MPs Launch Fan-Led Review to Safeguard UK’s Live Music Scene

The UK government has launched a fan-led review of the live music sector in a bid to secure the future of grassroots venues and safeguard the country’s cultural heritage.

Announced during the opening of SXSW London, the review will focus on the experiences of music fans, artists, DJs, and industry workers to shape policies aimed at strengthening the live music scene.

The initiative was unveiled by Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, Chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, amid growing concern over the decline of small music venues across the UK. Official figures show that two grassroots venues are closing every week, with a significant number lost in 2023 due to licensing issues and redevelopment pressures.

Lord Brennan of Canton, a former member of the committee, will chair the review. It will examine venue sustainability, touring challenges for emerging artists, safety at live events, and the role of local and national government in supporting the sector.

“Despite progress on an industry-led levy to support grassroots music, venues are still shutting their doors at an alarming rate,” Dame Caroline said. “It’s time to put the power in the hands of those who truly understand and love live and electronic music – the fans, artists, DJs, and festivalgoers, as well as those who work behind the scenes.”

As part of the broader effort, Dame Caroline has also tabled an amendment to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.

The proposed legislation would enshrine the ‘Agent of Change’ principle in law, ensuring new residential developments near music venues are responsible for soundproofing and other mitigations, rather than penalising existing venues.

Mark Davyd, Chief Executive of the Music Venue Trust, welcomed the announcement. “By placing the ‘Agent Of Change’ principle on a statutory footing, we will be able to ensure residents have high-quality housing and access to local culture, whilst also protecting grassroots music venues at the heart of our towns and cities,” he said.

The review will invite input from across the music community and aims to provide practical recommendations to government later this year.

It follows a 2023 committee report which first called for more robust protections for grassroots venues, citing their economic and cultural value to the UK.