Evolving Music Landscape of UK: Impact of Venue Shutdowns, Resurgence Patterns, and the Future of Live Music
In 2024 the music scene saw a surge in events according to an A2D2 Stream research report—a 7 percent increase in concerts and festivals—but beneath the surface lies a different narrative of venue shutdowns and changing audience trends that reflect shifts in music consumption habits in the UK's music industry landscape, with potential long term implications. 
Newcastle experienced an increase of 155% in live music events according to A2D2 Stream's Research Report solidifying its position as the rapidly growing music hub in the UK; however other urban areas faced challenges in matching this growth trend. Liverpool saw a decrease of 74 music events, a significant setback for a city with deep musical roots being recognized as the hometown of The Beatles. This coincided with the closure of 19 venues within the North West region; showcasing a striking contrast to the flourishing music scenes observed in cities like Manchester and Bristol.
Live music in the UK is seeing growth these days as smaller and mid-sized venues are feeling the financial squeeze due to factors like rising rent and production costs as well, as shifting nightlife trends. While big festivals and large concerts are doing well economically, the beloved intimate gig spaces that serve as the backbone of grassroots music are sadly fading away. In 2024, around 125 grassroots music venues shut down leading to a 16 percent decrease in the availability of small live music spaces, across the country according to the Music Venue Trust.
Why do certain cities thrive while others face decline?
- Newcastle has seen a rise in events with a whopping 155 percent increase establishing itself as an emerging cultural hub that is attracting a vibrant and youthful audience according to research, by A2D2 Stream.
- In Manchester there has been a rise of 300 events indicating a 12 percent increase in the city's vibrant live music scene with its solid foundation and support structures.
- In Bristol there were over 300 events showing a 23 percent increase showcasing the city's music scene that celebrates alternative and electronic genres.
- In Liverpool there was a reduction of 74 events marking a 5 percent decrease, due to venue closures and changes in how people spend money on events.
- In Birmingham there has been a decrease of 52 events, which accounts for a 14,73 % drop in numbers due to rising costs impacting the volume of event bookings.
These findings based on research conducted by Peter Fealey (founder at A2D2 Stream) show that consumer habits are changing as people increasingly seek high quality experiences over budget options. In 2024 festivals brought in a £646 million that year which marks a significant rise of 14%. This indicates a trend where individuals are inclined to invest more in larger scale events while reducing spending, on smaller performances and shows. In 2025 in the UK there was a record breaking surge in festival attendance with more than 5 million people attending festivals. An increase of 8 % from the previous year as reported in the UK Festival Report of 2025.
Festival Resilience and Immersive Experiences
Some indie festivals are facing closure due to increasing expenses; however, others are flourishing by providing experiences that extend beyond music alone. Take the Beat Herder Festival 2024 for instance. It highlighted the timeless charm of music with top acts such as Orbital, The Wailers and Utah Saints demonstrating that electronic and classic genres continue to be beloved choices, at festivals (source; UK Festival Guides).
Attendees of festivals emphasized the feeling of togetherness and camaraderie that comes with performance venues and interactive themed activities as significant factors for their participation. A review of Beat Herder 2024 portrayed it as a magical weekend experience that goes beyond music—it provides a form of escape and opportunities, for shared moments that contribute to the growing popularity of festivals (according to UK Festival Guides).
In 2024, the Green Man Festival showed how events that highlight heritage and unique activities can make a difference in the crowd's eyes. In contrast to big gatherings out there Green Man emphasized its Welsh roots by using both Welsh and English signs and shining a spotlight on local artists giving attendees a sense of belonging and closeness to the event's location (according to UK Festival Guides).The festival went beyond music by offering outdoor activities and nature walks to early attendees. Along with community driven performances the event emphasized the idea that today's festivals are not simply about concerts over a weekend but are comprehensive experiences that transport participants to distinctive environments and atmospheres. (Source: UK Festival Guides)
Similarly, in Bloodstock 2024 we could see the impact of festivals that center on specific music styles. It showcased a thoughtfully selected metal lineup ranging from traditional heavy metal to progressive and folk metal (as stated by UK Festival Guides). Those who attended commended its efficient design, the layout's unique charm for fans of the genre and the strong feeling of connection, among attendees. However, a few attendees also mentioned the overwhelming array of options available at festivals.
This trend mirrors a movement in the industry towards large-scale events, with extensive lineups. This shift may come at the cost of more personal festival experiences as highlighted in the UK Festival Report of 2024. The festival included non-music activities like a metal museum exhibit and bin jousting. This demonstrated that modern festivals constitute more than live music. They aim to create immersive cultural experiences (UK Festival Guides).
Physical Music and At-Home Listening
The unexpected shift against the rising popularity of music is the ongoing increase in sales of physical music formats like vinyl records and CDs. Even cassettes have seen a boost with a 300k unit rise based on A2D2 Stream's research. Marking the first annual increase since 1994. Retail giants such, as WHSmith and John Lewis have responded to this demand by bringing back vinyl sections in their stores. In 2024 vinyl sales increased by 11% reaching a total of than 6 million records sold marking the highest sales number in over thirty years according to the British Phonographic Industry ( BPI ). 
Reports on the long-term sustainability of vinyl do not all align with these findings; where early data indicated a 33 percent decline in vinyl sales in 2024 as per TechRadar's report that was later amended to reflect a 6 percent rise pointing to ongoing uncertainties surrounding pricing and availability concerns in the industry. The prices of vinyl records are going up significantly. Some deluxe editions can cost over £200. This trend suggests that vinyl is now more focused on being collectible than for regular listening purposes. Moreover, the shortage of pressing plants and the intentional scarcity strategies employed by the industry like offering multiple vinyl versions of albums by artists like Taylor Swift are causing frustration among fans.
People are seeking holistic experiences in how they enjoy music nowadays as big festivals and immersive events gain popularity; simultaneously there has been a rekindling of appreciation for the rich tones of analogue audio within the comforts of home has become a prominent trend. The emergence of innovations, like A2D2 Stream enable music enthusiasts to link their vinyl records, tape decks and analogue devices to wireless intelligent speakers. The increasing popularity of live music is coinciding with the importance of being able to enjoy high quality audio experiences in the comfort of one's home.
Future of the Music Industry
As smaller music venues face challenges and music festivals thrive in popularity these days, the upcoming years might witness a rise in blended music encounters. Progress in streaming tech along with notch home sound systems and a renewed interest in traditional music formats indicate that music’s evolution won't be limited to live performances—it might all be about creating a richer musical experience wherever you go.
Keep an eye out for perspectives from the A2D2 Stream team as we delve deeper into the changing landscape of music listening habits, in the UK and other regions.
Explore more in our related blogs:
The UK's most popular club music in 2024
The UK's best-surviving grassroots music venues
The Vinyl Revival: Why John Lewis and WHSmith Are Selling Records Again
Is Your City a Live Music Hotspot? 2024's Biggest Winners and Losers
Why Are Music Venues Closing? The Challenges Facing the UK’s Live Scene