The UK government is calling on the live music industry to introduce a voluntary levy on stadium and arena tickets to help protect grassroots music venues, festivals, artists, and promoters. The request comes as part of the government’s response to the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee’s report on grassroots music venues.
Creative Industries Minister, Sir Chris Bryant, urged the sector to work together on implementing the levy, which would direct a small portion of revenues from major live music events to support the grassroots sector. The measure aims to ensure the sustainability of venues that are crucial to nurturing emerging talent, as well as helping to maintain jobs within the industry.
Grassroots music venues play a vital role in the UK’s £6.7 billion music industry, with many of the nation’s top-selling artists, including Ed Sheeran, Adele, and Coldplay, starting their careers in these smaller venues. The sector also provides employment for over 28,000 people, from stage managers to security staff, and helps stimulate local economies across the country.
However, grassroots venues have faced significant challenges in recent years, such as the financial impact of the pandemic and rising inflation, leading to venue closures and job losses. Sir Chris Bryant emphasised the importance of these venues, describing them as “one of the UK’s most valuable and yet undervalued cultural assets.” He added that without a thriving grassroots sector, the entire live music industry would suffer.
Bryant’s proposal aligns with the Select Committee’s recommendation for a ticket levy to be introduced by the sector. While notable steps have already been taken by artists like Coldplay and Sam Fender, who are donating portions of their upcoming tour revenues to support grassroots venues, the government believes an industry-led solution would be the most effective way to ensure long-term sustainability.
The levy would be voluntary but is expected to provide vital funding to grassroots venues and artists, creating more performance opportunities for emerging talent and offering greater access to local music venues for fans. Ministers are hopeful that the levy will be implemented in time for concerts in 2025, with fans informed about the purpose and benefits of the initiative.
Mark Davyd, CEO of Music Venue Trust, welcomed the government’s response, describing the proposal as a “clear and achievable path” for the industry to contribute to the grassroots sector’s survival and growth. He added that industry-led investment would help secure a steady pipeline of talent from local venues to larger stadiums and arenas.
Jon Collins, CEO of LIVE, the trade body for the live music industry, also supported the government’s stance, emphasising that addressing the challenges facing grassroots venues, artists, and promoters remains a top priority. LIVE is working to establish the LIVE Trust, which will help distribute funds raised by the levy to venues and artists in need.
The government’s response follows recent funding announcements for the Creative Industries, which include additional support for grassroots music venues through the Supporting Grassroots Music Fund. This fund, administered by Arts Council England, provides grants of up to £40,000 to grassroots venues, promoters, and festivals, helping them develop new revenue streams and improve their facilities.
