographic makeup, providing new insight into a crucial part of the country’s live music ecosystem.
According to the findings, independent promoters play a key role in supporting local talent. All respondents said they had included local artists in their programming in 2024, with over half featuring local acts in more than half of their events.
Nearly 20% of promoters surveyed organise over 200 gigs annually, despite 34% reporting a drop in income over the past year.
The report also highlights financial and mental health pressures.
A majority of promoters (69%) receive no external funding and often take on significant financial risk. Over half (55%) supplement their income with other jobs, and 57% reported that their mental health has been significantly or severely affected by their work in promotion.
Taxation was identified as a key issue, particularly the UK’s cultural VAT rate of 20%, which is higher than in many European countries, including France (5.5%), Germany (7%), and Belgium (6%).
The report also points to ongoing diversity challenges in the sector. Of the respondents, 84% identified as men and 89% as white. In response, the AIP plans to launch a diversity database for UK promoters in September, aimed at improving representation of underrepresented groups, including women, LGBTQI+ individuals, ethnically diverse communities, and disabled or neurodiverse promoters.
Despite limited access to formal training—reported by 64% of respondents—many continue to support peers in the industry, with 36% offering mentorship. More than half work five or more days a week on promotion activities.
AIP Co-Chairs Anna Moulson and Luke Hinton said: "This report is a really clear snapshot of the UK`s independent music promotion sector at present, detailing the many challenges we are facing but also the important part we play in artist development and the music industry eco-system. We`d like to thank AIP`s members for their help in putting this report together, and the candid responses that make it so valuable. This is the first edition of what will become an important ongoing health check for the sector - one that we hope will highlight our needs and help us thrive in challenging circumstances."
With VIP-Booking.com, you can search for anyone in the live music industry — try it yourself!
Search Artists:
Trusted by professionals in the live music industry around the world for 25 years!
