Skiddle’s Report on Mental Health in the Live Events Industry

A Thank You to Our Partners

Our partners have helped us spread the word about the survey and assisted us in helping the mental health of industry professionals. 

So, we’d like to say a big thank you to:

• Music Minds Matter / Help Musicians
• Headstock
• Music Support
• Thrive at Night
• Night Time Industries Association (NTIA)
• Association for Independent Festivals (AIF)
• Association of Independent Promoters (AIP)
• Association of Electronic Music (AFEM) 
• Music Venue Trust (MVT)
• Bristol Nights
• Blue Rhythm
• Getahead 

A Note From Duncan King, our Head of Festivals & Partnerships

“From working with more independent promoters and venues than any other ticketing platform in the UK, we understand the unique challenges industry staff face. Many operate with limited resources, time, and support, often without access to healthcare, HR, or mental health services tailored to the live events industry. That’s why, in 2018, we became the first ticketing platform to launch a dedicated mental health survey.

In light of the profound impact of the pandemic on the live events industry, we felt it was crucial to revisit this conversation and assess how those working in the sector are coping today. By sharing the results, we hope to drive meaningful change, raise awareness, and ensure that those in need know where to find support. Supporting mental wellbeing isn’t just a priority, it’s a responsibility we take seriously as we work to build a more compassionate, sustainable future for the live events industry.”

Discover more insights behind the Mental Health Survey

Results 

Thanks to a wide range of participants from the event industry, we gathered a concentrated snapshot of what they think about mental health, wellbeing and more. Let’s take a look at what they had to say. 

Poor Mental Health is a Common Experience

For many working in the events industry, poor mental health is the norm. 

In response to the statement ‘I have experienced poor periods of mental health due to the job’, the results were clear:

• 74% agreed or strongly agreed
• 17% neither agreed nor disagreed
• 9% disagreed or strongly disagreed

This mirrors the national picture on workplace mental health. According to a 2024 study carried out by Champion Health, 79% of employees are experiencing moderate-to-high stress levels, with younger employees (16-24) and women showing the highest stress levels.

The similarity between these figures shows that poor mental health in our industry is part of a broader crisis. However, when it comes to mental health, the events industry also faces unique challenges, which will be further explored in the survey. 

Exercise & Social Support are Popular Ways of Self-Care

Keeping active and catching up with friends are popular ways of alleviating stress. 

Survey participants use counselling and talking therapies, but they were less popular compared to exercise, social support and relaxation techniques.

In response to the question ‘Which of the following coping mechanisms do you use to deal with the stress or pressure of the job?’, the results were:

• 61% – Exercise 
• 47% – Social support
• 42% – Relaxation techniques
• 18% – Talking therapies
• 15% – Counselling
• 16% – Other – This included gaming, music and DJing and yoga

Grace Meadows, Head of Music Minds Matter – “The science shows that exercise and social support play a crucial role in maintaining positive mental health and managing it during difficult times. However, while many people could benefit from speaking with a professional about their concerns and anxieties, there are often barriers to doing so. 

Several factors contribute to this. Stigma, for example, as people may still worry about how they’ll be perceived for seeking help and what the potential repercussions might be. Another common barrier is the financial cost of counselling or therapy. That’s why, at Music Minds Matter, we offer free therapeutic support to those who are unable to access it due to financial challenges.”

Substance Issues are Trending Downwards

Wider data suggests that problematic substance use is common in the events industry. 

For example, a 2024 study by BusinessCloud found that around 14% of those in the arts and entertainment world use drugs, while around 17% of people working within the hospitality sector had substance use disorders

Concerning last year’s data, it is encouraging to see the following responses to the statement: ‘The stress of my work has caused problematic substance issues’:

• 37% agreed or strongly agreed
• 17% neither agreed nor disagreed
• 46% disagreed or strongly disagreed

Michael Kill, CEO of The Night Time Industries Association – It’s encouraging to see that substance abuse appears to be on the decline in our sector, with 46% of respondents disagreeing that work-related stress has led to problematic substance use. While this is a positive step forward, the fact that 37% still experience such challenges shows that we cannot be complacent. As an industry, we must continue to invest in mental health support, improve working conditions, and create safe, open spaces where individuals feel supported in seeking help without fear of stigma.”

Not Many Know Where to Access Support

Awareness remains a major barrier to mental health support in the industry. 

The help is out there, but often, many professionals either don’t know about it or feel like it isn’t relevant to their role. 

In response to the statement: ‘I know where I can access music-industry specific/focused mental health support’, the results were as follows: 

• 27% agreed or strongly agreed
• 25% neither agreed nor disagreed
• 48% disagreed or strongly disagreed

The responses highlight a communication and awareness gap, which could stem from fragmented freelance work or a lack of centralised HR. Whatever the cause, the result is clear: the industry must do better at signposting staff to mental health support.

Later in the report, we’ll explain how Skiddle and Music Minds Matter are working together to ensure this is the case and share crucial Music Minds Matter resources for individuals and teams.

Event Industry Professionals are Balancing Precarious Work 

Jobs in the events industry are scarce. With the closure of venues, more and more promoters and industry professionals are having to supplement their income with part-time work. When asked, ‘Do You Have a Full-Time Job Outside of Music?’:

• 29% said yes
• 69% said no

Those with additional jobs told us that they work in bars, venues, bookshops, security, marketing, teaching and building. Some of which are part-time roles. 

These findings mirror wider data. A 2024 report by Mind revealed that 38% of people were taking on additional paid work to cover costs. 

Michael Kill – The growing pressure on event industry professionals as they juggle precarious work. With venues closing and opportunities dwindling, many are forced to take on part-time jobs in bars, retail, teaching, and security to supplement their income. This constant balancing act leads to stress, fatigue and a significant toll on mental health, as financial instability and lack of job security continue to affect the well-being of those working in the sector.”

Work-Life Balance is Low

A healthy work-life balance gives people the chance to pursue hobbies, rest and recover, contributing to increased productivity. 

In response to the statement ‘I Have a Good Work-Life Balance’, the results were as follows: 

• 34% agreed or strongly agreed
• 16% neither agreed nor disagreed
• 50% disagreed or strongly disagreed

The results reflect findings found in a 2024 study by Access People, which ranked the UK 34th for work-life balance. The report cites factors like the five-day working week and limited parental leave as drivers for the low ranking. In the events industry, this imbalance may be felt even more acutely, as promoters and staff often juggle weekday planning with weekend event delivery, effectively working seven days a week.

Respondents Would Appreciate Several Additions to The Industry

We invited respondents to give ideas on what they would change at their workplace. 

In response to the question: ‘What One Thing Could You Introduce to Your Working Environment That Would Make a Positive Contribution to You Being Able to Maintain Positive Mental Health and Well-Being?’ They replied with the following: 

• “A better understanding of what is required in terms of staffing levels expected to achieve a sustainable turnover/profit. At the moment, I believe that too much money is made off the back of too little staff.”

• “Access to occupational health with expertise in the sector”

• “Better management within venues for schedules, allowing long hours to be better scheduled. Having in-house, local support or health businesses involved with staff.”

• “An honest and non-egotistical approach to mental health. A healthier approach to the 40-hour work week, flexibility around when and where I work.”

Working in The Events Industry Provides Positive Connections

Good friends, working relationships and people you can rely on all contribute to a positive mindset. 

In response to the statement: ‘My Job has Affected My Personal Relationships Positively’, participants said: 

• 42% agreed or strongly agreed
• 31% neither agreed nor disagreed
• 27% disagreed or strongly disagreed

Grace Meadows: “We do our best work when we’re thriving, and a positive workplace is a huge contributing factor. Positive workplaces encourage respectful behaviour, appropriate boundaries, and practices that make us feel psychologically safe, enabling us to feel empowered and able to grow and develop. 

Positive workplaces should be the norm across industry, not the extraordinary, and that is why we want to work with organisations to help create healthy and positive workplaces for everyone working in music.”

Staff Feel Like Their Work is Recognised

Recognition gives people the confidence to tick off bigger goals and increase personal success.

It was encouraging to see that when responding to the statement, ‘I receive recognition for the work I do’:

• 45% agreed or strongly agreed
• 28% neither agreed nor disagreed
• 27% disagreed or strongly disagreed

Working environments become more positive and motivation increases when staff receive positive recognition.

What Do the Results Mean for the Industry?

Georgia Taglietti – Head of Culture & Campaigns at the Association For Electronic Music 

“The Skiddle Mental Health Report reminds us that behind every groundbreaking club night and festival stage is an ecosystem of people under real pressure from a variety of areas, whether they’ve done one show or a thousand. If we want to sustain the future of electronic music, we must invest just as much in the mental well-being of the community as we do in new genres and talent. AFEM wants to be a barrierless resource of support for promoters and we are actively working on practical means of support”

Grace Meadows – Head of Music Minds Matter

“The findings from Skiddle’s survey further underscore the ongoing need across the music ecosystem to improve understanding and awareness of how to create environments where people can flourish, have their mental health supported, and access the resources they need to thrive. 

