4% of nightclubs in England, Wales, and Scotland shut in 2023, study shows

A new report from the Night Times Industries Association (NTIA) has revealed that 4% of nightclubs in England, Wales, and Scotland closed between 2022 and 2023.

The study, conducted as part of the ‘Electronic Beats, Economic Treats 2024’ music report, shows a net loss of 31 clubs over the year-long period.

In the same report, NTIA notes that 32% of clubs in the UK have been shuttered since the pandemic. A similar study by AlixPartners and CGA last year showed that more than 4,800 nightlife businesses shut down for good in 2022, with nightclubs bearing the worst impact of all hospitality businesses.

Nightclubs reportedly face the largest risk of all hospitality businesses during the cost of living crisis and rising costs in the UK. In their most recent study, the NTIA also found a 9% decline in visitors to clubs during the 2022 - 2023 period.

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“[This study] sheds light on the challenges faced by the industry, providing insights for future growth,” says Maria May, Head of Electronic Music at Creative Artists Agency (CAA).

“In order to continue to grow we need to support each other and the culture of dance music. Together, let us propel electronic music to new heights in the UK and beyond.”

Despite the worrying statistics for UK clubs, the new NTIA music report also aims to highlight “the economic contribution and the cultural significance of the electronic music industry to the UK economy”.

It revealed that 80% of respondents experience “emotional and mental health benefits” when attending live electronic music events, with the same percentage listening to the genre daily, including 75% of those aged 45 and over.

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The UK was also ranked third in the world for festivals featuring electronic music, hosting around 300 events each year with almost 20,000 artists. Of all UK festivals, 30% of artists billed play electronic music.

The report also found that dance music is amongst the UK’s most streamed genres, ranking second most searched-for genre on YouTube and Shazam.

“This report invites you to embark on a journey through the pulsating heart of the UK electronic music scene,” says NTIA CEO Michael Kill.

“From the pioneers who laid the groundwork to the emerging talents shaping its future, each note, each beat, is a testament to the enduring cultural value of electronic music in the United Kingdom.”

Read the full study here.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Assistant Editor, follow her on Twitter