More people are going to see live gigs and festivals than ever before, UK Music study finds

UK Music Chief addresses concerns that Brexit will have a negative effect on figures

Roisin O'Connor
Music Correspondent
Tuesday 11 July 2017 10:26 BST
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UK festivals and live music have seen a rise in attendance
UK festivals and live music have seen a rise in attendance

UK gig and festival attendance reached 30.9 million people in 2016, it has been revealed.

A new study by UK Music found that there was a 12 per cent increase in live music audiences last year, which contributed £4 billion to the UK economy.

It was also discovered that just under four million music fans attended festivals in 2016, and 823,000 people from abroad visited the UK specificially to watch live music.

UK Music Chief Executive Michael Dugher commented that live music venues were "a vital part of the live music industry".

"UK Music will continue to campaign to safeguard smaller music venues, many of which are fighting for survival,' he added.

Iconic venues such as London's Astoria, The Arches in Glasgow and The Boardwalk in Sheffield have closed in recent years due to rising costs of rent, licensing laws and pressure from property developers.

Since 2011, the UK has seen a 76 per cent rise in music tourism, but there are concerns that Brexit could have a negative effect on those figures.

Artists could be forced to reduce the number of dates on their European dates over the cost of visas and 'carnet' documents - temporary agreements for importing and exporting equipment across borders.

Fans, musicians, managers and crew may also find it more difficult to travel to the UK.

Mr Dugher has said UK Music is campaigning to have "a single visa for the whole of Europe, so out members can continue to tour in the way that they do now".

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