New report details $8.6 billion in music tourism spending in UK, anticipates increase by 2030

Music tourism is showing to be a prominent sector in the United Kingdom’s tourism market. A recent report from U.K. Music, titled “Here, There and Everywhere,” detailed the country’s music spending in 2022.

Last year, music tourism spending in the U.K. was £6.6 billion ($8.6 billion), according to the report. Variety reports that 2022 marked the first full year of post-pandemic festivals, shows, and concerts in the U.K., with famed events such as Glastonbury – which featured artists such Kendrick Lamar and Diana Ross – and U.K. tours by prominent British artists – including Stormzy, Harry Styles, Dua Lipa, and Elton John – luring music tourists to the country.

Below are some other key findings from the 2022 “Here, There and Everywhere” report:

• A total of 14.4 million music tourists attended live music events across the U.K.

• 1.1 million international music tourists

• 13.3 million domestic music tourists

• 56,000 total employment sustained by music tourism

• A total of 37.1 million people attended U.K. festivals and concerts

• A total of 6.5 million people attended festivals in the U.K.

• A total of 30.6 million people attended concerts, from arena shows to grassroots performances

U.K. Music predicts that 2022’s £6.6 billion could greatly increase by 2030, with proper support from the government, local councils, and other entities to help aid in the growth of the industry. The report leaves local councils with four recommendations on how to build local music communities:

• Use data to make sure that music is at the center of planning and licensing policy

• Develop a register of available venues to support music events

• Develop and/or support city-wide music advisory boards

• Aid the local community in musical regeneration and development

“While music generates huge benefits for our local areas, the infrastructure and talent pipeline that it relies on still faces huge challenges,” said U.K. Music chief executive Jamie Njoku-Goodwin. “With a venue closing every week, one in six festivals not returning since the pandemic, and many studios facing huge economic pressures, it’s vital that we protect the musical infrastructure that does so much for our towns and cities.”

Njoku-Goodwin continued: “Post-pandemic, the role of music in transformative placemaking is more important than ever – and this report provides a valuable toolkit for local authorities to help them seize the benefits of being a ‘music city.’ By harnessing the power of music, nations and regions across the U.K. can generate thousands more jobs, boost economic growth and attract even more visitors to the local area. This report shows how to turn that potential into reality.”

Roshae Hemmings is an arts and culture magazine journalist from St. Louis, MO. A graduate from the Missouri School of Journalism, Roshae has bylines in the Columbia Missourian, Vox Magazine and 5280 Magazine discussing topics ranging from pop culture, social justice and eat and drink. She is a foodie at heart and enjoys eating food as much as learning about the story behind it. You can reach Roshae via email at roshaehemmings@detourxp.com.