Last year saw the most tickets ever sold for live entertainment in the UK, according to research from Virgin Media O2. The research from O2 and its Priority Tickets platform showed that there was a 43% increase in sales compared to 2019, the last full year unimpacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The platform also experienced …
Manchester introduces tourist tax to develop events and more
Manchester has imposed a tourist tax for guests staying in order to develop and run large events, conferences, festivals and marketing campaigns. The city is the first in the UK to impose the £1 tourist tax, which will be added per night, per room for those staying in hotels, and is part of a new …
NTIA report demonstrates importance of electronic music in the UK
The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) has presented its first UK Electronic Music Industry Report, which has demonstrated the economic, community and cultural value of the electronic music industry, and the genre’s interwoven presence in live concerts, events, venues and festivals. Published in collaboration with Audience Strategies, the report showcased how electronic music has had …
Live music bodies call on new Prime Minster for VAT reduction
Following the news that Rishi Sunak has become the UK’s new Prime Minister earlier this week, organisations in the live music sector have called for stability. Sunak was made Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative party following Liz Truss’s resignation after just six weeks in office. Those in the live music sector have called …
National Cinema Day provides boost in UK and US
National Cinema Day in the UK and the US proved successful in providing a boost to ticket sales, with an estimated 8.1 million movie fans attending their local venue in the US and 1.46 million in the UK on Saturday. Discounted tickets were available for £3 and $3 to entice moviegoers back to cinemas, which …
Free Now survey demonstrates importance of independent venues
A new survey from mobility app Free Now has offered a look into the UK’s relationship with music and how the population feels it is important to support and maintain independent music venues. The new Mercury Prize sponsor recently partnered with UK charity Music Venue Trust (MVT), which represents and supports grassroots music venues, to …
Rage Against The Machine cancel UK and European tour dates
American rock band Rage Against The Machine have cancelled their upcoming UK and European tour dates, after frontman Zack de la Rocha injured his leg during a performance. The band had returned to performing last month after an 11-year absence, but de la Rocha injured his leg mid-way through a rescheduled show in Chicago. De …
NTIA expresses concern over nightclub closures
The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) has expressed its concern over the number of nightclubs that have closed down in the last three years. Statistics from data and insight consultancy CGA demonstrated that there are only 1,130 nightclubs currently open in the UK, a significant decrease compared to pre-pandemic. The data showed that the Midlands …
Smaller UK festivals struggling this summer
The UK’s major flagship festivals such as Glastonbury and Reading and Leeds have already sold out, but smaller festivals are struggling amid the cost-of-living crisis. Newcastle’s This Is Tomorrow, Brainchild in Bentley, East Sussex and Summerfest in Wood Park, Blackburn, have all been cancelled after struggling to sell tickets. Other smaller festivals have also been …
Live Events Reinsurance Scheme protects 15,000 jobs and supports 150 events
The UK Government has said that almost 15,000 jobs and more than 150 events have been supported by its Live Events Reinsurance Scheme, which was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic. The scheme closes in September, but has offered aid to a number of events on the British calendar including The Brit Awards, Virgin Radio’s Big …