2026: a huge year for live music politically, economically and culturally

Welcome to this, the first LIVE newsletter of 2026.  We hope you enjoyed a relaxing and rejuvenating break … not least because this will be a big year for UK live music as we use LIVE’s status as a trusted partner and critical friend of Government to push ahead with a series of reforms and legislative proposals across touring, ticketing and more.  And the development of the LIVE Trust will underpin it all.  As ever, this newsletter will keep you up to speed with all our work so get set for more detail in the coming weeks on our campaigning and the roll out of the LIVE Trust.

Chancellor indicates movement on business rates

As intense lobbying continues in an attempt to reverse the damaging reform to business rates announced at the Budget in November (and due to go live in April), LIVE is encouraged that the latest engagement by Government indicates a willingness to look again.  Speaking earlier this week, the Chancellor noted that the Government is looking at making changes in a balanced way that particularly supports the hospitality sector.  

LIVE will continue to push hard for a positive outcome for all live music venues – from grassroots to arenas.  We remain of the view that this is an unintended consequence of Government policy given their much repeated desire to support the high street.  Live music venues are an integral part of the high street, bringing vibrancy and colour on the nights they trade.  And critically, driving economic activity as gig goers also spend at local pubs, restaurants and hotels as well as taxis, trams and trains.

In fact, new analysis, from the National Arenas Association (NAA) has highlighted that in 2024, 14.5m people attended arena events with £648m spent in local economies outside venues on food, drink, travel and accommodation. For every £1 spent on tickets, audiences spend an additional £1.62 locally, underlining the role arenas play in supporting high streets and surrounding businesses.

LIVE to meet with Minister for Major Events

In a further sign as to the importance and focus placed by Government on our sector, LIVE has been invited by the Minister for Major Events, Stephanie Peacock MP, to participate in a roundtable discussion with key government departments and agencies to discuss how government, industry, and regional partners can work together to maximise the impact of major events.

It is very positive to see DCMS playing this convening role and bringing together colleagues from across Government.  LIVE’s wide-ranging policy agenda means we are working with DCMS, MCHLG, Treasury, FCDO, Home Office, DBT and relevant agencies, devolved authorities and regional bodies.  Live music is uniquely placed to be both economically significant and holders of a space that brings people together for shared experiences.  

This roundtable coincides with the work of the Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee which is holding an inquiry into major events.  LIVE gave evidence to the Committee last month and you can watch LIVE’s CEO, Jon Collins, here to find out more about what was discussed.

LIVE Talks - Beyond Ticket Sales: Building Sustainable Income Through Sponsorship & Partnerships

Kicking off the LIVE Talks programme for 2026, we are delighted to welcome Becky Ayres, Festival Director, Sound City and a recent inductee into the Women in Music Roll of Honour.  

Drawing on her work leading Sound City and grounded in over 15 years of delivering six-figure annual sponsorship and funding targets, Becky will be discussing that perennial topic, how to build sustainable income beyond ticket sales.  In the past year alone, Becky has supported festivals and arts organisations to secure over £100k in new revenue, helping to stabilise cashflows and build more sustainable operating models.

This online session, taking place at 12pm on January 28^th, will offer a clear roadmap for understanding the sponsorship landscape in 2026, the most common mistakes organisations make, and why those mistakes happen.  Becky will outline the key elements that underpin successful, repeatable income generation.

Ideal for agents, promoters, venues, festivals, managers, artists and live industry organisations looking for clarity and direction to building sustainable income.  You can sign up for free HERE

Home Office Update: UK ETA to be enforced, visitors will be unable to travel without a permission

The Home Office has confirmed that, from 25^th February, the ETA requirement will be strictly enforced. From this date, everyone (except British and Irish citizens) wishing to travel to the UK will need a permission to travel. Wherever possible, the permission will be digitally linked to the passport being used.  This must be shown through an ETA, eVisa, other acceptable physical proof or an exemption. 

An ETA is required by eligible passengers visiting or transiting landside via the UK who do not currently need a visa for short stays and do not have a valid UK immigration status prior to travelling.   People who require a visa  to visit the UK will continue to do so and should not obtain an ETA. Those who are exempt from immigration control will not require an ETA.