UK Committee Launches Inquiry Into Live Music Competition
The UK Business and Trade Committee has launched a call for written evidence as part of a newly announced inquiry examining competition and market functioning within the country’s live music industry.
Individuals, companies and sector bodies are invited to submit responses addressing market structure, barriers to entry, and potential competition harms across promotion, venues and ticketing.
The Committee is seeking input on how concentrated different segments of the industry have become, how relationships between artists, promoters, venues and ticketing platforms shape competitive dynamics, and whether regional variations affect market conditions.
Submissions are also requested on barriers faced by smaller or newer operators, the impact of exclusive deals, and whether vertically integrated firms may be limiting fair competition.
Participants are additionally asked to provide evidence of behaviour that may harm competition or consumers, and to comment on whether the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is doing enough to ensure a fair operating environment for the sector.
Short written submissions are encouraged, though longer documents should include a one-page summary. The deadline for submissions is 18 December 2025.
In a statement, Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) CEO John Rostron welcomed the inquiry and confirmed the organisation will contribute further evidence.
"AIF welcomes the newly announced Business And Trade Committee inquiry into issues impacting competition and market functioning within the UK`s live music industry. AIF previously submitted written evidence to The Committee on these issues, including figures demonstrating Live Nation`s control of major arena and stadium shows. We believe it is vital that we ensure a fair and healthy market for promoters, festivals, artists and music fans. As things stand, Live Nation`s increasing ownership and influence across outdoor events and festivals are of grave concern for the festival sector. AIF will support this inquiry with a substantial body of data, evidence and information that has been gathered over recent years, and would encourage others across the live music industry to submit evidence before the 18 December deadline to help ensure the future health, diversity and creativity of UK`s live music."
The Committee’s inquiry comes amid ongoing discussions around consolidation, competitive access, and the long-term sustainability of the UK’s live music ecosystem.