The report estimates that between 2022 and 2024, the UK touring sector lost £208 million and 2,490 jobs as a result of reduced touring activity across Europe. Image credit: Shutterstock.
New research published by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has highlighted the significant impact of Brexit red tape on touring musicians, performers and the wider industry.
The report, ‘The Economic Benefits of Touring and the Impact of EU Exit’, estimates that between 2022 and 2024, the UK touring sector lost £208 million and 2,490 jobs due to reduced touring activity across Europe.
Drawing on PRS for Music data alongside evidence from across the creative industries, the research examines the impact of additional costs and administrative burdens on performers, crew, venues, promoters and audiences.
Decline in EU touring has impacted both UK and EU sectors
Findings suggest that the decline in EU touring has had consequences for both the UK and EU music sectors.
Reduced touring by UK musicians resulted in estimated losses of more than £1 billion to EU member state economies, with Germany seeing the largest impact. The findings also indicate that smaller and mid-scale tours have been disproportionately affected in countries including Denmark, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Ireland.
For many musicians, particularly those operating outside the arena and stadium circuit, additional costs associated with visas, work permits, carnets and border requirements continue to present significant challenges,
We hope cultural exchange and touring will be a priority at the UK-EU Summit
The MU has long campaigned for UK and EU policymakers to address the barriers facing musicians and music professionals travelling for work.
Naomi Pohl, MU General Secretary, said:
"Since the UK left the EU, the Musicians' Union has received countless reports from its members about problems touring in Europe and the real-life impact on their careers and income.
"However, this independent research proves definitively that there is a wider economic impact for both UK and EU markets. We hope cultural exchange and touring will be a priority at the upcoming UK-EU Summit. The Prime Minister has assured us that it will be on the agenda."
Calls for practical solutions
Through its work as part of the Cultural Exchange Coalition, the MU continues to call for practical solutions that reduce bureaucracy and support cultural exchange between the UK and EU.
Commenting on behalf of the coalition, Dave Webster, Head of International at the Musicians' Union, Tom Kiehl, CEO of UK Music, and Anita Debaere, Director of Pearle Live Performance Europe, said:
"This report clearly shows that touring by UK artists and companies across the EU delivers significant economic and cultural value for both sides.
"In challenging times, culture can be a bridge, an opportunity to see the world through someone else's eyes. We urge the UK Government and European Institutions to secure practical solutions for the creative industries and cultural sector at the next UK-EU Summit."