The revenyeof the UK music scene reached record heights in 2024, drawing 23.5 million music tourists and generating £10 billion for the economy, according to UK Music’s Hometown Glory report, released on July 1, 2025. The report underscores the vital role of live music events – concerts, festivals, and tours – in driving both economic growth and cultural prominence across the country.
Music tourism surged by 23% from 2023, including a remarkable 62% increase in international visitors and a 21% rise in domestic tourism. This growth translated into a 26% jump in music tourism revenue year-on-year, while supporting 72,000 full-time jobs in the live music sector – a 16% increase from the previous year.
The report attributes this surge to landmark events and tours from major artists. Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, as well a shows by Charli XCX, was a key driver, alongside high-profile performances by Bruce Springsteen, Dua Lipa, Sam Fender, Foo Fighters, and Olivia Rodrigo.
However, the Hometown Glory report also highlights mounting pressures facing the industry. Between 2019 and June 2025, 250 UK festivals were forced to close, signalling an urgent need for support. The report warns: “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.”
UK Music’s findings highlight the broader significance of the live music sector—not just as entertainment, but as a key pillar of local economies, urban regeneration, and skilled employment. The report calls on local communities and policymakers to continue investing in grassroots venues and music infrastructure to sustain this momentum.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy responded to the figures in a recent press release, stating: “These numbers show just how powerful the UK is as a home for live music – attracting the biggest acts, drawing in millions of fans, and giving a real boost to local economies through tourism and jobs. 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.
Nandy also referenced the government’s recently announced £30 million Music Growth Package, aimed at supporting emerging talent and protecting the grassroots venues vital to the industry’s future. MXDWN’s full coverage of the Music Growth Package can be read here.
The record-breaking figures for 2024 underline the strength of the UK’s live music sector and its growing value to the national economy.
