SEARCH DATE RANGE

SEARCH TERM OR WORD

 
Feedback from people taking part in the NTIA & Obsurvant survey have highlighted that they feel that Government Neglect, Streets Unsafe, Transport not sufficient, Culture at Risk.
New research from Obsurvant, in partnership with the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), paints a stark picture of Britain’s nightlife under pressure. The nationally representative survey of 2,009 UK consumers aged 18–64 captures behaviours, attitudes, and perceptions across theatres, restaurants, bars, clubs, and late-night events. It forms the first wave of the Quarterly Consumer Tracker: Navigating the Night, providing a clear, data-driven snapshot of public confidence in the night-time economy,  from affordability and safety to transport access and cultural value.
Key Stats:
  • 73% don’t feel the Government is supporting the night-time industries sufficiently
  • 76% believe people are priced out of nights due to rising costs
  • 65% say nightlife boosts mood; 59% say it enhances quality of life
  • 68% would go out more if transport were safer
  • 61% say night-time events provide personal cultural experiences
  • Only 33% agree that the government understands the challenges facing the hospitality sector
Brits still want to go out. Nightlife is vital for wellbeing, social connection, and community: 65% say it lifts their mood, 59% say it enhances quality of life, and 61% value night-time events as personal cultural experiences. But rising costs are shutting many out, with 76% citing high ticket and drink prices as a barrier, hitting families and lower-income earners hardest.
“Being unaffordable is a broader social problem - not individual places” - Female, 25-34, East of England
Safety is a major concern. Only 60% of people feel safe late at night, with poor lighting, isolated streets, and minimal policing leaving many at risk. Transport options are scarce after midnight, and the Taxi Tax is making even private options expensive. 68% say safer transport would make them more likely to go out.
“Support business and reduce overall prices to eat out” - Female, Yorkshire & The Humber, 45-54
The situation is worse outside London. Regions such as the South West and South East report the lowest confidence scores, highlighting uneven access to culture and social experiences across the country.

“They could reduce the vat and then make it safe for those using public transportation” - Male, 35-44, London
Public expectations are clear: 66% want Government support for the sector in the Autumn Budget, 70% say hospitality is becoming less affordable, and 64% back lowering VAT for hospitality businesses. Yet trust is low — just 23% in the South West believe ministers understand the challenges the sector faces.

Michael Kill, CEO of NTIA, said:
"Our survey shows the night-time economy is at a tipping point. People value the social connection, community, and wellbeing it provides. Venues are generally safe, but streets, transport, and policing are insufficient, and rising costs put nights out, out of reach. Without urgent investment, we risk losing not just nightlife, but the cultural and social heartbeat it provides across the UK."
Alex Morrison, Co-Founder of Obsurvant, added:
The importance of the night-time economy really shines through in our data, but so do the pressures it faces. Supporting it means removing barriers, managing rising costs and ensuring it’s accessible to everyone, yet the public doesn’t feel confident that is happening. As the study continues, we’ll be able to add more context and see how opinions change over time, bringing valuable insights to those working to defend and strengthen this critical sector.”
Sacha Lord, Chair NTIA, added:
"This survey confirms what we see every night: unsafe streets, poor transport, and rising costs are preventing people from accessing nightlife. Desire to engage remains strong, but without action on infrastructure, safety, and affordability, we risk cutting off a generation from vital cultural experiences."
As Christmas approaches, the message is clear: continue neglecting nightlife and risk empty streets, unaffordable nights out, and eroded culture, or invest in safety, transport, affordability, and infrastructure to protect the social, economic, and cultural heartbeat of the nation.

