Greater Manchester Combined Authority has become the first local authority to sign up to UK Music’s Local Music Action Charter, which aims to boost local economies and support creative communities.
UK Music launched the Local Music Action Charter in July as part of its Hometown Glory report into music tourism. The charter offers practical advice on how authorities can develop their local music scene to boost their economy, drive employment and support creatives.
Following Greater Manchester, it is hoped that other local councils will soon join the scheme to develop a network of areas belonging to the UK Music scheme.
Holly Jones, principal of culture, creative industries, NTE and music, Greater Manchester Combined Authority, said: “Greater Manchester Combined Authority is proud to sign up to the Local Music Action Charter, recognising that music is not just culture, but a catalyst for inclusive access, vibrant local economies, and creative opportunity.
“The charter will play an important role in contributing to our regional plans for music, helping ensure it thrives for everyone across our communities, supports artists, and strengthens our identity on international stages. We look forward to working with UK Music and aligning with their work as we take this important agenda forward.”
UK Music chief executive Tom Kiehl said: “It’s great to see Greater Manchester Combined Authority sign up to our Local Music Action Charter.
“As demonstrated in our Hometown Glory report, music plays an invaluable role in boosting economies, employment and culture the length and breadth of the country. We look forward to working with more and more authorities and helping them to maximise their local music industries.”
According to Hometown Glory, in 2024 a record 23.5 million music tourists – up 23% on 2023’s total of 19.2 million – enjoyed live music concerts and festivals in the UK. Of the 23.5 million total, 21.9 million were music tourists from the UK – a 21% rise on 2023. A total of 1.6 million visitors last year were overseas music tourists – up 62% on the 2023 total of one million.
Furthermore, music tourists supported 72,000 full-time equivalent jobs in the live music sector in 2024 – up 16% on the 2023 total of 62,000.
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