In 2018, nearly ** million people attended live music events in the United Kingdom (UK), up from **** million the year before. The live music sector has experienced significant growth during the past decade before coming to a drastic halt amidst the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in 2020. Music festivals in the UK Festivals have become a vital part of the UK’s live music industry. Since 2012, UK festival attendance figures have almost doubled, reaching a record *** million in 2019. This boost in visitor numbers comes as no surprise, considering that the UK is home to some of the most recognized and celebrated music festivals worldwide. Glastonbury, the largest festival in the UK, draws thousands of visitors from the UK and abroad every year. Despite Glastonbury’s ticket prices also rising every year, tickets are usually sold out within minutes. Live music is a money maker Music fans spend good money to see their favorite acts perform on stage, making live music not only an integral part of the cultural scene but also an essential driver of economic growth. In 2019, music tourism contributed approximately *** billion British pounds in direct and indirect spending to the UK economy. While many regions profit from an increase in audience sizes and spending, London saw the highest music tourist expenditures across the UK in 2019.

Attendance at music concerts and festivals in the United Kingdom (UK) increased slightly in 2019 to reach just under ** million. This was thanks to a rise in the number of people going to music festivals; with more than **** million attending festivals in 2019. Regions all over the UK will feel the benefit of the growing attendance numbers which will contribute to an increase in spending, but it’s London in particular that saw the highest music tourist spending figures in 2019. Music festivals in the UK Music fans don’t seem to be put off by the annual rise in ticket prices at major festivals like Glastonbury. But how far into line-up announcements do people buy their festival tickets? The majority wait for three quarters of the line-up to be announced. Headline acts Most music fans have seen an artist at a gig or festival that was previously unknown to them. Almost *** percent said they had done so in the last week. These newly discovered acts are unlikely to be on the list of the most-followed UK musicians on Instagram.

Music Tourism Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the global music tourism market size in 2024 stands at USD 7.2 billion. The market is experiencing robust expansion, registering a CAGR of 7.9% during the forecast period. By 2033, the music tourism market is projected to reach USD 14.4 billion, reflecting the growing appetite for immersive cultural experiences and live music events worldwide. The primary growth factor underpinning this market's trajectory is the increasing consumer preference for experiential travel, particularly among younger demographics who seek unique and memorable events.

One of the most significant growth drivers of the music tourism market is the proliferation of music festivals and concerts across the globe. Major cities and even smaller towns are increasingly hosting large-scale music events that draw domestic and international travelers. The rise of iconic festivals such as Coachella, Glastonbury, Tomorrowland, and local heritage celebrations has transformed music tourism into a mainstream travel segment. These events not only attract music enthusiasts but also foster community engagement and create lucrative opportunities for local economies, including hospitality, retail, and transportation sectors. As consumer spending on leisure and entertainment continues to rise post-pandemic, the demand for live music experiences is expected to remain strong, further propelling market growth.

The digital transformation of the travel and music industries is another critical factor fueling the growth of the music tourism market. The widespread adoption of online booking platforms, social media marketing, and mobile applications has made it significantly easier for travelers to discover, plan, and book music tourism experiences. Enhanced access to event information, ticketing, and travel arrangements through online travel agencies and direct booking portals has democratized the market, enabling a broader demographic to participate in music tourism. Additionally, collaborations between travel agencies and event organizers are creating tailored packages that combine accommodation, transportation, and exclusive event access, enhancing the overall value proposition for travelers.

Demographic trends also play a pivotal role in shaping the music tourism market. The millennial and Gen Z cohorts, who prioritize experiences over material possessions, are increasingly channeling their disposable income towards music-related travel. This shift is further amplified by the growing influence of social media, where sharing live event experiences has become a cultural norm. Moreover, the aging population in developed regions is also contributing to market expansion, as older travelers seek nostalgia-driven journeys to music heritage sites or attend concerts of legendary artists. This diverse age-based demand spectrum ensures a resilient and expanding customer base for the music tourism market over the coming years.

From a regional perspective, Europe continues to dominate the global music tourism landscape, accounting for the largest share of market revenue. The region's rich musical heritage, coupled with a dense calendar of world-renowned festivals and concerts, attracts millions of travelers annually. North America follows closely, driven by its vibrant live music scene and the presence of globally recognized event brands. Meanwhile, the Asia Pacific region is emerging as a high-growth market, fueled by rising disposable incomes, increasing urbanization, and a burgeoning youth population eager to explore international music events. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are also witnessing gradual growth, supported by government initiatives to promote cultural tourism and the expansion of music infrastructure.

Type Analysis

The music tourism market is segmented by type into Festival Tourism, Concert Tourism, Heritage Music Tourism, Music Trail Tourism, and Others. Festival tourism remains the most

As of October 2024, Co-op Live in Manchester was the indoor arena with the largest audience capacity in the United Kingdom, being able to accommodate up to ****** visitors. Another indoor venue in Manchester, AO Arena, and The O2 Arena in London followed in the ranking, with a capacity of ****** and ******, respectively. How big is the live music market in the UK? After a sharp decline with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the estimated number of live music listeners in the United Kingdom bounced back in 2023, reaching nearly ** million. That year, live music ticket sales revenue in the UK exceeded *** billion U.S. dollars, and was forecast to surpass ***** billion U.S. dollars by 2028. What are the most popular music festivals in Europe? The United Kingdom hosts the famous Glastonbury Festival, a five-day event organized in the village of Pilton, in England. With its ******* visitors, the Glastonbury was one of the most visited music festivals in Europe in 2023. That year, the Amsterdam Dance Event in the Netherlands and the Sziget Festival in Hungary reported some of the highest figures, welcoming around ******* and ******* people, respectively.