Changes in Live Music Between 2005 and 2009 – Creative Blueprint/DCMS (2010)
Author(s): Creative Blueprint
Organisation / Affiliation: Creative and Cultural Skills/DCMS
Date: 16/02/2010
Source: Government
This article sets out to explain how three sources of DCMS statistics provide details of changes in the live music sector between 2005 and 2009 and set these in context of wider industry data:
Statistics on entertainment licensing, taken from the Alcohol, Entertainment and Late Night Refreshment Licensing Bulletin
Analysis of cultural participation among adults from the ‘Taking Part’ survey
Research surveys of live music
No one source provides a complete picture but when these statistics are analysed together with relevant industry data they provide evidence of how the sector has fared in recent years.
Overall the sector is thriving. During this period, the number of licences with provision for live music has increased, the proportion of adults attending live music has grown and there has been an increase in the number of professional musicians. However, this growth has been concentrated at medium and larger venues, and there has been a fall in the adult population who attend music at smaller venues. Evidence suggests that this is due to the decline in the overall numbers of pubs and bars, and the growth in live concerts at larger venues (as established acts respond to falling profitability of recorded music).