 

25 Nov 2025 | Press release

The Snuts launch new label Happy Artist Records for the band's next record and partner with Virgin Music Group for global distribution

HAPPY ARTIST RECORDS - LED BY THE SNUTS’ FRONTMAN, JACK COCHRANE - WILL SUPPORT AND CHAMPION EMERGING SCOTTISH AND REGIONAL UK TALENT The Snuts have announced the launch of Happy Artist Records, a new label created to release the band’s next record...more

25 Nov 2025 | Press release

Impala welcomes the EC’s findings so far that UMG’s proposed acquisition of Downtown has risks for Europe’s digital market – issues reminder that concerns go beyond data

In response to today’s press release from the European Commission, IMPALA has issued the following statement: “IMPALA welcomes the European Commission’s statement today confirming to UMG that the proposed acquisition of Downtown raises concerns about restricting competition in the wholesale distribution of recorded music market, in...more

25 Nov 2025 | Press release

European Commission sends Statement of Objections over proposed acquisition of Downtown by UMG

The European Commission has informed Universal Music Group ('UMG') of its preliminary view that its proposed acquisition of Downtown may restrict competition in the market for the wholesale distribution of recorded music. UMG  is globally active in music recording, music publishing, merchandising, and audiovisual content.  Downtown  is a...more

25 Nov 2025 | Press release

Propaganda Independent Venues Acquires TEG's UK Venue Estate

The Bristol-based independent reacquires Tramshed in Cardiff together with XOYO London, XOYO Birmingham, Camden Assembly, and The Globe in Cardiff...    Propaganda's Dan Ickowitz-Seidler, along with Richard Buck, have together launched Propaganda Independent Venues and announced the acquisition of TEG's UK venue...more

25 Nov 2025 | Press release

Warner Music India Inks Exclusive Global Distribution Deal with Ultra Music India

Warner Music India has announced a strategic partnership with Ultra Music, one of India's most prominent music labels, establishing an exclusive worldwide distribution alliance.  As a part of the deal, Warner Music India will take over the distribution of Ultra Music's...more

25 Nov 2025 | Press release

As autumn budget looms - 73% say government failing UK nightlife says new NTIA & Obsurvant consumer survey

  Feedback from people taking part in the NTIA & Obsurvant survey have highlighted that they feel that Government Neglect, Streets Unsafe, Transport not sufficient, Culture at Risk. New research from Obsurvant, in partnership with the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), paints...more

24 Nov 2025 | Press release

Game My Fan launches world's first "Album as a Game" in partnership with Primary Wave Music

Revolutionary Music Distribution Platform Taps $80 Billion Gaming Market for Artists' Direct-to-Fan Engagement Rock Legends Bad Company Become First Artist to Launch Album as a Game Game My Fan, a direct to fan music distribution platform founded by the team behind...more

24 Nov 2025 | Press release

The F-List for Music announces DJ Paulette to be 6th President

The F-List for Music is delighted to announce that internationally renowned DJ Paulette will serve as its 6th President. Paulette takes on the honorary role from Miranda Cooper, following in the footsteps of Hannah Peel, Professor Shirley J Thompson, Brix...more

24 Nov 2025 | Press release

Britain’s Late-Night Economy Could Lose 10,000 More Businesses and 150,000 Jobs by 2028 - Chancellor Must Act in Autumn Budget

Industry Leaders Warn That Without Intervention, Hundreds of Thousands of Jobs, Businesses and UK Cultural Identity Are at Risk   Britain’s late-night economy is under severe strain. Rising costs, shifting consumer behaviour, and the potential for higher taxation in the upcoming Autumn...more

24 Nov 2025 | Press release

Landmark report boosts support for Manchester's music venues and spurs launch of new grassroots venues network

  Manchester Music City (MMC) with the support of Manchester City Council have published a landmark report to strengthen the city's grassroots music venues, a vital part of Manchester's cultural and economic life. The findings from the report have also led to the launch...more

21 Nov 2025 | Press release

Warner Music Group and Udio collaborate to build a new licensed music creation service

    Warner Music Group (NASDAQ: WMG) and Udio today announced a landmark agreement that resolves the companies' copyright infringement litigation and establishes a clear framework for the development of Udio's licensed AI music creation service, set to launch in 2026.Through this collaboration,...more

21 Nov 2025 | Press release

Reservoir acquires catalog of American singer-songwriter Bertie Higgins

Reservoir Media, Inc. (NASDAQ: RSVR), an award-winning independent music company, today announced the acquisition of the catalog of American singer-songwriter Bertie Higgins, including his publishing and master recording rights. Bertie Higgins cemented himself as an icon in yacht rock, particularly earning...more

