Brexit Cost the UK’s Touring Industry £208 Million Between 2022 and 2024

A new report commissioned by The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) explores the impact of Brexit on the UK touring industry, and on the artists, crews, promoters, venues and local economies in both the UK and EU.

Key findings:

• Between 2022 and 2024, the UK is estimated to have lost £208 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) and 2,490 full-time equivalent jobs within the touring sectors.

• Reduced touring by UK musicians is estimated to have resulted in losses of approximately £1.04 billion in GVA and 17,010 full-time equivalent jobs across the included EU host countries.

• Smaller and mid-scale touring was disproportionately affected.

The key causes:

• The combination of immigration, customs, transport, taxation and social security requirements has led to increased costs, complexity, and operational uncertainty for touring.

Methodology:

• The report examined micro-level artist revenue data, including data from PRS For Music, combined with in-depth interviews with industry representatives and cultural institutions.

What they said:

• John Mottram, Chief Strategy, Communications and Public Affairs Officer at PRS For Music: “Behind these figures are real people – songwriters and composers who are being held back by costly red tape, missing out on chances to connect with new audiences, progress their careers and earn a living from performances across Europe. We now call on the UK government to redouble its efforts and deliver on its manifesto commitment to make it easier for UK artists to tour in the EU. This would help creators earn a living, bring real value back into the economy and create thousands of jobs across the touring industry.”