The UK government is calling on the music industry to introduce a new voluntary ticket levy on large concert venues, in order to support struggling grassroots music spaces.
This “industry-led” initiative would include a small amount within the price of tickets for arena and stadium shows, directing funds back to smaller venues that have faced severe challenges since the pandemic and rising inflation.
Ministers are pushing for the levy to come into affect during 2025, and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) emphasised the importance of clear communication with fans on how the funds will benefit the grassroots sector.
Creative Industries Minister Sir Chris Bryant highlighted the vital role of grassroots venues in the UK’s cultural landscape, calling them “where new genres are born” and “where musicians experiment.” Bryant urged the industry to move swiftly on the levy, stressing that “without a flourishing grassroots music industry, the rest of our music industry will wither.”
The cross-party committee on culture, media, and sport, which proposed the idea, supports the initiative but insists on a “firm deadline,” warning that government intervention may follow if no progress is made within six months.
Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), expressed relief at the proposal, noting that grassroots venues are crucial to nurturing new talent and sustaining creative communities. He emphasised that without financial support, “we risk losing the foundation of the UK’s globally renowned music industry.”
The Music Venue Trust also welcomed the initiative, underscoring the necessity of grassroots funding to sustain the live music ecosystem. Major acts like Coldplay and Enter Shikari have already begun supporting this cause by donating portions of their ticket sales to grassroots venues, signalling widespread industry support for securing the future of live music in the UK.
More information on the new proposed levy can be found here.
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