Electronic music added an estimated £2.4 billion to the UK economy last year, according to a new report from The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA). Despite a drop in nightclub spending, 2024 also saw record-breaking ticket sales for electronic music events, raising £163 million alone (recorded by Skiddle).
The NTIA says electronic music “remains a dynamic economic and cultural cornerstone of the UK” off the back of the report, despite overall spending having dipped in certain areas since 2022, as the sector “shows extraordinary resilience and innovation, balancing commercial opportunities with community-driven values”.
The report’s key findings reveal that the economic contribution from nightclubs in 2024 was down 16 percent from £1,463 million in 2023 to £1,232 million, and that the number of nightclubs in the UK now sits at 851, a decrease from 875. However, £133.9 million was raised from recorded music and publishing for electronic music combined in 2024 – one percent higher than the previous year.
Economic contribution from music festivals is up by 14 percent to £646.2 million, though 72 independent festivals were cancelled, postponed, or closed in 2024, despite overall attendance growth for the sector. £26,000 is also reported to be the typical annual pay for grassroots venue operators, “who often work 60-hour weeks on slim profit margins”.
Other interesting stats reveal that the share of artists performing at UK festivals in 2024 that are electronic is 29 percent – the highest of any genre – and that 310 UK festivals in 2024 featured electronic music, up from 294 in 2023. Away from the stage, Calvin Harris takes the top spot as the UK’s most-played domestic electronic artist, with 165.7K radio spins. Joel Corry follows with 89.1K plays.
Looking ahead, The NTIA says that “fostering the next generation of talent and protecting cultural spaces are critical” to keeping electronic music thriving, and that “education, policy reform, and targeted financial relief for grassroots venues could preserve the UK’s unique sonic ecosystems.”
NTIA CEO, Michael Kill, comments: “The numbers speak for themselves. The electronic music ecosystem – spanning artists, venues, promoters, labels, and countless other stakeholders – drives employment, stimulates local economies, and enhances the UK’s standing as a global music powerhouse. Yet, unlike other cultural industries, it has historically been underserved when it comes to support, regulation, and recognition. This report makes clear that electronic music is not an afterthought – it is a vital force in the UK’s creative and night-time economy and must be treated as such.”
To download and read the full report, head over to The Night Time Industries Association.
