Music tourism adds £92 million to the Sheffield City Region’s economy

19 December 2019 - Press release

New figures released today show that music tourism adds more than £92 million to the Sheffield City Region economy each year.

This is just one of the findings in a UK Music report on the region’s music sector, launched yesterday (19 December) by the Mayor of the Sheffield City Region, Dan Jarvis and Tom Kiehl, UK Music Deputy Chief Executive.

Dan Jarvis, Mayor of the Sheffield City Region, said:

“The region has a wealth of musical talent from all genres, from rock and pop through to opera, classical and folk. I want us to nurture this talent and create an environment where everyone, from primary aged school children right up to established musicians, can foster their passion for music and realise their ambitions.

“I know that there is more that we can do to promote our region’s musical offer nationally and internationally. This new report from UK Music now enables us to focus on the areas in which we can have the greatest impact.  

“My Music Board, chaired by Laura Bennett, will now work with UK Music and industry experts from across our region to take forward the recommendations detailed in the report. They will work together to develop our region’s musical potential on the national stage, grow our cultural economy and help new talent to shine.”

The Sheffield City Region is home to many world-famous bands and artists, festivals and iconic music venues. The region is also leading the way with production and technology-based businesses. 

Last year, following the creation of the Sheffield City Region Music Board, UK Music were asked to produce an independent report into the music sector across the region. 

The aim of the report was to understand the music industry as it is now and identify areas in which the region can drive forward change and grow the music sector.  

UK Music CEO, Michael Dugher said:

“Dan Jarvis knows just how important music is in the economy and cultural life of the Sheffield City Region and how it could play an even bigger role. 

“This important UK Music report is about how we build on the region’s fantastic musical heritage and the £92 million it already generates to grow the local economy, attract investment and create more jobs. 

“We are delighted to have worked with Dan to establish the new Sheffield City Region Music Board and look forward to continuing to work with its chair Laura Bennett to grow the music scene and music tourism, protect venues and boost opportunities for young people in every community.” 

Laura Bennett, Chair of the Sheffield City Region Music Board, said:

“We’re delighted to receive the UK Music report for the region. The Music Board has been exploring how we can work together to champion music makers, music lovers and the music industry to support talent and grow our region’s cultural economy.

“This report will help to establish where we are now, inform our conversations, and provide valuable evidence for planning the work that we do next. We now look forward to working together to deliver real cultural change for the region.”

 

The report detailed five recommendations that the music board could take forward. These are:

• Opportunities for emerging talent – ensuring that all young people, regardless of their background, should have access to music in education and should be able to pursue a career in music.  
• Protecting grassroots music venues -  offering business rate relief and help with licencing to venues as well as improving accessibility at venues for deaf and disabled audiences and performers. 
• Developing music businesses – leverage powers to support the growth of the music businesses which in turn will increase employment and productivity. 
• Integrating Transport – creating a transport system that is fit for purpose and that supports the night time economy.  
• Reaching out to every corner of the region – Mapping all music activity across the region recognising that different parts of the region have different needs and challenges.   

 

A copy of the report can be found online here: