They say every penny counts, and a low-cost UK ticket levy has proven that is very much the case. The voluntary scheme was first introduced last year and asked artists to pay forward just £1 from every arena or stadium ticket sale – and it has already helped raise £500,000 for grassroots venues.
According to a new statement from the LIVE Trust, the voluntary pledge of £1 per ticket has just amounted to half a million pounds. Plenty of artists have helped contribute towards the figure, with Enter Shikari being one of the first acts to push for the levy in 2023. Since its official introduction, a slew of artists have voluntarily supported the scheme, from Diana Ross to Pulp.
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The £1 pledge can be applied to any arena and stadium show with a capacity of over 5000, and the scheme has received mass support from artists and fans alike.
Just last week, a survey conducted by Music Fans’ Voice found that, of the 8,000 music fans surveyed, 93% of respondents supported the levy. 99% of respondents also agreed that live music is an important part of UK culture, and 30% said they visit a grassroots venue monthly.
Jon Collins, the CEO of the LIVE Trust, has praised the public’s support of the scheme. “This is a welcome milestone for the LIVE Trust and marks a very significant contribution to the grassroots live music sector,” he says.
“What this demonstrates is that there is a real appetite from performers and their teams to support the wider live ecosystem and we applaud and thank those that have already taken this initiative,” he adds. “Whilst this is an excellent start there is still much work to do if we are to convince government that a voluntary rather than statutory levy is both workable and sustainable.”
Alongside the levy, plenty of artists have been raising funds in support of grassroots venues. Singer Kate Nash has been particularly vocal as of late, speaking up about venue closures and the costs of being a touring musician.
“We’re almost at collapse,” she told NME last year. “It can only go on to be something we all complain about behind the scenes for so long until you start to see it crumble.”
“The reality is that touring is making losses, not profit. The grassroots is in absolute crisis. Venues are closing, festivals are being cancelled. People are thinking, ‘What’s the point in starting a band?’ and ‘How can I as an artist carry on?’”
The post The £1 ticket levy scheme has already raised £500,000 for grassroots venues appeared first on MusicTech.
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