Culture Secretary Calls on Industry to Prevent UK Becoming Live Music Desert

Grassroots Sector Under Threat

Nandy highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by grassroots music venues, with closures continuing across the UK. She warned that without intervention, smaller towns in particular risk losing their connection to live music altogether.

The Secretary of State referenced growing interest in voluntary levies on arena and stadium ticket sales, with funds redirected to grassroots music. While some major operators have shown early support, Nandy stopped short of confirming any plans for a mandatory levy, stating that she prefers an industry-led solution over statutory enforcement.

“We need a model that’s fair and sustainable,” she said. “There is clearly an appetite for voluntary measures, but if that doesn’t work, we’ll need to go further.”

Call for Inclusion and Accountability

Nandy also used her platform to urge greater inclusivity across the wider creative industries. She stated that the UK’s cultural landscape must better reflect the diversity of its communities, warning that audiences are already disengaging from content that does not speak to them.

“If what they see doesn’t look or feel like the country they live in, they’ll switch off,” she said.

Her comments referenced both the music and television industries, with a renewed push for diversity behind and in front of the stage.

Freelancers and Future Talent

The speech also highlighted the urgent need for better support for freelancers and young people looking to enter the industry. Nandy called for more stability for the freelance workforce and praised the Creative Careers Programme, which has channelled investment into training and job pathways for the next generation of talent.

She described freelancers as the “backbone” of the sector and urged businesses to do more to support them in the face of rising costs and job insecurity.

Industry Response

Nandy’s comments have added momentum to ongoing conversations around sustainable funding, regional access, and workforce inclusion across the events sector. While many operators agree on the need for urgent reform, there remains debate around how best to structure levy systems and ensure long-term investment reaches the grassroots.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is expected to continue working with industry partners in the months ahead to shape future support models.

Here at Skiddle, we’re actively helping to combat the closure of grassroots music venues through a donation scheme at checkout.

All funds raised go directly to the Music Venue Trust’s Pipeline Investment Fund, which provides grants to struggling venues across the UK. Skiddle also matches every donation made, and so far, we’ve donated thousands in funds, providing vital reinvestment in the grassroots scene and ensuring the next generation of live music continues to thrive in regions across the nation.

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