LIVE heads to Brussels to talk EU Touring

LIVE CEO, Jon Collins joined colleagues from the Cultural Exchange Coalition in Brussels this week to make the case for strengthened EU-UK cultural relations.  Alongside LIVE Touring Chair, Dave Webster of the MU, Johannes Everke of Germany’s BDKV and a range of other music sector representatives, Jon was heartened to hear so much positivity from UK and EU policymakers.  It appears the political will for change is strong, though the challenge of fixing the problems created by Brexit remains complex.  

The CEC brings together creative and cultural organisations from across the UK and EU with a shared ambition to translate the positivity shown by the UK and EU into concrete action.  To do so would strengthen creative collaboration, remove barriers and drive growth.  Please do add your name to the growing number of organisations supporting the coalition.

New £1bn government fund on youth employment

The Government has announced a new £1 billion fund to support its youth employment drive, which businesses in the live music sector may be able to access. Measures include a Youth Jobs Grant, offering £3,000 to employers for each 18–24-year-old hired who has been on Universal Credit and seeking work for six months. The package also introduces foundation apprenticeships in hospitality, with up to £2,000 available to help employers bring 16–21-year-olds into the workforce. The scheme will be delivered through the Department for Work and Pensions.

Niall Horan Announces LIVE Trust Pledge

Niall Horan is the latest artist to join LIVE Trust’s 2026 roster, pledging £1 from every ticket sold on his UK tour. Over 45 tours and events are contributing to LIVE Trust in 2026, protecting, supporting and expanding grassroots music across the UK.

Phase one of funding is already in progress, funding the following programmes:

Uk Artist Touring Fund
UKAT aims to protect the UK’s cultural infrastructure, deliver renewed vitality in the grassroots, strengthen the pipeline of future talent, and ensure that genre, regional and cultural diversity can flourish while also supporting the development of new and existing audiences, so music can thrive sustainably across the UK.

Independent promoters grassroots bursary scheme
Bringing together the best independant promoters from across the UK, The Association of Independent Promoters' aims to represent, empower and provide a vital support network to promoters.

Music Venue Trust
Projects include emergency responses & venue MOTs, as well as cutting energy costs, improving facilities, investing in artist accommodation, and strengthening the touring circuit for grassroots artists.

Make Noise
This is a competition to win tech kits for schools and youth groups, as well as bringing young people together at Production Futures regional careers fairs, the full programme will build music production skills and knowledge, as well as build networks and vital industry connections.

Volume Control (Enhanced)
This investment will stregnthen and future-proof Belfast's grassroots live music scene by developing young people as artists, audiences and industry professionals.

Developing Scotland's Emerging Live Sector
Aims to empower aspiring artists, promoters and event professionals, equipping them with the skills, confidence and opportunities to build sustainable careers.

Micro & Very Small Festivals Development Programme
This unique programme supports grassroots festival organisers across the UK and is designed to help micro and small festivals build sustainable success.
Later this year we will be at Wide Days (30 April – 1 May) and FOCUS Wales (7, 8 & 9 May). If you would like to see us at your conference or event, let us know. LIVE Trust aims to speak to as many communities as possible as we begin to build the next phase of funding opportunities for 2026!

For more information and frequent updates on the success of LIVE Trust be sure to check out our website and socials.

LIVE Main: 90 minute update on all things LIVE

Over 100 industry professionals joined the latest LIVE Main meeting recently to get a rapid update on all of our work.  The meeting was underpinned with genuine positivity, in no small part due to the tremendous progress made on the LIVE Trust and the Treasury’s moves to recognise and support live music venues on business rates.  The Trust’s plans for 2026 were outlined, building on the £500k already distributed to support grassroots programmes across the UK.  While on business rates, the NAA’s Steve Sayer set out how their work was underpinned by compelling research on the size and contribution of the sector.

The group also heard more on LIVE’s wider policy work across ticketing, touring, Martyn’s Law the music plan, music growth package and sustainability.  In addition, there were updates on LIVE Talks and the LIVE Awards and, Tim Thornhill, Tysers Live gave a rapid overview of the current insurance market.  Tim’s key takeaway being that, in these uncertain times, it could make sense to lock in your insurance cover at the earliest opportunity given the risk of the market hardening in the weeks and months ahead.

Check out the LIVE and LIVE Trust sites for more information on all the topics discussed as well as our 2026  spring round up on all things LIVE and LIVE Trust.

Secondary Ticketing: LIVE address STAR seminar

LIVE participated in a seminar last  week alongside Culture Minister, Ian Murray on the Government’s plans for the primary and secondary ticketing markets in the UK convened by STAR (Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers).  Speaking at the event, Jon Collins welcomed the Government’s clear eyed approach to ticketing and an understanding that industry can improve the customer experience in the primary market while legislation is needed to remove exploitative touts from the secondary/resale market.  

LIVE looks forward to working with STAR on strengthening transparency, resale practices and consumer information.  In addition, we would urge the Government, who have already announced their intention to act back in November, to bring forward the necessary secondary ticketing legislation at the King’s Speech in May.  Missing the King’s Speech would put the removal of touts back 12-18 months.  If you have any opportunity, please make sure your MP knows the importance of this legislation proceeding without delay.

Owning Your Place: Tackling Imposter Feelings in Live Music

LIVE Talks delivered a powerful and timely session this week in partnership with the Musicians’ Union, bringing together over 80 attendees from across the live music industry. The discussion created a rare, open space for honest reflection on imposter feelings, something many experience but rarely speak about.

Expertly moderated by Executive Coach, Sarah Page, the panel shared personal experiences with refreshing transparency. The conversation struck a strong balance between vulnerability and empowerment, offering attendees both reassurance and tangible ways to navigate these challenges in their own careers.

Many thanks to our panellists: Zac Fox, Steph Van Spronsen, Simeon Walker and Natasha Gregory.

If you missed the session, you can watch it back and download the accompanying toolkit here.

Radio Spectrum: make your voice heard

LIVE has been working with our board member, PLASA and the BEIRG group on the current Ofcom call for input on the use of radio spectrum in the UHF band and its importance to your business.  Our sector relies on this spectrum, 24/7 and our access to it is under continued scrutiny pending future changes to digital terrestrial TV.  

As such, this Call for Input provides an important opportunity to gather data and ensure our collective voices are heard.  The good news is that BEIRG secured a two-week extension to the deadline, so we have until 15th April to set out our concerns.  Whether you’re a manufacturer, freelancer, rental company, production company, venue, promoter, or producer your experience counts

While BEIRG will submit a response on behalf of the sector, the more voices we can muster, the greater the impact we can have.  Please contact BEIRG via hello@beirg.org to add your name to our growing list of supporters, or to ask for further guidance on the response.