A ban on ticket touts is a “priority”, says Government

On 3 September, SNP MP Pete Wishart pressed DCMS Secretary Lisa Nandy for an answer on why sport was getting full ticketing legislation, while music and live entertainment remains stuck in draft bill purgatory.
 
In response, Nandy said that it is her intention to introduce the bill “as soon as possible” and that Government may be in a position to “do better” than expected, promising to update the house shortly.
 
She went on to say that it’s a “priority” for Government to get the legislation “on to the statute book without delay” - the strongest ministerial language we’ve heard yet.
 
Last week, on 9 September, a further debate took place on ticket price regulation, where Minister Ian Murray reaffirmed Labour's manifesto commitment to the matter and confirmed the Draft Ticket Tout Ban Bill will be published this session for pre-legislative scrutiny by the Culture, Media and Sport Committee.
 
There’s strong cross-party support for action on touts, with Lib Dem MP Anna Sabine asking:
 
"How many of our constituents must pay extortionate prices to see their favourite artists before the Government decide that change needs to happen?"
 
No firm date has been given, but LIVE is encouraged by the notably more-urgent tone adopted by ministers and hope that it's a positive sign of momentum building towards a bill that finally delivers meaningful protection for gig-goers.

Latest LIVE Talks takes on sustainability for venues
Music venues are under pressure. But so is the planet.

Join our upcoming LIVE Talks on September 29th with Barnaby Harrison from Ecotricity Business and LIVE Green’s Ross Patel as they discuss their vision of the future of grassroots music venues and the practical actions that can make that vision a reality.
 
They’ll speak with Music Venue Trust (MVT)’s Mark Davyd and Lala Oyegun on how venues can reduce their emissions and build long-term resilience in the face of the climate crisis.
 
As energy costs and economic uncertainty continue to impact the sector, the session will also examine the latest energy market trends, what’s driving energy prices and the wider economic factors shaping business planning, providing practical insights for venue operators and industry professionals alike.
 
Ready to power your venue’s transition? Click here to register for free.

LIVE Trust is always in Style(s)! Big names from all genres continue to pledge support 

After a blockbuster summer performing at Wembley Stadium twelve times – an all-time record – you'd think Harry Styles might be a bit worn out.
 
But no: this week, he announced a new slate of UK stadium shows for 2027. Better yet? The Together, Together tour will once again be supporting LIVE Trust.
 
We’re incredibly grateful to Harry’s team and the Together, Together tour for their continued support and we can’t wait to see him take to the stage again next summer!
 
Elsewhere, in house music, LIVE Trust has continued to gain further support; DJ Sonny Fodera has now opted in to our £1 ticket contribution for every arena show on his March 2027 tour. This follows on from our recent announcement that DJ Sub Focus would be supporting LIVE Trust at his O2 and Co-op Live shows. 
 
It’s yet another reminder that regardless of what genre of music you're into – pop, electronic or even classical – grassroots music is for everyone.

Exciting LIVE Awards announcements incoming – and nominations are closing soon!

Have you submitted a nomination for the LIVE Awards, in association with Skiddle, yet? Time is running out – the nomination window closes on 10 October.
 
Find out more about the categories and criteria here. Don’t forget, it’s free to nominate. What better way is there to celebrate somebody who’s helped define our industry this year?
 
Next week, we’ll be announcing the winner of our LIVEtime Achievement award. Receiving this award is no small feat: it signifies decades of work that’s helped to change the live music industry for the better – making it more accessible and more inclusive than it was before. We can’t wait to announce who our deserving recipient for 2026 is.
 
Additionally, we’ll be announcing our charity partner next week. Don’t miss it: be the first to hear all LIVE Awards-related updates by subscribing to our LIVE Awards mailer or follow along on the LIVE Instagram (@livemusic_uk).
 
Whether you’re hoping to receive an award or just in the market for a great night out, we’d love to see you there. Tickets are still available for the LIVE Awards ceremony, which takes place 9 December at the Troxy in East London. Get yours here.

Updates from LIVE Venues

Our LIVE Venues expert group brought operators and industry advocates together on 8 September to discuss the key challenges facing live music venues.

We shared the latest on LIVE Trust and the Government’s encouraging early signals on business rates, while agreeing there’s still more work to do. We also updated the group on our work around major events and our responses to the Government’s consultations on zero-hours and flexible contracts.