Futures Forum x LIVE: The Soapbox Sessions: a roaring success
We know that our industry is an economic powerhouse driving growth and job creation; those who work in it deal in delivering world-class experiences and feelings of togetherness at events across the country. That’s why LIVE and Futures Forum (an ILMC initiative for emerging live music executives) took the time to invest in the next generation of our workforce, who’ll carry on this great legacy, shaped through their own diverse perspectives.
Bringing people into our networks and communities is one of the things we do best at LIVE, and so it’s no surprise that this week’s event, The Soapbox Sessions, was a real hit. Industry old hands and newcomers met at 229 Great Portland Street, London, for a fantastic afternoon of pint-sized seminars and expert advice.
CEO Jon Collins took the stage to undertake five interviews covering the nuts and bolts of our industry: festivals (Yasmin Galletti), touring (Craig Stanley), venues (John Drury), workforce (Charisse Beaumont), and sustainability (Carol Scott). Jon also gave an overview of LIVE’s work with Government and the policy issues that will shape the future of the industry. It was an opportunity to reaffirm our progress on key policy and community issues and strengthen our commitment to supporting the next generation.
Oasis sale should not distract from focus on ticket touts, say MPs
An adjournment debate secured by the newly re-elected chair of the CMS Committee, Dame Caroline Dinenage MP prompted by the recent Oasis on-sale, produced a number of positive and insightful comments from both Dame Caroline and, responding for the Government, DCMS Minister, Sir Chris Bryant MP.
Both Dame Caroline and Sir Chris are passionate music fans and bring knowledge and expertise to their current roles. Both acknowledged that we have a world class live music industry in the UK and recognised that the current debate around dynamic pricing should not distract from the Government’s plans to strengthen regulation of the secondary ticketing market.
The DCMS Minister’s response, whilst acknowledging the interest in dynamic pricing, made clear that the Government will not lose focus on touts. Discussing Viagogo, Sir Chris did not mince his words, noting that not a penny of the inflated prices stays in our industry, “It is simply going to Viagogo, and I think that that is unfair. It is not right; it is inappropriate.”
Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill introduced into Parliament as LIVE works behind the scenes
LIVE continues to work closely with the Home Office as we seek to ensure that Martyn’s Law is adopted in the most robust form possible and is introduced in a way that aligns with licensing commitments. To date we have helped shape amendments to the Home Office’s approach concerning the requirements in the standard tier (200-800 cap venues), the pace of introduction of the legislation and plans for a new inspectorate.
Due to be debated in Parliament on the 14th October, LIVE is re-focussing its efforts on making clear that while supportive of the intent behind the bill, there are improvements and amendments that could and should be introduced as the Bill moves through Parliament. We will also, however, continue to remind industry that the Bill is not due to go live until 2027, with a lengthy period during which operating protocols will be developed. As such, there is currently no need to demonstrate compliance, to appoint consultants, or integrate the legislation into licensing discussions.
LIVE heads to Brussels for touring negotiations
With the Labour Government committed to improving touring arrangements for UK artists, the Domestic Advisory Group putting touring musicians high on its agenda of recommendations, and the UK-EU Commission preparing its next report on the critical state of the creative industries, change is in the air when it comes to touring. Building on the work of our LIVE Touring expert group, LIVE heads to Brussels this week to meet with policymakers and discuss how improved touring arrangements could benefit both parties in the TCA.
CEO Jon Collins said: “Venues, festivals, and artists across both the UK and EU are suffering under the current touring arrangements. It is widely recognised that improvements to these touring rules are needed to bring major economic and cultural benefits to both European member states and the UK. We welcome the renewed impetus from both sides to solve this issue, and recognise negotiations are needed to find a solution. We agree with the EU Domestic Advisory Group's view that the solution to touring problems could be delivered without the need to revise the Trade and Cooperation Agreement”.
Vision 2025 launches fundraiser for critical sector research
Vision: 2025 is galvanising the live festival and outdoor events industry to bring a clear and bold 2030 climate vision for the sector, one which shows leadership and ambition in meeting our immediate and global challenges, aligns with government climate targets and the 1.5-degree global ambition.
Vision: 2025 has established a cross-industry working group, chaired by LIVE CEO Jon Collins which brings experts together to review data and information, establish benchmarks, consider trends and opportunities, engage widely with the industry, and shape a workable vision and roadmap that is free for everyone in the sector; with an important element of the work being develop strong and evidenced requests to the Government for policy change and sector funding.
The campaign has a £50,000 target for industry fundraising to match funds already raised from Arts Council England, EarthPercent, Dixon Foundation and Festival Republic. There are options for every scale of event and industry organisations to contribute. To get involved and support this work: https://bit.ly/SMGO-3.
LIVE Awards: only 21 days until nominations close
Time is running out to submit a nomination for our third annual LIVE Awards – it’ll be another night to remember on the 11 December at Troxy, London.
The LIVE Awards are hosted by LIVE, the voice of the UK’s live music business, and recognise and reward those individuals and companies taking our sector to the next level. The LIVE Awards will be judged by a closed and anonymous panel of industry professionals. Each entry will be considered on its own merits to ensure that the awards are a true reflection of business excellence in live music. Click here for more information on each category and how to submit your nominations.
The full awards list for The LIVE Awards 2024 are as follows:
The LIVE Green Award
The LIVE Workforce Award
Venue of the Year
Grassroots Champion
Booking Agency of the Year (x2 categories)
Top Ticketing Service
National Promoter of the Year
Regional Promoter of the Year
Major Festival of the Year
Festival of the Year
Road Warrior of the Year
Production Supplier
Brand Partnership
The LIVETime Achievement Award
Tables and individual tickets are available now from just £195+VAT. Each seat at the awards includes welcome cocktails; dinner with wine pairing, two hours of complimentary beer, wine and softs; the awards, and an afterparty until the early hours. For ticket and event information, simply click here. Meanwhile, for a reminder of last year's winners, click here.
LIVE Talks: From Melas to Stadiums: Exploring Opportunities within South Asian Music
Date: Thursday 24th October
Time: 12pm – 1pm UK
Location: Online (Zoom)
Sign up for free here
South Asian live music events are an integral part of the UK’s cultural tapestry, with a rich and diverse ecosystem that caters to various tastes and communities. These events range from vibrant community Melas and smaller, intimate performances to grand-scale stadium shows featuring renowned artists.
With landmark moments such as Glastonbury’s dedicated South Asian space in 2024 (The Arrivals) and international artists like Diljit Dosanjh selling out major UK venues like The O2, the South Asian live music scene is thriving. The time to get involved in South Asian live music events is now.
This session will provide an in-depth exploration of the South Asian live music landscape in the UK. It will also highlight the challenges faced by artists and event organisers within this vibrant yet complex scene, and how to navigate these.
Sania has over a decade of hands-on experience working within the South Asian music industry through BollyCo, a dance and entertainment company she helps manage. This is coupled with 12+ years within research, seven of which she spent leading on AudienceNet’s music and entertainment-related work, working closely with clients such as the IPO, IFPI, Sony, UMG, Warner, Spotify, Soundcloud, YouTube, the BPI and ERA, among others.
More broadly, Sania is also an award-winning Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) practitioner and Cultural Consultant. In 2023, Sania set up Bye 2 Stereotypes, a brand through which she provides research, training and strategic support to organisations wanting to engage diverse audiences or address inequalities within society and the workplace.