The meeting, chaired by Sir Chris Bryant, Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism, brought together key figures from the live music industry, including representatives from LIVE (Live Music Industry Venues & Entertainment). Although the full attendee list hasn’t been disclosed, nor has the content of the meeting, notable contributions could have come from LIVE board members John Drury, Chair of the National Arenas Association, and Kelly Wood of the Musicians’ Union, though their board is made up of 20 different heads and chairs of various music organisations.

Though neither Drury or Wood have made comments on the meeting, Drury posted on LinkedIn praising the support from ASM Global to the Music Venue Trust when the announcement was made two weeks ago. Drury is a major voice in this conversation, involved in both the OVO Arena London and with a significant role at ASM Global.

It was heartening to hear the minister once again endorse the government’s desire to support grassroots venues, festivals, artists and promoters.” – Jon Collins, CEO, LIVE

— Music Venue Trust (@musicvenuetrust) December 18, 2024

LIVE’s CEO, Jon Collins, outlined a cautious yet hopeful perspective on the levy’s potential, emphasising that any scheme must involve continued collaboration, as well as the need to accelerate the process of establishing a body to distribute the funds. LIVE, established during the COVID-19 pandemic to advocate for the industry, is keen to ensure the initiative delivers tangible results.  

Commenting on the meeting, Mark Davyd, CEO of MVT said: “We want to thank the LIVE team for all the hard work to reach a consensus on pushing ahead with the much discussed grassroots contribution from every arena and stadium ticket sold. The meeting today with Minister for Culture Chris Bryant was a great example of the whole ecosystem pulling together to create an outcome that, ultimately, benefits all of us working in the live industry and everyone who loves live music.” 

The meeting today with Minister for Culture Chris Bryant was a great example of the whole ecosystem pulling together to create an outcome that, ultimately, benefits all of us working in the live industry and everyone who loves live music.” – Mark Davyd, CEO & Founder, MVT — Music Venue Trust (@musicvenuetrust) December 18, 2024

France’s statutory 3.5% ticket levy, which supports grassroots venues, promoters, and artists through centrally administered funds, has frequently been cited as a reference point when discussing the UKs own potential levy. Jon Collins of LIVE stressed the importance of adapting to the UK’s unique VAT structure in a May report, warning against a wholesale replication. However, the French model’s proven ability to stabilise its grassroots ecosystem highlights what a structured approach, backed by the government, can achieve.

In that same report, Mark Davyd noted a critical distinction: France requires international touring acts to contribute, a measure that hasn’t specifically been mentioned in plans for the UK’s voluntary scheme. This omission could limit the levy’s scope, although Katy Perry has announced that she will contribute during her upcoming UK tour.

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Support for the levy has come from major artists such as Coldplay and Sam Fender, who have pledged portions of their ticket revenues alongside Perry. Additionally, venue operators like ASM Global have collaborated with MVT on fan donation schemes. However, these schemes shift the financial burden onto audiences rather than the wider industry.  

In the last week, Ticketmaster also redirected funds donated from ticket buyers to grassroots venues. After matching each donation, Ticketmaster were able to donate £60,000. Speaking about this donation, Mark Davyd said: “We are very grateful to Ticketmaster and its customers for their support at a time when this type of initiative is very much needed.”

Light at the end of the tunnel for Grassroots Music Venues. People who say it can’t be done should get out of the way of people doing it. Read our statement in full: https://t.co/eqY1blNXBy More resources on this via: https://t.co/Q2lGy05wwp pic.twitter.com/TauMAkq9cm — Music Venue Trust (@musicvenuetrust) November 14, 2024

With a trial year slated for early 2025, there is pressure to act swiftly. Sir Chris Bryant has set ambitious goals for progress within the first quarter of the year, highlighting the urgency of the situation. The trial will include independent evaluation to determine its effectiveness and address any shortcomings.

One recurring concern is the lack of immediate relief for grassroots venues, which continue to face severe financial pressures. While the levy represents a potential long-term solution, stakeholders are urging interim measures to prevent further closures.

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Grassroots venues are vital cultural and economic assets, providing the pipeline of talent for the UK’s £6.7 billion live music industry. Their survival requires collaboration across the sector. The voluntary levy offers a chance to prove that industry-led initiatives can succeed—but only if all parties actively engage and commit to meaningful change. The government hasn’t ruled out making the levy mandatory, if required.

As the first quarter of 2025 approaches, the live music industry faces a pivotal moment. The voluntary levy has the potential to safeguard the UK’s grassroots music scene, but its success depends on swift, coordinated action.

Our Chair @cj_dinenage has written to the @DCMS Secretary of State asking her to set a deadline for negotiations on an industry-led levy to support GMVs.

Without significant progress, we will invite the sector to appear before us in May 2025 to inform further action.

— Culture, Media and Sport Committee (@CommonsCMS) November 15, 2024

The levy, which seeks to divert a small percentage of ticket sales from major events to grassroots venues, will officially begin its trial year in 2025. To meet this target, the government expects to see tangible progress within the first quarter of the year, suggesting that preparations must start immediately.

Artists like Coldplay, Sam Fender, and Katy Perry have already pledged portions of their tour earnings to the initiative, which has garnered support from organisations such as LIVE and the Music Venue Trust (MVT). However, some key players, such as venue operators and promoters, have yet to announce their involvement. ASM Global, a company managing venues like Manchester’s AO Arena, has partnered with MVT to enable fan donations, though this approach shifts the financial burden onto customers rather than the industry. 

 

 

 

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In response to concerns raised by the DCMS Committee, the government plans to host a ministerial roundtable with live music representatives before Christmas. This meeting aims to address logistical barriers and establish an actionable roadmap for the levy’s rollout. This collaboration with experts with hands-on knowledge of grassroots challenges should ensure the focus remains on effective, targeted solutions.

Dame Caroline Dinenage highlighted the importance of this collaboration, stating: “The ball is now very firmly in [the industry’s] court, and we will continue to keep a very close eye on progress.”

We are delighted to be developing and expanding this partnership and look forward to continuing to develop ways we can work together.

— Music Venue Trust (@musicvenuetrust) December 9, 2024

Although the government has avoided setting (or at least announcing) specific funding targets, this flexibility allows them to adapt any expectations to unforeseen challenges. The trial year will serve as a litmus test to identify potential roadblocks and refine how funds are distributed. An independent evaluation will measure the levy’s impact on struggling venues.

Lessons could be drawn from France’s levy model, which generates over €200 million annually for small venues. Comparatively, the UK scheme faces a precarious starting point: 125 grassroots venues closed in 2023, and many more remain at risk of shutting down before the trial concludes. While the government remains optimistic, the absence of immediate funding mechanisms means some venues may not survive long enough to benefit from the initiative. With the live music sector contributing £6.7 billion annually to the UK economy, these spaces serve as vital incubators for new talent and community cohesion.

Unless the government acts now, next year’s #SpotifyWrapped might not feature the most exciting and talented up-and-coming artists. We demand the government introduces a small ticket levy on arena and stadium shows now. Write to your MP: thecorbynproject.com/musicforthemany #MusicForTheMany

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— Peace & Justice Project (@peaceandjustice.bsky.social) 4 December 2024 at 19:40

With the first quarter of 2025 fast approaching, the pressure is on for the industry to act. The voluntary levy represents a chance to protect the foundation of the UK’s music scene while proving that collaborative, non-mandatory solutions can succeed.

As the trial nears, all eyes will be on the government and major players to ensure that no time, resources, or venues are wasted in preserving the cultural and economic backbone of British music.