AIF statement on Business and Trade Committee’s Report on Competition and market functioning in the UK live music industry

"There is still a long way to go. Now is the time for others to come forward."

Nationwide, 24th May 2026

“AIF welcomes the committee’s report and fully supports the recommendations in particular the call for the Competition And Markets Authority (CMA) to move speedily to conduct a priority investigation into the live music industry to improve market functioning and deliver growth in the UK.

“The burden of this work will fall upon the CMA. We ask that the Department for Business and Trade step up to find the additional support in order to fully resource the CMA to do their job. The money spent now will be returned many times over by that which is currently being lost by audiences and independent festivals, promoters and artists as a result of Live Nation’s control, including contributions being witheld from the grassroots by Live Nation’s poor adoption of the £1 Live Trust donation.

“The Committee remarks upon the climate of fear they encountered during this inquiry, with people worried about the consequences of speaking openly. As CEO of AIF I want to pay thanks to the AIF Board and our member festivals who stood together as we brought evidence forward to the committee last June. This bold move, and our supporting public statement,  opened the door to this inquiry. I want to thank all those who then also took steps to make submissions – by name, or anonymously – and those who continue to reach out to us or work with us. Today’s report shows what is possible.

“There is still a long way to go. Now is the time for others to come forward. We will enjoy a long summer of independent, creative, vibrant music festivals whilst we continue to gather evidence, data and everything else needed for the work coming this Autumn. Together we can bring about change for a fairer, more equitable, more nourishing and more independent live music ecosystem.”