Industry reacts to UK Chancellor’s autumn budget

Bodies from across the live entertainment, theatre and night time industries have called the UK Chancellor’s autumn budget a ‘missed opportunity’.  Chancellor Jeremy Hunt unveiled the autumn budget yesterday (Thursday) and despite calls for an extension to Theatre Tax Relief and a cut to VAT on ticket sales for circus, entertainment and performing arts companies, …

Research demonstrates economic impact of Emirates Old Trafford major events

Research from not-for-profit agency Marketing Manchester has revealed that the estimated impact of Emirates Old Trafford’s major events in 2022 equates to a £27m ($32m/€31m) boost to the local economy. Marketing Manchester’s aim is to promote Greater Manchester in the UK and on the international stage. The agency has worked with Emirates Old Trafford to …

Tixly announces first North America client

The newly rebranded Tixly has signed up its first client in North America, with the Heymann Performing Arts Center set to utilise the Icelandic company’s ticketing and CRM platform.  The Heymann Performing Arts Center opened in Lafayette, Louisiana in 1960 and has hosted Broadway musicals, concerts, symphony, theatre and more. The venue incorporates a 2,200-seat …

Germany’s MGNFY partners with Gigmit

MGNFY, a ticket marketing agency, festival promoter and artist management company headquartered in Germany, and music booking online platform Gigmit, have entered into a strategic partnership.  The relationship with Gigmit will bolster MGNFY’s dedication to helping artists and promoters position themselves by combing data-driven management, booking and marketing. Both MGNFY and Gigmit are aiming to …

SI Tickets becomes official ticketing partner of Major Arena Soccer League

SI Tickets, the ticket platform from media brand Sports Illustrated, has partnered with the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) as its official ticketing partner for the 2022-2023 season.  The deal means that SI Tickets will gain access to exclusive ticket packages and marketing integrations with MASL and its 14 North American teams. Fans will be …

New survey demonstrates impact of rising costs on musicians

Research from charity Help Musicians has demonstrated the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on artists in the UK.  The charity found that more than eight in 10 professional musicians are worried about meeting mortgage or rent costs. A further nine in 10 said that their career is being impacted by poor mental health and 91% …

Artists turn down Qatar World Cup appearances over human rights issues

British singer Rod Stewart (pictured) turned down over $1m (£845,000/€966,000) to perform at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, joining the likes of Dua Lipa who has also said she will not perform at the tournament.  The rejections from artists add to the criticism of the tournament in Qatar, with many angered by the …

New London King’s Cross venue to open with David Hockney show

London is set to welcome a new venue, Lightroom, which is billed as a ‘new home for spectacular artist-led shows’.  Lightroom is located in King’s Cross on Lewis Cubitt Square and has been designed by Haworth Tompkins as a sister space to the Bridge Theatre. The new London venue is a joint venture between design …

Indiana University Athletics expands Learfield partnership

Indiana University Athletics will utilise Learfield Amplify, the ticket sales division of Learfield, as part of its newly expanded partnership with the US collegiate sports marketing company.   As part of the expanded deal, an on-campus sales team will be established to drive new fan engagement and to aid existing season ticket-holders. Indiana University Athletics …