Achieving this requires a collective effort to help individuals, teams, and organisations adopt working practices and behaviours that promote positive mental health. These efforts can range from small actions, such as signposting support services for staff, to broader changes, such as partnering with Music Minds Matter to transform workplace culture.

Skiddle is demonstrating its commitment to driving this change by partnering with Music Minds Matter this year. We are immensely grateful for their support and for being a proactive champion of our mission. Mental health is everyone’s business, and it is vital that we work together to ensure that everyone working in music is supported.”

Michael Kill – CEO of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA)

“These survey results highlight an urgent mental health crisis within our industry. With 74% of respondents reporting poor mental health due to their job, it’s clear that this is not an isolated issue but a widespread structural problem. Financial insecurity, poor work-life balance, and a lack of clear support routes are driving stress and burnout among staff.

While many are turning to exercise, social support, and other healthy coping strategies, only 27% know where to access industry-specific mental health services — a gap we must urgently close. 

Despite these challenges, there are positives: many respondents feel recognised in their roles and value the connections they’ve built. This sense of community is vital, and we must protect it while pushing for systemic change. These findings should be a wake-up call — the wellbeing of our workforce must become a priority.”

Key Takeaways from Skiddle’s Mental Health Survey

Staff Need Clear Guidance On Support

It’s clear that many in the industry are aware of mental health challenges, but don’t know where to access support. With clear guidance, they’ll be able to find tailored support that applies to their needs. 

Precarity Undermines Passion

Event promoters drive innovation in culture and the wider industry. The fact that nearly one-third of the sector needs to work full time clearly shows how the consistent lack of funding for music events could be limiting growth and stifling talent in our industry.

The Industry Offers Positive Relationships and Recognition

Despite the challenges, event professionals highlight the supportive networks, meaningful connections and recognition they receive from working in the industry. Against the backdrop of mental health struggles, this is crucial. It shows the positives that are gained by working in events and provides a sense of hope when things get tough. 

Skiddle’s Plan to Support Mental Health in the Industry

“Skiddle is committed to turning insights into action. In partnership with Music Minds Matter, we’ll be developing a range of tailored resources to support independent promoters and venue teams. This includes practical assets like venue packs for green rooms and staff areas, access to mental health training, and clear pathways to professional support services. Our aim is to equip the people behind live events with the tools they need to prioritise wellbeing, both for themselves and their teams.” – Duncan King

Here are some resources tailored specifically to event industry professionals, courtesy of Music Minds Matter:

• I need help today – Helplines and organisations to contact if you need urgent support.

• I want to learn how to stay well in music – How to manage stress, working relationships, surviving festival season & more. 

• I’m worried about someone else in music – Advice and suggestions to help support a colleague. 

• I’d like help accessing mental health services – Access the right support for your needs.

• Support for organisations and teams – Guidance on fostering positive mental health within teams.

• Support sessions – Self-care sessions & peer support groups.

Methodology 

To cast the net as wide as possible, the Mental Health Survey required a multi-channel approach.

This included:

• PR Blasts – Emails to key industry websites like Event Industry News, The Ticketing Business, Access All Areas, Festival Insights & Prolific North, giving the survey extra traction and access to a large audience.
• Social Content – Persuasive social content across our LinkedIn & Instagram pages, including a front-facing camera video of figureheads (and our partners!) like Headstock’s Atheer Al-Salim and Help Musicians’ Grace Meadows, urging viewers to take part.
• Email Campaign – Targeted emails sent to our base of over 14,000 promoters with information about the survey and how to take part.
• Public Engagement – Sharing the survey with attendees of The Night Time Economy Summit, the Showman’s Show, Un-Convention and our own Glasgow Industry Drop-In to hear their thoughts. 

This focused approach to gaining responses ensured that a wide range of industry staff were represented. We received responses from:

• Gig, Club Night & Festival Promoters
• Venue Managers
• Production & Tech Staff
• Ticketing & Box Office Managers
• Consultants
• PR Staff
• Conference Organisers
• DJs, Artists, Label & Venue Owners

We also asked:

• Their Location – Responses came from those located in the North West, North East, Yorkshire & The Humber, West Midlands, East Midlands, East Anglia, London, South West, South East, Wales & Scotland. Northern Ireland was an option, but we received no responses from this area.
• Their Age & Gender Identity – We heard from those aged 18-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55-65 and 65+ with the gender identity of Male, Female & Non-Binary. We also added the option ‘Prefer Not to Say’.
• Their Roles – We asked how many shows they promote, how long they’ve been promoting and whether it’s their full-time job.