6.08.2012: UK Music and Visit Britain today (6th August) unveil a comprehensive Great British Music Festivals map as part of the Music is GREAT campaign. Launched in this, a heritage year, the interactive map which has been created in conjunction with CPA, AIF and AFO,  highlights more than 500 commercial music festivals taking place all around the country adding £864million to the British economy and entertaining 7.7 million fans.

A comprehensive economic study of music tourism (Destination:Music)* reveals that British festivals attract 357,000 international music fans who contribute 18% (£247million) of total music tourist spending. From the End of The Road and Reading & Leeds, to T-In the Park and Glastonbury’s world famous Pyramid stage, British Festivals provide a global stage for everyone from international stars to lesser-known bands.

Jo Dipple, Chief Executive of UK Music said: “I am thrilled that we could work with Visit Britain on the Great British Music Festivals Map. The music industry makes a huge contribution to the economy and tourism, and I am glad this is recognised. The map clearly shows the strength and diversity of the festivals on offer, with all tastes catered for – it is clear to see why people travel from all over the world to enjoy what we offer. The live music industry is changing and growing all the time, I am very excited about this change and the effect it is having on our growing industry.”

“We know most visitors and journalists are here for the Olympics this year, and won’t have the time to visit one of our great festivals, but we would love you to come back in 2013.” Dipple added.

Sofia Hagberg, AIF Board Member and Director of End of the Road Festival and No Direction Home Festival said:

“End of the Road arrived on the music festival scene only 6 years ago, and having grown in capacity every year and won ‘Best New Festival’ in 2006 then ‘Best Small Festival’ in 2011 in the UK Festival Awards, it’s been a roller coaster ride. We have found it both a challenging experience, as well as incredibly positive. If you have a unique identity and find your niche, then even in these tough times you can thrive. Independent festivals are a vital stepping stone for emerging talent, and in that way support the music industry as a whole.”

Paul Latham, COO Live Nation said: “Live Nation promote and manage the biggest names in the business. We as a company are proud to be at the heart of the live industry, entertaining millions each year. Through my work as chair of the UK Live Music Group I have been able to extend the reach of the live group, through the industry and UK Music. This map is a part of that as it shows just how vibrant the scene is. I am incredibly proud of the contribution that my industry makes to the economy, and long may this continue.”

Rob Challice, AIF Board Member and Member of the UK Live Music Group said: “Independent festivals are growing year on year. I am glad that this map shows exactly how strong the festival scene is and how much the UK has to offer. Independent festivals offer a very unique experience for the music fan, this is clear when you look at how popular they are.”

Geoff Ellis, said: “When we first put on T in the Park in 1994, there were only two other festivals on the UK scene – Glastonbury and Reading. It’s pleasing to see that there are now over 500 festivals in the country – all with an incredibly varied offering. T in the Park has achieved many accolades over the last 19 years including ‘Best Festival’, however we, along with other festival organisers, can’t rest on our laurels and must keep raising our game. The collective results are that the UK has an incredibly diverse and eclectic festival scene for such a small territory”.

Laurence Bresh, Director of Marketing at VisitBritain said: “Music is very much part of the British DNA and the fantastic Opening Ceremony of the 2012 Games showed the world the amazing variety of music that we produce here. Overseas visitors can come and enjoy all kinds of music at our unrivalled range of year–round festivals, concerts and gigs. From Glastonbury to Glyndebourne we know how to throw some of the biggest music celebrations and how to celebrate a great tune.”

The Destination:Music report from UK Music was launched in 2011.

Music is GREAT provides a platform for music fans to celebrate British artists and festivals. The campaign launched in May 2012 and celebrates all that Great Britain has to offer from artists, live music and beyond.