Landmark Moment as LIVE Trust Distributes £500,000 in Phase One Funding

The LIVE Trust, established by and acting on behalf of the live music industry, has announced the first wave of funded programmes through its phase one grant strategy.  A UK-wide roster of programmes in support of grassroots music has received funding, which comes from a voluntary contribution of £1 per ticket on shows over 5000 capacity.

This support is being placed with expert live music industry organisations, delivering programmes that will have an immediate and positive impact across grassroots music in the UK.  Each organisation has set out exciting plans for specific programmes of activity and support:

• Micro & Very Small Festivals Development Programme delivered by the Association of Independent Festivals

• Independent Promoters Grassroots Bursary Scheme delivered by the Association of Independent Promoters

• UK Artists Touring Fund delivered by Featured Artists Coalition, Music Managers Forum & Musicians’ Union

• Music Venue Support delivered by Music Venue Trust

• Volume Control Enhanced delivered by Oh Yeah Centre, Belfast

• Music Futures delivered by Production Futures

• Developing Scotland's Emerging Live Sector delivered by Wide Events

Jon Collins, CEO of LIVE & LIVE Trust said, “It has been quite a journey over the last year as we registered the Trust with the Charity Commission, appointed trustees, developed a grant making strategy and built support across UK live music.  I would like to thank the LIVE Board, our trustees and every promoter, manager, venue, agent and artist that has stepped forward in support of this vital work.”

LIVE Trust chair, Kirsty McShannon said, “This truly is a landmark moment for the Trust as this first phase of funding is delivered to our partners.  Their plans are exciting and will deliver real, lasting change for artists, venues, promoters, festivals and the next generation of crew across the UK.  With an ever-increasing number of tours coming on board, we hope and expect that this demonstration of what the Trust is all about, will mean even more supporters joining the cause.”

Creative Industries Minister Ian Murray said, “The UK’s world-famous music industry relies on the strength of our live music scene. It is brilliant to see those at the top of the business are supporting the grassroots and shoring up the pipeline of British talent. This initiative, which the government has played an active role in encouraging uptake of, will help secure this talent pipeline for the future. I would continue to urge all major players in the music industry to get involved, to bolster the grassroots and secure the British stars of the future.”

LIVE Trust will be announcing further funding rounds throughout the year. For further information sign up to our mailing list.

LIVE welcomes Treasury action in support of live music venues

Intense lobbying across LIVE, National Arenas Association and Music Venue Trust delivered a major breakthrough on business rates this week as the Treasury announced dedicated support for pubs and live music venues.  An immediate 15% discount followed by a two year freeze will deliver material savings to venues which will translate through to fewer closures, more shows and reduced pressure on ticket prices.

LIVE CEO, Jon Collins commented, “It is very pleasing to see the Treasury has heard our arguments and acted on the information we provided.  Including all live music venues from grassroots to arenas within the new business rates relief package recognises the role they play as anchor institutions for town and city centres, driving footfall into pubs, bars, restaurants, hotels and shops.  It reflects a growing understanding that supporting grassroots venues and arenas supports the high street.  

“We look forward to working with Government to ensure the relief is implemented in a way that provides certainty for operators and helps sustain the UK’s position as one of the world’s leading live music and events markets.  We now need a new, robust, reliable method of Rateable Value calculation that reflects the realities of operating live music venues, and is not based on generic data.”

Government convenes roundtable on Major Events

LIVE was proud to represent the music industry at a roundtable on events chaired by Major DCMS Minister, Stephanie Peacock MP with support from DBT Minister, Blair McDougall MP.  It was particularly encouraging to see this meeting was also attended by a roster of Government departments including the Home Office, Foreign Office, DEFRA and MHCLG.  That is a significant dedication of resource with a shared commitment to delivering a whole Government approach to supporting major events in the UK.  

The meeting was an opportunity to underscore the unique contribution of live music to the UK – economically, socially and culturally, while highlighting our world class talent on and off stage that means UK artists and crew are in great demand.  Following a very positive exchange, LIVE is encouraged that Government will go on to deliver policies and processes that simplify the process of putting on major events.  Reducing costs and risk will mean more shows, festivals and events and, in turn, more tourists, economic activity and focus on the UK.

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

The 2026 LIVE Talks programme got underway this week with an informative hour on festival funding and financing delivered by Becky Ayres, Festival Director, Sound City and a recent inductee into the Women in Music Roll of Honour.  

Beyond Ticket Sales: Building Sustainable Income Through Sponsorship & Partnerships drew on her work leading Sound City and reflected on over 15 years of delivering six-figure annual sponsorship and funding targets.  Becky discussed 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.

The session offered practical guidance and strategic clarity for anyone navigating an increasingly complex funding landscape across live music events. A recording of the session is now available to watch back here.