MUSIC EVENTS SECTOR

Music Events Sector



Music Events Sector

Introduction

The music industry is a truly global business, generating billions in annual revenue and supporting a range of creative and commercial endeavours in markets worldwide. Within this global network, the United Kingdom has been long established as one of the industry's most influential and profitable markets, for both indigenous and imported talent.

With close cultural, economic and political ties to Canada, the UK music market is, for Canadian artists and music professionals, second only to that of the United States, and offers unique opportunities for touring, performing and gaining recognition. (Naylor 2002: 47-59)

Where rock and pop artists may specifically target the London area and larger cities, there is a wealth of smaller communities that have facilities to host performing arts and music events. Many of the smaller and mid-size venues, alongside festivals such as FuseLeeds, have access to arts funding programmes that encourage and support bringing a variety of cultural and artistic experiences to their communities. It is possible for this genre of artists to spend a 10 day to 2 week tour in the UK and never set foot in London, Birmingham or Glasgow.

This openness to all genres of music from around the world has created a vibrant scene in the UK.

However, due to growing ease of access, there can be a tremendous amount of competition on the touring circuit. With the close proximity to continental Europe, the Middle East and Africa, there are always going to be certain artists who are prepared to work for lower wages or under poorer conditions. Add to this mix the many young and talented UK artists also wishing to make their mark and it becomes increasingly important to carve out a unique identity. Which is where, unlike the pop and rock world, the "Canadian-ness" of an artist can be hugely beneficial when properly marketed.

Discussion

From the Celtic Connections festival in Glasgow in January to Hogmanay (New Year's Eve) celebrations in Edinburgh, there is barely a weekend that goes by without some form of performing arts event. The British Arts Festivals Association's report Festivals Mean Business revealed that at least 4.2 million people attended festival events in 2001. In a recent Arts Council report on folk festivals, in 2002 there were an estimated 350 folk festivals attracting 350,000 attendees. The Glastonbury Festival alone attracts over 100,000 attendees and regularly sells out those tickets within a 24-hour period, before even announcing its lineup.

Although the UK is not renowned as a destination for good weather, its comparatively changeable but mild climate means that festivals can take place any time and anywhere. Because rain is often a threat, particularly in the north of England and parts of Scotland and Wales, festivals often make use of multiple venues and/or covered stages.

Core festival events normally take place from June through August. During these summer months there are more designated sited festivals with camping facilities and multiple stages, such as Glastonbury, Download, Carling Leeds/Reading, V and Cambridge, all of which are within a short ...