Record numbers of music fans travelled to concerts and festivals across the UK in 2025, spending an all-time high of £11.2 billion, according to new figures from UK Music.
The report found that 24.7 million music tourists attended live music events last year, up 4.8% from 23.5 million in 2024. Their spending increased by 11.3% from £10 billion to a record £11.2 billion, underlining the importance of live music to local economies across the UK.
UK Music, of which the Musicians’ Union is a member, says the figures underline the importance of live music to the UK’s economy while highlighting the need for continued support for the sector.
What is a music tourist?
A domestic music tourist is someone travelling from within the UK to attend a live music event, provided they travelled more than three times the average commute for their region. The distance varies region by UK region.
A foreign music tourist is someone who has travelled from outside the UK to attend an event in the UK.
Key findings
- Growth was driven by major tours and festivals, with artists including Oasis, Beyoncé, Dua Lipa, Coldplay, Lana Del Rey and Kendrick Lamar drawing audiences from across the UK and overseas. Festivals including Glastonbury, Download, Reading, Boomtown and Wireless also attracted large numbers of visitors.
- Of the 24.7 million music tourists, 22.6 million travelled from within the UK, a 3.2% increase on 2024.
- Overseas visitors rose by 26.8% to 2.1 million, boosted by stadium tours that included some artists’ only European dates in 2025.
- Music tourism supported an estimated 74,000 full-time equivalent jobs across the live music sector in 2025, up 3% on the previous year.
- Spending by music tourists included £5.7 billion on tickets, accommodation, travel, food and drink, with a further £5.5 billion generated throughout the wider supply chain, supporting businesses ranging from hospitality to event production and security.
Regional impact
The figures also highlight the benefits of music tourism for communities across the UK.
In the North West, spending by music tourists increased by 15.6%, rising from £1.2 billion in 2024 to £1.4 billion in 2025, driven in part by Oasis’ long-awaited reunion tour.
London saw music tourism spending rise by 27.4%, from £2.7 billion to £3.4 billion, while events elsewhere also brought significant economic benefits.
For example, Glastonbury helped attract visitors to the South West, Ed Sheeran’s run of shows at Ipswich Town’s stadium boosted East Anglia, and Newcastle welcomed thousands of visitors when it hosted the Mercury Prize and the MOBO Awards outside London.
Challenges remain
Despite the record-breaking year, UK Music says the sector continues to face significant challenges.
Rising touring costs, ongoing barriers to UK-EU touring following Brexit and continued pressures on grassroots venues and festivals all threaten the long-term success of the UK’s live music industry. According to the Association of Independent Festivals, 43 UK festivals were cancelled, postponed or closed in 2025, following a record 78 festivals that did not go ahead in 2024.
UK Music Chief Executive Tom Kiehl said: “The record 24.7 million music tourists who spent £11.2 billion to enjoy the experience of seeing their favourite acts live is a tribute to the 220,000 people who work across the UK music industry.
“The billions spent are a huge shot in the arm for towns and cities right across the UK and benefit hotels, restaurants, bars and transport firms and thousands of other businesses.
“However, the Government must support music fans by delivering on their manifesto pledge to tackle the menace of ticket touts who charge exorbitant prices for resale tickets – squeezing the amount of cash fans have to spend on gig-going.
“We need to see long overdue Government and EU action to help UK performers and musicians touring the EU who have to deal with soaring costs and red tape post-Brexit.
“We also need to see music’s grassroots protected and nurtured. This includes the artists, venues, festivals, studios and rehearsal rooms that are embedded in our local communities and who are essential to the future prosperity of our world-leading industry. We must make sure that policymakers recognise their vital economic and cultural value and deliver the support they need.
“With the right support, we can help the UK music industry continue to boost the economy, create jobs and give music lovers some unforgettable experiences.”
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source musiciansunion.org.uk ’
