U.K. Government Announces Expansive Music Growth Package With $60M Promised to Help ‘Strengthen’ Sector
Categoria: Musica
The Ed Sheeran Foundation will help co-design a new initiative as part of the funding package.
Por Billboard | 13/07/2026
The U.K. government has announced a far-reaching stimulus package for the music industry with millions set to be distributed through a number of programs. The Music Growth Package, first announced in the Creative Industries Sector Plan last June, will receive £15 million ($20 million) more than previously planned, taking the total to £45 million ($60 million). The funds will allow over 2,000 music projects to be supported over the next three years before the next general election. Related Music Venues Trust Respond to Coldplay’s Donation to the U.K.’s Grassroots Scene: ‘This Money Will Achieve a Lot’ DJ Quik Says His Son 'Made a Mistake' Following Murder Conviction, Pleads With Fans to Stop Asking About It Naoshi Fujikura of Universal Music Japan on Japan's Unique Superfan Culture & Global Ambitions: Billboard Global Power Players Interview The announcement comes just days before Andy Burnham, former mayor of Greater Manchester, is expected to become U.K. prime minister following the resignation of Sir Keir Starmer. The package was announced on Monday (July 13) by culture secretary Lisa Nandy in which she recognized the sector’s £8 billion ($10.7 billion) contribution to the U.K. economy. “Music is our shared language,” she said. “It brings people together, breaks down barriers and gives voice to every community. At a time when too many people feel disconnected, music has never mattered more.” Referencing Paul Simon ’s 1986 song “The Boy in The Bubble,” she added, “As the song says, ‘Every generation throws a hero up the pop charts.’ But pop is getting posher, and that must change. Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. After a decade of mindless vandalism that stripped culture and creativity from too many classrooms and communities, we are putting music back at the heart of education, investing in creative careers and backing grassroots music across the country. “We believe music belongs to everyone, not just the privileged few. That’s how we widen opportunity, strengthen our communities and ensure the U.K.’s incredible fans and extraordinary musical talent continues to inspire the world for generations to come.” The government says that the £45 million total will support more than 2,000 projects and at least 40,000 artists and music industry professionals. The Ed Sheeran Foundation will play a key role in the Music In Libraries initiative by co-designing the project which will boost local libraries and their music offerings. Beyond these initiatives, the announcement also includes reforms to licensing systems to help live music and events thrive amid economic uncertainty. This includes increasing the number of Temporary Event Notices (TENs), required by promoters to host concerts, from 15 to 20 per year and the total event days from 21 to 26. The government will also support festivals by offering licenses for new events with a minimum three-year term, while exi