Parliamentary Committee to Investigate UK Live Sector

The UK’s Business and Trade Committee has announced it will investigate issues impacting competition and market functioning within the UK’s live music industry.

Why it matters:

• The investigation follows oral evidence sessions, which were held on 4 February and 24 June 2025.

• The Committee is seeking written submissions on the characteristics, features and trends within the UK live music industry that may “adversely impact market competition or market functioning.”

• This includes the role of the Competition & Markets Authority in regulating the industry.

• The deadline is December 18.

What they said:

• John Rostron, CEO, Association of Independent Festivals: “AIF welcomes the newly announced Business And Trade Committee inquiry into issues impacting competition and market functioning within the UK’s live music industry. AIF previously submitted written evidence to the committee on these issues, including figures demonstrating Live Nation's control of major arena and stadium shows. We believe it is vital that we ensure a fair and healthy market for promoters, festivals, artists and music fans."

• He adds: “As things stand, Live Nation's increasing ownership and influence across outdoor events and festivals are of grave concern for the festival sector. AIF will support this inquiry with a substantial body of data, evidence and information that has been gathered over recent years, and would encourage others across the live music industry to submit evidence before the December 18 deadline to help ensure the future health, diversity and creativity of UK's live music.”