Tim Burgess, frontman of The Charlatans and vocal campaigner against unfair venue commission practices, has confirmed that the Merch Market, his artist‑friendly marketplace concept, is heading to London in 2026. The announcement marks a bold expansion of a model designed to let musicians sell direct to fans without paying fees or commission.

The Merch Market is a purpose-built event where bands, solo artists and labels can set up stalls and sell their merchandise commission‑free, meaning 100% of sales go to the artists. It’s a direct response to longstanding complaints about venues taking cuts of merch sales, a practice Burgess has long called unfair and exploitative.

The Merch Market
London
January 11th

Artwork by @BenIllustrator pic.twitter.com/V5itqsQwFr

— Tim Burgess (@Tim_Burgess) May 28, 2025

The 2026 edition in London is expected to be the largest yet. While official details are still under wraps, the event is likely to feature artist-run stalls, exclusive merch drops, live music, and panel discussions. Previous editions have included pop-up print shops, real-time custom merch production, and talks about everything from sustainability in merch design to the challenges of touring as an independent act.

Burgess has been clear about his motivation. In interviews, he’s expressed frustration with the current system, where artists often receive less than their fair share. In response, he’s turned to practical solutions rather than just raising awareness. The Merch Market is built on collaboration, community, fairness and its success so far shows that there’s demand for this kind of event.

Still, the London edition won’t be without challenges. Coordinating multiple venues, managing foot traffic, and handling production costs in a city as expensive as London will be no small task. Ensuring that the event remains financially sustainable while keeping it free from commissions will require careful planning.

However, the payoff could be significant. A successful London Merch Market could become a blueprint for fairer merch practices industry-wide. It offers a chance to flip the narrative and to show that artists can take control of their sales, connect directly with fans, and build stronger, more equitable communities.

For fans, it’s an opportunity to support their favourite acts in a more meaningful way. For artists, it’s a chance to retain ownership of their work and earnings. And for the industry, it’s a wake-up call and perhaps the beginning of a long-overdue shift.