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Sam Fender, Chappell Roen and Foo Fighters have been cited as major factors in a staggering £1 billion boost for music tourism across the north west of England.
More than 3.3million people surged to music venues across Manchester, Liverpool and other neighbouring towns and cities throughout 2024, contributing to a dramatic rise in the sale of tickets, food, merchandising, travel, camping, accommodation and parking across the region.
Additionally, an estimated 9,250 full-time jobs were created as a direct result of consumer demand for live entertainment, according to a new report from industry website UK Music.
It’s understood that an astonishing £1.2 billion was generated from live shows in the north west over the course of the year, with fans flocking to see a range of artists including Fender, Roan and Foo Fighters.
Geordie star Fender, 31, who released his third album People Watching in February, performed to a sold out Co-Op Live in Manchester last December.
He perform at Liverpool’s Sefton Park on May 24 before returning to Manchester for an additional show at Wythenshawe Park on August 16.
American star Roen, 27, entertained fans at Lancashire venues Great Stage Park and Manchester Academy during her Midwest Princess Tour in 2024, while Dave Grohl’s Foo Fighters performed at Emirates Old Trafford, which holds a capacity crowd of 50,000.
Away from traditional venues, annual music festivals including Parklife, Creamfields and Beat-Herder have played a significant role in drawing fans to the north west.
Collectively, more than 21.9million Brits travelled across the country to see their favourite artists perform live in 2024, while an extra 1.6million flooded in from overseas.
The surge was prompted by the draw of stadium filling stars such as Taylor Swift and Bruce Springsteen, both of whom toured the UK over the course of the year.
Swift in particular generated millions through her record-breaking Eras tour, with the singer filling mammoth venues across the country – among them Wembley Stadium.
Addressing the commerical success of Britain’s live music scene, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: ‘Whether it’s a massive stadium show or a packed-out local venue, music is bringing people together and making a huge difference.
‘We’re incredibly proud of our music industry. It’s one of our greatest exports, it inspires young people everywhere, and it’s part of who we are as a country.’
But Tom Kiehl, chief executive of UK Music, says the economic surge is offset by the range of financial and practical hurdles faced by touring artists.
He said: ‘While music generates huge benefits for our local areas, there remain a number of challenges facing our sector, such as the rising cost of touring for artists and the threat of closure looming over venues, studios and other music spaces.
‘From Land’s End to John O’Groats, all communities have the potential for thriving and diverse music sectors and can offer something unique.
‘At a time when Government is seeking growth, it is crucial to empower local leaders to make this happen to help boost our artists, creators, venues, studios and music businesses.’
