British government faces pressure to invest in live music ahead of Autumn Statement

The British government is facing fresh pressure to invest in the UK live music sector ahead of the upcoming Autumn Statement.

LIVE, the organisation that represents the UK’s live music industry, has teamed up with DJ Steve Lamacq to place pressure on chancellor Jeremy Hunt as he prepared to deliver his Autumn Statement on November 22.

Lamacq, who is the Chair of LIVE, said: “You cannot underestimate the importance and value of live music to the UK, both culturally and economically. It is part of the fabric of who we are, producing world class artists and providing enjoyment for millions of people. But this is still a very challenging time for promoters, especially at the grassroots level where venues are increasingly struggling to cope with massive rises in running costs.”

“We need to act now and recognise just how important these venues are, not just as the breeding ground for the next generation of young musicians, but also as proud, creative hubs for the communities they serve across the country. Without targeted financial support and understanding, we run the immediate risk of seeing hundreds of these venues shutting for good, which would be devastating for fans, artists and local economies.”

LIVE has also singled out five priorities for investment, which includes removing barriers for UK artists going on international tours, updating ticketing regulations to protect fans from being conned, extending financial support to grassroots venues and boosting live music’s move to net zero.

It comes after the Music Venue Trust (MVT) warned that the UK risks losing ten percent of independent venues by the end of 2023.

They also purchased The Snug, the first part of their proposed #SaveOurVenues initiative.