UK's Local Music Scene Amid Pandemic: Insights from Grassroots Level
In a new discussion paper, researchers delve into the impact of Brexit on the UK's creative industries, focusing on the live music sector from 2014 to 2019. The study, led by experts from Aston University, the University of Newcastle, and Birmingham City University, highlights the sector's resilience and growth post-pandemic, despite ongoing Brexit-related complexities and economic pressures.
The UK's live music sector is currently witnessing a robust economic rebound. In 2024, live music tourism attracted a record 23.5 million attendees to concerts and festivals, generating a staggering £10 billion for the UK economy—a 23% increase from the previous year. The sector was valued at £6.1 billion in 2025, further emphasizing its significance to economic activity and cultural life.
Large-scale events like the 2025 Oasis reunion tour have contributed significantly, with consumer spend exceeding £1 billion. Such events boost local economies, causing hotel price surges, and even influencing short-term inflation dynamics.
The sector's growth is not solely due to consumer demand and tourism. UK government and major labels agreed on reforms in July 2025 to improve financial fairness for legacy artists, songwriters, and session musicians. These reforms, aimed at channeling tens of millions of pounds into the sector by 2030, will help sustain growth and creator earnings.
However, Brexit continues to pose challenges for international touring. The Musicians' Union’s Live Performance Section is actively addressing these issues, working on solutions for live performers, venues, and busking, and advocating for fair opportunities and standards across the live sector.
Grassroots music scenes are also recovering, thanks to community-driven approaches like Grassroots Rising. This new model supports small venues, independent promoters, and grassroots music scenes struggling with infrastructure costs and the cost-of-living crisis by reducing costs, creating shared showcase events, and offering a sustainable blueprint for the sector’s future.
The report also underscores the importance of cooperatives as a viable business model for creative workers and students. It emphasizes the need for effective communication channels between musical stakeholders, local authorities, and policymakers. The report also recognises the significance of the live music ecosystem to the broader night-time economy.
The UK's creative industries, including the live music sector, have a global reach, with British arts, technology, and design being internationally recognised. The Fashion and Textiles industry contributed nearly £20 billion to the UK economy in 2020. However, the outbreak of the global pandemic brought the live music sector to a near standstill.
The report also examines the role the creative industries can play for the Levelling Up agenda, focusing on building sustainable regional music industry clusters. Measures to tackle Covid-19 affected venues in Birmingham and other areas, highlighting the need for policymakers to consider factors like planning, development, the spread of venues, and the effect of national policy on local provision.
In summary, while Brexit-related touring complexities and economic pressures remain challenges, coordinated industry representation, government reforms, and innovative grassroots initiatives are driving the UK’s live music sector toward a resilient and prosperous recovery.
