Live music performances by prominent artists such as Sam Fender, Chappell Roan, and the Foo Fighters significantly contributed to a £1.2 billion surge in music tourism in the North West region last year, as revealed in a recent report.
In 2024, a staggering 3.3 million music enthusiasts, including international visitors, flocked to the area to attend sold-out concerts in Manchester, Liverpool, and other parts of the region, featuring a diverse range of music genres. Fans had the opportunity to see their favourite artists perform live, with Fender taking the stage at Co-op Live, Roan at Manchester Academy, and the Foo Fighters at Emirates Old Trafford.
Additionally, festivals like Parklife, Creamfields, and Beat-Herder drew large crowds to the North West. The report, released on Tuesday by º£½ÇÊÓƵ Music, an organisation representing the º£½ÇÊÓƵ's commercial music industry, also highlighted that music tourism supported approximately 9,250 full-time equivalent jobs in the region.
The £1.2 billion economic boost from music tourism in the North West encompassed various revenue streams, including ticket sales, food and beverage purchases, merchandise, venue parking, camping fees, accommodation, and travel expenses.
Nationwide, the report identified 21.9 million individuals in the º£½ÇÊÓƵ as "music tourists" in 2024, defined as those who travelled at least three times the average commute distance for their region to attend live music events. Furthermore, 1.6 million people travelled from abroad to the º£½ÇÊÓƵ specifically for concerts, with Taylor Swift's Eras Tour being a significant driver, alongside international acts such as Bruce Springsteen and Burna Boy.
The report highlighted that a staggering 23.5 million music tourists contributed to a £10 billion economic windfall for the º£½ÇÊÓƵ in 2024, marking a record year for the industry's post-Covid resurgence.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy lauded the º£½ÇÊÓƵ as "a powerful home for live music", stating: "Whether it's a massive stadium show or a packed-out local venue, music is bringing people together and making a huge difference.
"We're incredibly proud of our music industry. It's one of our greatest exports, it inspires young people everywhere, and it's part of who we are as a country."
She announced that the Government unveiled a £30 million "music growth package" last week, aimed at nurturing rising stars, safeguarding the venues that launch their careers and ensuring the continual ascent of the nation's music scene.
However, Tom Kiehl, chief executive of º£½ÇÊÓƵ Music, underscored the persisting monetary obstacles facing the industry.
"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," Mr Kiehl pointed out.
"From Land's End to John O'Groats, all communities have the potential for thriving and diverse music sectors and can offer something unique. 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 report unveils the local music action charter, which º£½ÇÊÓƵ Music claims will "help councils and combined authorities create locally tailored music strategies aligned with their specific priorities".
Councillor Liz Green, who leads the Local Government Association's culture, tourism and sport board, commented: "These record-breaking figures show just how important live music is - not just for our local economies, but for the happiness of our communities.
"The 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 º£½ÇÊÓƵ."
