Concerts and festivals like Glastonbury contribute up to £900 million to the West’s economy, attracting two million visitors. According to UK Music, nearly 9,000 people were employed for shows in the region in 2023. The total number of music tourists attending live events across the UK reached 19.2 million this year, marking a 33% increase from 2022’s figure of 14.4 million.
Despite this growth, independent events and grassroots venues are struggling. Glastonbury, one of the world’s most renowned festivals, drew around 200,000 attendees in 2023, with reports suggesting 210,000 in 2024. UK Music highlighted a remarkable 86% rise in music tourism in the South West, growing from one million in 2022 to two million in 2023.
However, the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) reported that 50 UK festivals have been canceled, postponed, or shut down for 2024, including popular events like NASS in Somerset and Inglefest near Bristol. This year also marked the final Shindig Festival in Ilminster, Somerset.
The Music Venue Trust (MVT) noted that 125 venues either closed or stopped hosting live music in 2023. Notably, the iconic Moles venue in Bath closed its doors after 45 years due to rising costs.
UK Music’s chief executive, Tom Kiehl, emphasized the urgent need to support grassroots venues, festivals, and other key components of the music ecosystem. He stated, “It’s vital that the music ecosystem that enables musicians and artists to perform is supported to ensure that everyone can have access to music.”
Kiehl expressed optimism about collaborating with the new government to cultivate thriving music ecosystems across towns and cities, fostering economic growth and enhancing their attractiveness to visitors.