23.09.2025: UK Music attended a special reception at 10 Downing Street on September 22 as part of this year’s Bradford City of Culture Celebrations.

UK Music Chief Executive Tom Kiehl and Director of Campaigns and Engagement Olga FitzRoy attended the reception at 10 Downing Street to celebrate Bradford Museums and Galleries in Residence as part of this year’s Bradford City of Culture festivities. While there they met with Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy MP, and other cultural leaders from across Bradford and the UK.

On September 10, UK Music hosted a reception with drinks and music as part of the Local Government Association’s Culture, Tourism and Sport conference in Bradford. The event marked our ongoing work to support local authorities and help unlock growth through our Local Music Action Charter.

Speaking at the event in Bradford, UK Music Chief Executive Tom Kiehl underlined the vital role that music plays not just nationally but locally. He set out how UK Music’s Hometown Glory report on music tourism provides a roadmap for local leaders to utilise music, embedding it into local strategies to support skills, tourism, and economic growth.

He encouraged all local leaders to back this vision by signing up to the Local Music Action Charter. The charter offers local economies and communities a practical framework that enables local leaders to identify priority areas such as growth, high streets, or education, and take forward meaningful policy actions in these areas.

The audience also heard from Councillor Julie Jones-Evans, Chair of the LGA’s Culture, Tourism and Sport Committee, and local Bradford Councillor, Ross Shaw. They emphasised the importance of the conference for allowing local authorities to share experiences, ideas, and best practice on cultural development.

You can read Tom’s speech at the event in full here.