04.08.2025: Council leaders are being urged to sign up to a new Local Music Action charter aimed at driving jobs and investment in communities across the UK.

The call to action comes from UK Music, the collective voice of the UK music industry, following the launch of its Hometown Glory music tourism report, which highlights the vast economic and cultural benefits a thriving music ecosystem can bring to communities the length and breadth of the country.

The report, which was launched at the Local Government Association Conference in Liverpool with a performance from local band Hushtones (pictured), revealed the likes of Taylor Swift, Charli XCX, Bruce Springsteen, Sam Fender and Dua Lipa helped lure a record 23.5 million music tourists to concerts and festivals in the UK in 2024, spending £10 billion in the process. You can read more on the report here.

One of the most crucial aspects of the report is the launch of the Local Music Action Charter, which helps councils and combined authorities create locally tailored music strategies aligned with their specific priorities.

Policymakers can use the Charter to select a strategic priority (e.g. growth, skills, high street, tourism, or inclusion) and explore relevant policy actions. These actions can then be embedded into existing local plans and strategies.

As priorities evolve, the Charter allows for flexibility, enabling local authorities to update and expand their approach to music policy over time. UK Music encourages all local authorities to commit to at least one priority area and harness the social and economic power of music in their communities. You can sign up to the Local Music Action Charter by following this link.

UK Music Chief Executive Tom Kiehl said: “The Local Music Action Charter will embolden local actors, particularly in the face of change and disruption, to support sustained growth, and enable those that form part of our local music industries to truly fulfil their potential.

“From Lands’ 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.”

Councillor Liz Green, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Culture, Tourism and Sport Board, said: “UK Music’s Hometown Glory report is a timely reminder that investing in local music isn’t just good sense – it’s a way to boost pride in place and breathe new life into our high streets. We’re committed to working with local partners to make sure music continues to thrive in every corner of the UK.”

In 2024, a record 23.5 million music tourists – up 23% on 2023’s total of 19.2 million – enjoyed live music concerts and festivals in the UK. Of the 23.5 million total, 21.9 million were music tourists from the UK – a 21% rise on 2023. A total of 1.6 million visitors last year were overseas music tourists – up 62% on the 2023 total of one million.

Music tourists supported 72,000 full-time equivalent jobs in the live music sector in 2024 – up 16% on the 2023 total of 62,000. The jobs are a key part of the wider music eco-system that also includes the UK’s world class music studios, record labels, music publishers and other music businesses.