21 Nov 2025 | Press release

Impala welcomes new Ukrainian trade association member

NEW CAPACITY-BUILDING SCHEME FOR YOUNG ASSOCIATIONS LAUNCHED Following its Annual General Meeting in Zagreb, IMPALA is announcing the launch of a capacity-building scheme for its new member associations. IMPALA is also welcoming a new Ukrainian trade association member, the recently founded SPILNA. Under...more

21 Nov 2025 | Press release

Music technology company Klay signs first-of-its-kind AI licensing deals

MUSIC TECHNOLOGY COMPANY KLAY SIGNS FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND AI LICENSING DEALS WITH UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP, UNIVERSAL MUSIC PUBLISHING GROUP, SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT, SONY MUSIC PUBLISHING, WARNER MUSIC GROUP & WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC Music Technology Company Helping to Pioneer AI Licensing Los Angeles-based music technology company KLAY Vision...more

21 Nov 2025 | Press release

Audiomack Introduces Pro, Coming Soon to Artists Worldwide

  Today, global streaming service Audiomack announced the upcoming launch of Audiomack Pro, a new premium program designed to help the more than one million artists on the platform find new fans and better understand their audiences. The waitlist for Pro...more

21 Nov 2025 | Press release

Winners revealed at Rolling Stone UK Awards 2025

Winners revealed at star-studded ceremony for the ZYN ROLLING STONE UK AWARDS 2025Hosted by DANNY DYER   Performances by Noel Hogan of The Cranberries and Royel Otis in tribute to Delores O'Riordan, Myles Smith, Jacob Alon and Fayth Ifil from Just For One Day: The Live Aid Musical Award recipient...more

21 Nov 2025 | Press release

Amazon Music joins forces with POWER UP to create vital space for Participants with a brand new residential strand

  Residential took place in collaboration with Amazon Music in Manchester at NQ from 19th – 20th November for the Year 5 Participants 5 new members joining the POWER UP Executive Steering Committee including POWER UP Year 1 Participants   POWER UP announces today that the new collaboration...more

20 Nov 2025 | Press release

PRS for Music strengthens commitment to member service excellence with appointment of Chief Membership Officer

PRS for Music is pleased to announce that Sally Weir has been appointed Chief Membership Officer. Sally will join the UK's largest collecting society which represents more than 180,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers in January 2026. Sally brings a wealth of...more

20 Nov 2025 | Press release

BBC Radio 2 listeners to vote for 'Your Ultimate Stevie Wonder Song'

  This morning, Scott Mills announced on the Radio 2 Breakfast Show that voting has opened for Your Ultimate Stevie Wonder Song, an online vote to discover Radio 2's listeners' favourite Stevie Wonder song. The results will be revealed in a special countdown show...more

20 Nov 2025 | Press release

SXSW London announces first speakers for 2026 festival, including experts and change makers in business, technology and culture

With tickets now on sale and new programming tracks confirmed, SXSW London reveals the first speakers for its highly-anticipated second edition to take place in Shoreditch from 1-6 June 2026. The first group of speakers reflects the dynamic convergence of business, technology and culture that sets SXSW...more

20 Nov 2025 | Press release

All Things Considered Group confirms move to the Alternative Investment Market and raises £8.6m to accelerate further expansion

ALL THINGS CONSIDERED GROUP ("ATC") CONFIRMS MOVE TO THE ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENT MARKET ("AIM") AND RAISES £8.6M TO ACCELERATE FURTHER EXPANSION   The new funding will accelerate ATC's momentum in building data-led 'direct to fan' services, alongside the growth of key business operations  James...more

20 Nov 2025 | Press release

AEG Presents UK Unveils British Airways ARC at Olympia, London Booking diary open now for 2026 launch

Booking diary open now for 2026 launch   AEG Presents UK, a division of AEG’s global sports, entertainment and venue operator business announced today the official opening of the booking diary and the name of their newest venue.  The 3,800-capacity state-of-the-art, purpose-built live...more

20 Nov 2025 | Press release

Beyond Streaming: FreshTunes Gets Music to the Creator Economy with New Network Expansion

