A surge of live music acts, headlined by Taylor Swift, Charli XCX, and Bruce Springsteen, set ablaze the UK music scene in 2024, injecting a staggering £10 billion boost into the British economy. The industry body UK Music’s report revealed a record-breaking attendance of over 23 million music enthusiasts at concerts and festivals, marking a substantial increase from the previous year.
Notably, Taylor Swift’s Eras tour, hailed as the most commercially successful tour in history, played a pivotal role in propelling these unprecedented figures to new heights. Alongside Swift, renowned festivals like Glastonbury, Download, and Boardmasters also drew massive crowds. The lineup further featured powerhouse acts such as Sam Fender, Olivia Rodrigo, Girls Aloud, Chappell Roan, the Killers, and Foo Fighters.
The report attributed the exponential growth in music tourism to a surge in both domestic and international attendees, with 93% of fans hailing from the UK and a notable 62% surge in overseas visitors. Lisa Nandy, the culture secretary, lauded the UK’s allure as a live music hub, underscoring its ability to attract global superstars, draw millions of fans, and bolster local economies through tourism and job creation.
Spending on music tourism skyrocketed to a record £10 billion in 2024, reflecting a substantial 25% increase from the previous year. This expenditure encompassed direct costs such as tickets, food, merchandise, travel, and accommodations, as well as indirect spending on event logistics like security and infrastructure.
London emerged as a music mecca, with iconic venues like the O2 and Wembley attracting 7.5 million music enthusiasts and contributing £2.7 billion to the overall revenue. The north-west and south-west of England also played significant roles, collectively hosting millions of music tourists and generating billions in revenue.
The live music industry, a vital economic engine, supported 72,000 full-time equivalent jobs in 2024, signaling growth from the previous year. Despite these promising figures, the report underscored the industry’s challenges, with 250 festivals ceasing operations between 2019 and the current year.
As the music landscape continues to evolve, with artists facing mounting touring costs and venues grappling with closure threats, the report serves as a testament to the music industry’s resilience and enduring impact on economies worldwide.
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