UK Music Launches Hometown Glory Music Tourism Report at LGA Conference in Liverpool

03.07.2025: UK Music launched its Hometown Glory music tourism report at a special event as part of the annual LGA (Local Government Association) Conference in Liverpool.

The Hometown Glory launch event saw UK Music Chief Executive Tom Kiehl address attendees with a speech on the aims and objective of the report, which highlights the huge contribution music tourism makes to the economy, as well as the far-reaching benefits a thriving music scene can bring to communities across the UK.

Director of Culture, Major Events and Tourism, Claire McColgan, also delivered an inspiring speech on the power of music and its vital role on boosting communities both culturally and economically. She also took a moment to hail the lobbying power of UK Music and encouraged people to engage with the organisation to help evolve the musical offerings in their communities.

Claire McColgan said: "What I say to all of you colleagues from local authorities that are here is 'use UK Music'. Use them blatantly! They are a really great lobbying body. For us as local authorities there are times when our voices need to be raised, and they need to be raised collectively."

The speeches were followed by an outstanding performance from local band Hushtones, who delivered an acoustic set with sound mixed by fellow local music production legend Steve Levine.

UK Music's Hometown Glory report revealed that artists such as Taylor Swift, Charli XCX, Bruce Springsteen, Sam Fender and Dua Lipa helped lure a record 23.5 million music tourists to concerts and festivals in the UK in 2024.

Music tourists spent a record £10 billion in 2024 - a 26% increase on the 2023 total spend of £8 billion, according to the report, which you can read here.

UK Music, the collective voice of the UK music industry, published the research to show the value of concerts and festivals to the economy in each of the UK's nations and regions and outlined in its report the vital importance of helping the music industry continue to grow everywhere.

In 2024, a record 23.5 million music tourists - up 23% on 2023's total of 19.2 million - enjoyed live music concerts and festivals in the UK. Of the 23.5 million total, 21.9 million were music tourists from the UK - a 21% rise on 2023. A total of 1.6 million visitors last year were overseas music tourists - up 62% on the 2023 total of one million.

UK Music Chief Executive Tom Kiehl said: "In 2024, our fantastic UK music industry pulled in 23.5 million music tourists who spent £10 billion to see their favourite acts and performers right across the UK.

"But 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.

"From Lands' End to John O'Groats, all communities have the potential for thriving and diverse music sectors and can offer something unique. At a time when Government is seeking growth, it is crucial to empower local leaders to make this happen to help boost our artists, creators, venues, studios and music businesses.

"The Local Music Action Charter, launched in this report, will embolden local actors, particularly in the face of change and disruption, to support sustained growth, and enable those that form part of our local music industries to truly fulfil their potential."

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: "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. That's why we announced a £30 million Music Growth Package last week - to support emerging talent, protect the venues that give them a start, and make sure our music scene keeps growing and reaching new heights."

Councillor Liz Green, Chair of the Local Government Association's Culture, Tourism and Sport Board, said: "These record-breaking figures show just how important live music is - not just for our local economies, but for the happiness of our communities. Councils up and down the country are proud to back the artists, venues and festivals that bring people together and put our towns and cities on the map.

"UK Music's Hometown Glory report is a timely reminder that investing in local music isn't just good sense - it's a way to boost pride in place and breathe new life into our high streets. We're committed to working with local partners to make sure music continues to thrive in every corner of the UK."