Expansion includes Canva, Snap, Soundtrack Your Brand, and others FreshTunes, the leading freemium artist services company, has concluded several key technical integrations to provide music to services and platforms entwined with the creator economy. This expansion demonstrates FreshTunes’ commitment to take...more

20 Nov 2025 | Press release

Impala responds to news that the EC will issue a formal objection to UMG’s proposed Downtown acquisition

  Today, IMPALA, representing over 6,000 members in the European independent music sector across 33 countries, issued this short statement below in response to the news that the European Commission will proceed to the next step in its investigation of UMG's...more

20 Nov 2025 | Press release

Stranger Than Kindness: The Virtual Nick Cave Exhibition Opens Online

www.thenickcaveexhibition.com   “an extraordinary exhibition” Gaffa (DK) “a moving visualization of inspiration and love” Dagbladet Information (DK)   In 2020, The Royal Danish Library presented the critically acclaimed Stranger Than Kindness: The Nick Cave Exhibition - an unprecedented look into the creative world of musician, storyteller and cultural icon...more

20 Nov 2025 | Press release

Karma Artists and Payday Publishing Announce Global Publishing Agreement for Artist & Producer Benji

Karma Artists and Payday Music Publishing, the London based artist management company and the global independent publisher, have announced the signing of a publishing agreement for songwriter and producer, Benji. 23-year-old Benji is an artist, DJ, producer, and songwriter specializing in...more

20 Nov 2025 | Press release

Costs rise; venues fall: Late-Night economy declines 28% since 2020 as industry calls for urgent action

Late-night venues down 4.6% in a year and 28.0% since COVIDEvening economy overtakes late-night to highlight urgency of Budget help   Britain’s late-night economy has suffered a 4.6% contraction in just 12 months, with bars, clubs and casinos under pressure from soaring costs, safety...more

20 Nov 2025 | Press release

Warner Music Group and Stability AI join forces to build the next generation of responsible AI tools for music creation

  Warner Music Group (NASDAQ: WMG) and Stability AI today announced a collaborative effort to advance the use of responsible AI in music creation, combining WMG’s long-standing advocacy for principled innovation with Stability AI’s expertise and leadership in commercially-safe generative audio.  The initiative...more

20 Nov 2025 | Press release

Leading independent D2C retailer and distributor Townsend announces appointment of renowned executive Mike Walsh

  Townsend—the UK-based global direct-to-consumer e-commerce music retailer and distributor—has today announced the appointment of music business executive Mike Walsh as D2C Sales and Product Consultant. This is a milestone in the company's growth plans following its acquisition by Artone in...more

19 Nov 2025 | Press release

The Circuit Group Partners with Create Music Group to Launch Nine-Figure Music Investment Fund

The Circuit Group, a powerhouse collective of world-class artist managers turning creative vision into global ventures for iconic artists, today announced the launch of Circuit Capital, backed by Create Music Group which is providing access to more than $500 Million...more

25 Nov 2025

  • EC sends UMG its statement of objections to Downtown acquisition (see News)

24 Nov 2025

  • 20 years of Spotify — who’s winning, losing and making money? (see Features)

21 Nov 2025

  • The future of labels: Shifting sands (see Comment)

20 Nov 2025

  • Robert Kyncl on Udio deal: Growing the value of music for artists and songwriters (see News)

  • Ticket touts’ worst nightmare has finally come true (see Comment)

19 Nov 2025

  • Universal's bid for Downtown is set to be hit by a formal warning from European Union watchdogs (see Business)

18 Nov 2025

  • Reselling tickets for profit to be outlawed in UK government crackdown (see News)

  • Some answers to Haven's 'I Run' chart-excluded track (see News)

17 Nov 2025

  • "Without competition, the free market becomes a monopoly" (see Opinion)

14 Nov 2025

  • What are pop-up shows teaching us about building fandom in 2025? (see Analysis)

13 Nov 2025

  • How much AI will audiences accept in music and movies? (see Analysis)

  • Stars urge Kier Starmer to tackle ‘pernicious’ ticket tout websites (see News)

12 Nov 2025

  • Report reveals UK music industry contributes record £8bn to UK economy. (see Reports)

  • Deezer publishes survey on AI music (see Reports)