Bristol City Council is exploring the introduction of a one per cent levy on every gig ticket sold in the city to help sustain grassroots music venues that are facing financial hardship. This proposed gig levy, similar to a booking fee, would see concert-goers pay an additional 20 pence on a £20 ticket, with all proceeds pooled into a dedicated fund to support the local music community.
The levy could generate between £400,000 and £1 million annually, providing crucial support for venues that form the backbone of Bristol’s vibrant cultural landscape. Councillors from the economy and skills policy committee approved moving forward with preparations on September 22, including establishing a Community Benefit Society to manage the newly created Bristol Music Fund.
According to Carly Heath, Bristol’s night-time economy adviser, grassroots venues are essential for nurturing talent and fostering community spirit. “Music is central to Bristol’s cultural identity. However, grassroots venues, which host 78 per cent of the city’s live events, receive only 32 per cent of the annual ticket revenue despite their significant role,” Heath explained.
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Annual ticket revenue in Bristol ranges from £42 million to £70 million, excluding additional economic benefits generated around gigs, such as spending at local businesses. Nationwide, 16 per cent of grassroots venues closed last year due to rising costs and limited access to public funding.
The proposed fund would help venues improve soundproofing and accessibility, support mid-week programming, subsidise support acts’ fees, and address costs from cancelled events. It would also assist musicians by funding skills development, mentoring, and creating meaningful career pathways within the music industry.
A survey of 500 concert-goers indicated strong support for the levy’s introduction, with many willing to pay the extra charge to preserve live music. Green Councillor Cam Hayward praised the initiative, stating, “It’s not just about supporting venues but artists too. It gives musicians the platform to build their careers.”
Participation in the levy would be voluntary for venues, meaning they can opt out, but if they choose to participate, ticket buyers would pay the additional one per cent charge. The Community Benefit Society overseeing the fund would be jointly owned by representatives from various sectors of the music industry, ensuring that the initiative remains accountable to the community it serves.