Siarter cefnogwyr cerddoriaeth fyw ac electronig

Key findings

• Research is needed to strengthen data on underrepresented live and electronic music genres to inform policy and funding decisions.
• Large corporations' dominance in the live music market raises competition concerns; the CMA should monitor market position to prevent disadvantage to fans.
• Ticket resale at inflated prices and dynamic surge pricing harm fans; legislation should ban resale above face value with strong enforcement.
• Accessibility gaps exist: venues should allocate minimum 2% capacity for wheelchair access; standardised accessible ticketing arrangements needed across all platforms.
• Fan safety requires clear reporting procedures, staff training on sexual assault and disability awareness, mandatory safeguarding measures, and free access to harm reduction services including drug testing.

Recommendations

• Department for Culture, Media and Sport to commission research on underrepresented live and electronic music genres to strengthen data for policy and funding decisions.
• Local authorities to ensure cultural diversity in music is fully embedded in local music strategies.
• UK Government to work with mayoral combined authorities and local councils on mechanisms to support music career pathways across all genres.
• Councils and cities to publish music strategies celebrating local live music ecosystems and engagement with cultural promotion schemes.
• Department for Culture, Media and Sport to establish an annual, rotating touring showcase celebrating live and electronic music alongside Capital of Culture designation.
• Competition and Markets Authority to monitor large corporations' market position in UK live music industry and prevent disadvantage to fans.
• Information Commissioner's Office to provide clarity on fan data sharing and publish guidance for live music industry on transparent, secure data use.
• Government to introduce legislation immediately banning ticket resale above face value with strong enforcement measures.
• Ticket sellers to clearly communicate tiered pricing in advance and operate transparently; industry to reject dynamic surge pricing following CMA investigation.
• Government to strengthen consumer protections by making clear refund policies and suitable insurance options mandatory at ticket sales and online platforms.
• Live music industry to partner with disability-led organisations to standardise accessible ticket arrangements across all platforms and providers.
• Industry and local councils to support mentorship schemes for promoters and new venue operators.
• UK Government to retain powers in pending ticket legislation to introduce mandatory levy on major events to redistribute resources to grassroots venues, festivals, promoters and emerging artists if voluntary procedures prove insufficient.
• Local authorities, venues, artists and fans to maintain current lists of local events for audience awareness.
• Promoters, touring artists and managers to prioritise emerging talent through platforms for new artists, including opportunities for local live performance.
• Large venue contracts to encourage and allow artists and managers to perform at smaller venues to strengthen local culture and raise profile of grassroots venues.
• UK Government to incorporate 'agent of change' principle in planning legislation in England and strengthen it across UK law.
• Local authorities to encourage adaptation of unused buildings into live and electronic music spaces; UK Government with devolved governments to establish clear national guidelines.
• Local authorities to have cabinet member with 'music' within their portfolio.
• Live and electronic music sector to adopt presumption against restrictive practices including 'radius clauses'.
• Venues, festivals and promoters to ensure clear, visible signage and safe reporting procedures for fans experiencing harassment or safety concerns, including digital options like QR codes.
• Venues and festivals to provide consistent welfare and safeguarding training to all staff and volunteers.
• Third-party security companies to train staff on fan protection needs including sexual assault response, disability awareness and anti-discrimination practices; industry and government to establish new certification level.
• Venues and third-party companies to review recruitment practices to ensure teams reflect audience diversity.
• Fan organisations to collaborate with industry and local authorities to create Code of Conduct for fan-to-fan behaviour to be displayed at all venues and festivals.
• Local authorities to coordinate with venues and events, especially smaller operators, to ensure fan safety before, during and after live and electronic music events.
• Venues and local authorities to work closely with public health services to provide access to harm reduction services including drug testing and educational materials.
• Home Office to expand licensed drug testing services where demonstrated to reduce fan harm.
• Venues and festivals to provide free, safe drinking water at all events in multiple locations including non-bar areas.
• Venues, festivals and promoters to promote hearing safety and make earplugs readily available at all events.
• Venues to allocate minimum 2% of total capacity for wheelchair-accessible spaces; local authorities to ensure this is part of planning requirements for new or refurbished venues.
• Promoters and artists to consider audience access needs and venue accessibility when booking shows and tours.
• Equality and Human Rights Commission to provide clear guidance on reasonable adjustments at live and electronic music events; similar accessibility review for Northern Ireland.
• UK Government and music industry bodies to commission disability-led organisations to develop disability access kite-mark for all third-party providers; venues and festivals to use only accredited providers.
• Venues and festivals to encourage adoption of Stay Up Late 'relaxed manifesto' principles to promote respectful, inclusive experience.
• Venues to provide clear layout information and invite regular feedback from fans on accessibility improvements; provide virtual venue tours where possible.
• Venues, festivals and promoters to commit to diversity programmes ensuring featured artists, spaces and timings reflect their communities.
• Department of Transport, with devolved governments, local authorities and transport operators, to commission research on night-time economy mobility gaps between cities, towns and rural communities.
• Local authorities and transport providers to work with venues to display current, reliable transport information at venues and information points.
• Transport operators to ensure accessible transport options for people with access needs; local authorities to review disabled parking provision at music venues.
• Local authorities and transport operators to coordinate late-night transport schedules with event and venue closure times.
• Venues, promoters and ticket platforms to adopt industry-wide standard for clearly publishing performance start and end times so fans can plan journeys home.
• Local live music and electronic music networks to consider demand for earlier performance times and daytime events.
• Government and music industry to establish and fund Music Fan Society similar to football model to enable better fan representation in policy, user rights and music decision-making.
• Local authorities to hold regular live and electronic music forums with fans, promoters, venue owners, musicians and agents to understand fan perceptions.
• Government to commission annual fan survey from 2027 onwards including deep dives on different genres to understand underrepresented audiences and genres.

Key actors

Culture, Media and Sport Committee, Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Competition and Markets Authority, Information Commissioner's Office, UK Government, Local authorities, Equality and Human Rights Commission, Home Office