Live music isn’t just booming – it’s big business. Music tourism generated a staggering £10 billion for the UK economy in 2024, according to UK Music’s Hometown Glory report published today (1 July).

That figure marks a 26% increase from 2023’s £8 billion and comes off the back of blockbuster tours from artists like Taylor Swift, Bruce Springsteen, Charli XCX, Dua Lipa, and Sam Fender.

In total, a record-breaking 23.5 million ‘music tourists’ flocked to concerts and festivals across the UK, up 23% from 2023’s 19.2 million. Of those, 21.9 million were domestic visitors, while 1.6 million came from overseas – a sharp 62% increase on the previous year’s numbers.

And it’s not just artists and promoters who benefitted. The report estimates that music tourism supported 72,000 full-time equivalent jobs in the live music sector, up from 62,000 in 2023.

Of the £10 billion generated in 2024, £5.1 billion went directly to ticket sales, travel, food, accommodation, and on-site purchases. The remaining £4.9 billion came from indirect or secondary spending; think additional staffing, security, transport, and supply chains like bars and restaurants.

Notably, the Hometown Glory report also highlights strong public support for live music infrastructure. Half of surveyed adults say they’d attend more concerts if public transport aligned better with gig times, and 69% agree that builders – not venues – should bear the responsibility ‘to make sure noise isn’t a problem’ when building new homes near music venues.

In a statement, UK Music chief executive Tom Kiehl says that “while music generates huge benefits for our local areas, there remain a number of challenges facing our sector such as the rising cost of touring for artists and the threat of closure looming over venues, studios and other music spaces.”

“At a time when government is seeking growth, it is crucial to empower local leaders to make this happen to help boost our artists, creators, venues, studios and music businesses. The Local Music Action Charter, launched in this report, will embolden local actors, particularly in the face of change and disruption, to support sustained growth, and enable those that form part of our local music industries to truly fulfil their potential.”

Councillor Liz Green, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Culture, Tourism and Sport Board, adds that the latest figures “show just how important live music is – not just for our local economies, but for the happiness of our communities.”

“UK Music’s Hometown Glory report is a timely reminder that investing in local music isn’t just good sense – it’s a way to boost pride in place and breathe new life into our high streets. We’re committed to working with local partners to make sure music continues to thrive in every corner of the UK.”

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