More people are going to see live gigs and festivals than ever before, UK Music study finds
UK Music Chief addresses concerns that Brexit will have a negative effect on figures
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.UK gig and festival attendance reached 30.9 million people in 2016, it has been revealed.
A new study by UK Music found that there was a 12 per cent increase in live music audiences last year, which contributed £4 billion to the UK economy.
It was also discovered that just under four million music fans attended festivals in 2016, and 823,000 people from abroad visited the UK specificially to watch live music.
UK Music Chief Executive Michael Dugher commented that live music venues were "a vital part of the live music industry".
"UK Music will continue to campaign to safeguard smaller music venues, many of which are fighting for survival,' he added.
Iconic venues such as London's Astoria, The Arches in Glasgow and The Boardwalk in Sheffield have closed in recent years due to rising costs of rent, licensing laws and pressure from property developers.
Since 2011, the UK has seen a 76 per cent rise in music tourism, but there are concerns that Brexit could have a negative effect on those figures.
Artists could be forced to reduce the number of dates on their European dates over the cost of visas and 'carnet' documents - temporary agreements for importing and exporting equipment across borders.
Fans, musicians, managers and crew may also find it more difficult to travel to the UK.
Mr Dugher has said UK Music is campaigning to have "a single visa for the whole of Europe, so out members can continue to tour in the way that they do now".
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments