Taylor Swift and Charli XCX played a significant role in boosting the UK's live music industry, with total consumer spending reaching £6.7 billion in 2024, marking a new record year.
Taylor Swift and Charli XCX boost UK live music
Major artists like Taylor Swift and Charli XCX helped attract a new record year for the UK’s live music industry. Total consumer spending on the sector reached £6.7 billion in 2024, industry body Live said. This was 9.5% more than in 2023 and a new record contribution to the economy. It also marks a rebound since the Covid pandemic, with sales rising significantly above pre-pandemic levels, amid demand among Generation Z and millennial fans and a strong line-up of events.
Concerts Dominate
The figures were drawn up by combining the economic output of 55,000 gigs, concerts and festivals. The analysis shows that concerts attracted three quarters of live music spending in 2024, with income jumping by 12.2% year-on-year. Concert tours by Taylor Swift and Charli XCX were highlighted as major drivers of growth.
Industry Challenges
While concerts saw strong growth, festival spending rose by 1.9% year-on-year, reflecting challenges faced by music festivals. Venues have been coping with rising costs and inflation, leading to higher ticket prices. The report also suggests that more consumers opted for single-day concerts over multi-day events, due to household budget constraints.
Grassroots Crisis
Live’s chief executive, Jon Collins, warned of a “grassroots crisis” in the UK live music industry. Smaller venues, local artists, promoters, and festivals have been under pressure, with 78 music festivals closing in 2024. Rising business costs and limited scope for raising ticket prices have added to the challenges faced by the sector.
Published on 06 September 2025 by UKFG
