LIVE Trust: pledges pass 700k as LIVE presents to Parliament alongside Culture Minister
The LIVE Trust has gained more momentum in recent days with the announcement of high profile support from the upcoming Lorde and Ed Sheeran tours. That means this transformative new funding initiative that will offer much needed financial support to those working across grassroots live music, has now had over 700k pledged in ticket contributions from UK tours of domestic and international artists.
This latest milestone comes as LIVE appeared in front of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee in Parliament to update MPs on our progress in developing the LIVE Trust. Culture Minister, Chris Bryant MP was also asked to give evidence and we were able to demonstrate our productive partnership with Government by issuing a joint letter to the Committee.
The letter noted the tangible progress made in recent months while recognising the desire to go further and deliver widespread levy adoption and distribution of funds.
We thank the promoters, agents and artists responsible for these shows for the leadership they have shown, in setting an example for others to follow. This demonstrates that the ticket levy model can and does work, for British and international artists across many genres, and we urge the entire industry to build on these steps and move towards widespread adoption.
The Minister and LIVE CEO, Jon Collins signed off with further positive sentiment:
"We need to not only put the grassroots on a sustainable footing, but also create the right conditions for future growth and to unlock the full potential of the UK’s brilliant live music sector."
In his evidence to Parliament, Jon expanded on these points, emphasised the progress made and why an industry-led solution was preferable to a statutory levy. In a wide ranging session, he was also able to make the case for: tax reliefs, a VAT cut, EU touring reform, visa reform, tackling ticket touts and measures to support LIVE Green’s sustainability work such as improved grid connectivity for festivals and free/discounted public transport with gig tickets. CPA and NAA gave evidence alongside Jon while other LIVE board members FAC, MMF and MVT also appeared. You can watch the full session here.
LIVE Touring: joint letter calls on PM & EU to act on European touring arrangements
As we approach the high level summit between the UK government and the EU on May 19th, work is accelerating to ensure all sides have the information needed to deliver the best possible new deal on EU -UK touring. To reinforce how widespread the benefits of touring reform would be, LIVE worked with Musicians Union, Association of British Orchestras, UK Music, Pearle and the Independent Society of Musicians on an open letter making the case for reform and backed by over 500 signatories. Those signatories came from the UK, 25 EU member states and all sectors of live music – classical to electronic, promoter to agent, artist to venue.
The letter makes clear that:
Put simply, the current arrangements are not working. Which means audiences, artists and venues in the EU and UK are missing out on the enormous benefits which closer cultural exchange would bring. Our strong collective desire to share, learn and inspire in the creativity from both the EU and the UK is united. As our political leaders, we call on your combined efforts in these important talks to overcome any obstacles and barriers affecting the economic and cultural growth of this important sector, that currently stand in the way of fulfilling this relationship.
Commenting for LIVE, Jon Collins said: “The breadth of companies, organisations and individuals that have signed this letter is clear evidence that the importance of resolving touring issues crosses borders, genres and functions. To have leading European promoters line up alongside venue operators, artists, crew and more is testament to the widespread desire to unlock the economic, cultural and societal benefits that will come for all concerned if the EU Commission and UK Government can deliver improved touring arrangements.”
Ministers have been clear that securing improved EU touring arrangements is a manifesto commitment and so they are putting their full weight behind delivering for the creative industries.
Jon Collins talks all things LIVE on The Money Trench
Jon was delighted to join Mark Sutherland as a guest on The Money Trench podcast last week to discuss his career leading up to taking the reins at LIVE, his time in post and the key challenges and opportunities facing our sector. In a very wide ranging discussion, Jon and Mark discussed everything from the climate crisis and ticket touts to supporting grassroots and being menopause aware. Take a listen and then comeback to us if you feel you can contribute to our work on any of the issues raised.
LIVE joins NOWIE as part of their empowerment series
Today (Friday 16th May) at noon, join LIVE's Head of Partnerships, Gaby Cartwright, and other panellists, Elizabeth Heron, Jess S & Nancy Skipper for NOWIE's second webinar of the Empowerment Series over at NOWIE - The Network of Women in Events CIC.
During this panel discussion, they'll be talking about how they’re paving the way for a more equal and equitable events industry, how they've overcome obstacles unique to women and non-binary folk, and how they are supporting others to do the same.
Gaby will be sharing the work LIVE have done on their Statement of Commitment to eradicating Misogyny in the music industry, as well as the recent Seat at the Table Report: LIVE Edition.
Register here → https://lnkd.in/em4h6nn5
More info here → https://lnkd.in/eq4ru7Yg
LIVE Venues/Festivals: Home Office marks Royal Assent for Martyn’s Law
LIVE was invited to join other stakeholders at an event with Home Office Ministers, Dan Jarvis MP and Lord Hanson to mark the conclusion of the Parliamentary passage of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025. Also known as Martyn’s Law, the Act is designed to help publicly accessible places and spaces prepare for and respond to terrorist incidents. It is intended to improve protective security and organisational preparedness across the UK.
Both Ministers stressed the importance of the next two years as we prepare for the provisions of the Act to go live. LIVE will be closely involved in developing sector and operational guidance to the Act as the SIA gears up to administer its functions. As ever, we need to stress that there is still much work to be done setting out the detailed requirements of venues and events and councils, consultants and others should not be either requiring compliance or selling training until 2027.