Connecting the live music industry
Record-Breaking Year for UK Live Music
September2
The UK live music industry generated record revenues in 2024, according to new figures published by LIVE, the trade body representing the sector.
Drawing on analysis of 55,000 gigs, concerts, festivals and events, the report shows that live music spending reached £6.68 billion last year—a 9.5% increase on 2023 and more than £2 billion above pre-pandemic levels in 2019. On average, one gig took place every 137 seconds across the UK.
Mainstream pop dominated audience spending, accounting for 32.1% of the top 2,000 concerts, with stars such as Taylor Swift, Charli XCX and Dua Lipa among the biggest draws. Concerts were the key growth driver, with turnover up 12.2%, while festival revenues rose by just 1.9%. Concerts made up 75.3% of total live music spending.
The report highlights the continuing concentration of live music in major cities. London attracted 28.9% of total spending, though its share declined slightly year-on-year as Manchester and Glasgow gained ground. Cardiff overtook Edinburgh to rank fifth among UK live music cities.
Employment in the sector also grew, with more than 234,000 people working in live music in 2024, up 2.2% from the previous year. Nearly 79% of those roles were casual or freelance.
While the headline numbers point to strong performance at the top end of the market, LIVE warned of ongoing challenges for grassroots venues, small festivals and independent promoters. Rising costs and venue closures remain pressure points for the ecosystem that supports emerging talent.
To address this, the organisation has established the LIVE Trust, a new fund designed to channel support to grassroots venues and promoters. Backed by a proposed £1 levy on tickets for arena and stadium shows, the initiative has already secured commitments from several major artists and aims to begin distributing funds in the coming years.
Jon Collins (pictured), CEO of LIVE, said the report underlines both the strength and the vulnerabilities of the industry:
“UK live music continued its post-lockdown growth at the top level, but pressures remain across our grassroots. Venues closed, tours were cut back and festivals were cancelled. With the right support, however, live music can continue to thrive in every region and community.”
Steve Lamacq, Chair of LIVE, added:
“More people are going to gigs than ever before—one every 137 seconds. Live music is an essential cultural force, whether that’s in stadiums or in local grassroots venues. The launch of the LIVE Trust is a step towards ensuring those smaller venues survive and continue to nurture future headliners.”
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