One in three UK music fans plan to go to less live music events in 2023, report finds

People in the UK are planning to go to see less live music in 2023, a new report from customer engagement platform CM.com has found.

The report titled The Future of Live, delves into the fate of live music gigs, concerts and festivals by surveying 1000 live music event attendees from the ages of 17 to 55.

The report shows that almost half of those surveyed (46%) have not attended a live music event this year because they were unable to afford to go — with the cost of living crisis mentioned as one of these reasons why.

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AVA Festival's Marketing & Programming Manager Conor McTernan stressed the seriousness of the cost of living crisis on live events, telling the report: What’s the first thing that goes when people can’t afford to live? It’s live events because they’re not going to pay to go to a festival if they can’t afford to do it.”

Adonis resident and Fèmmme Fraîche promoter Michelle Manetti added: “People are being far more selective about what they go to and rather than maybe going to three festivals, they’re only choosing one, because everyone’s obviously got less money and the price of everything has gone up, so they can’t afford to spend in the same way. So people are just maybe choosing one and they’re going to choose one which really does fit them.”

The report also examines the increase in no-shows in 2022, with two in five fans buying tickets later than prior to the pandemic.

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However, two-thirds of people involved in the survey said they experience live music events the same as before the pandemic.

Paul Everett, Head of Music and Live Events at CM.com, said about the report: “The findings from our report show what we have been experiencing on the ground, which is that consumer behaviour within live music is shifting rapidly.

“We’ve taken care to report honestly and accurately on what is happening right now. The pandemic was a time when collectivism and creativity flourished. This report provides insights which will keep the spirit of conversation and collaboration going as we navigate the new landscape together.”

Check out the full report here.

Becky Buckle is Mixmag's Video and Editorial Assistant, follow her on Twitter