Let The Music Play
UK live music has been one of the UK’s biggest social, cultural, and economic successes of the past decade. But, with no end to social distancing in sight or financial support from government yet agreed, the future for venues, concerts and festivals and the hundreds of thousands of people who work in them looks bleak.
Like other countries such as Germany and Australia, we need the Government to help the music industry, which contributes £5.2 billion to the economy annually and sustains almost 200,000 jobs to ensure it remains world-leading following the damage caused by this pandemic.
Until these businesses can operate again, which is likely to be 2021 at the earliest, government support will be crucial to prevent mass insolvencies and the end of this world-leading industry.
On July 2nd 2020, UK Music and members of the UK Live Music Group, alongside a coalition of live music businesses including artists, venues, concerts, festivals, production companies and industry figures launched a campaign, Let The Music Play, to highlight the importance of the sector to the UK’s economy.
Read more to find out what we are asking for, why it is needed, what we are doing and what you can do.
Our three key asks of the Government are:
1. A clear conditional timeline for reopening venues without social distancing
2. An immediate comprehensive business and employment support package* and access to finance.
3. Full VAT exemption on ticket sales.
What we are doing?
Artists across the industry such as Ed Sheeran, Dua Lip and Paul McCartney have joined together to sign a letter to Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden calling for support. Read the letter here and the full list of names here.
What can you do?
On Wednesday 8 July Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak MP will deliver a Summer Economic Update.
Please write to your local MP and ask them call on the Chancellor to support Let The Music Play.
You can find your local MP here.
Support the campaign on social media with #LetTheMusicPlay. Download assests here.
