How is Harry Styles Helping Small Music Venues with Tour Donations?

Harry Styles is set to make a significant contribution to the UK music scene by donating £1 from every ticket sold for his 2026 Together Together tour to support small music venues across the country. This initiative aims to raise approximately £780,000 for the LIVE Trust, which is dedicated to preserving grassroots music venues that are facing financial difficulties and potential closure.

Last updated: 19 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Harry Styles recently announced his Together Together tour, which will include six nights at Wembley Stadium, with two additional shows added due to high demand. This tour is not only a major event for fans but also a critical fundraising effort aimed at supporting struggling music venues in the UK. Styles is following in the footsteps of other artists who have implemented similar initiatives, demonstrating a growing commitment within the music industry to support the grassroots music scene, which has faced unprecedented challenges in recent years.

Key takeaways

Styles will donate £1 from each ticket sold for his 2026 UK shows to support small music venues.
The initiative aims to raise around £780,000 for the LIVE Trust.
Over 150 grassroots venues have closed permanently in 2023 alone, representing about 16% of the sector.
Styles joins other artists like Coldplay and Sam Fender in supporting grassroots music initiatives.
The UK government backs a voluntary "grassroots levy" for live music tickets.

Timeline: how we got here

Here’s a brief timeline highlighting key developments leading to this initiative:

January 2023: The start of the year sees over 150 grassroots music venues permanently close, signalling the financial struggles of the sector.
October 2023: Harry Styles announces his Together Together tour, which includes charitable donations from ticket sales.
October 2023: The LIVE Trust estimates that the initiative could raise approximately £780,000 for struggling venues.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Harry Styles has confirmed his commitment to support small music venues through a £1 donation from each ticket sold for his upcoming tour. This initiative reflects increasing awareness and action within the music industry regarding the challenges faced by grassroots venues.

What was already established

It is well-documented that many small music venues in the UK have struggled financially, with reports indicating that over half of these venues are not profitable. Previous efforts by artists like Coldplay and Sam Fender to donate portions of ticket sales or prizes have highlighted a growing trend of supporting the grassroots music scene.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The rising costs of concert tickets, especially with Styles' ticket prices ranging from £44.10 to £466.25, have sparked discussions among fans. While the £1 donation may seem minor, it could have a significant long-term impact on the survival of small venues, thereby enriching the local music scene that many consumers cherish.

Businesses and jobs

The financial support from Styles and other artists will provide much-needed relief for small venues, potentially preventing job losses and fostering a healthier ecosystem for upcoming artists. This could lead to an increase in local live music events, benefiting both the venues and the surrounding communities economically.

Policy and regulation

The UK government is showing support for similar initiatives, expressing a desire for at least 50% of stadium and arena shows in 2026 to adopt the grassroots levy. This could lead to a broader acceptance and implementation of such measures in the live music industry.

Numbers that matter

£780,000: Estimated funds to be raised for small venues from Styles' ticket sales.
150+: The number of grassroots music venues that have closed in 2023.
16%: Proportion of the UK grassroots music venue sector that has closed this year.
8.8%: Percentage of UK arena and stadium tickets that included a grassroots levy last year.
£1: Amount from each ticket sale that will go to support grassroots venues.

Definitions and jargon buster

LIVE Trust: A charity focused on supporting and preserving grassroots music venues in the UK.
Grassroots levy: A voluntary fee added to ticket prices aimed at raising funds for small music venues.
Dynamic pricing: A pricing strategy where ticket prices fluctuate based on demand.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Fans should prepare for potential announcements regarding the distribution of funds raised through the grassroots levy, as well as updates on ticket sales as demand continues to surge.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As Styles’ tour approaches, expect ongoing discussions about ticket prices and their implications for the music industry, alongside further commitments from other artists to support grassroots venues.

Signals to watch

Updates on the first phase of funding distribution from the grassroots levy.
Further announcements from the government regarding support for grassroots music venues.
Reactions from fans and industry stakeholders regarding ticket prices and accessibility.

Practical guidance

Do

Consider supporting local music venues by attending shows and purchasing merchandise.
Stay informed about fundraising initiatives and how they impact your community.

Don’t

Don’t overlook the importance of grassroots venues in the overall music ecosystem.
Don’t hesitate to voice your concerns about rising ticket prices to promoters and venues.

Checklist

Check the ticket prices and availability for the Together Together tour.
Research local music venues and consider attending upcoming shows to support them.
Follow updates from the Music Venue Trust regarding funding and support initiatives.
Stay updated on government policies that may affect grassroots music venues.
Engage with artists and campaigns advocating for the preservation of small venues.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Styles' initiative is a positive step, there are uncertainties surrounding the implementation and distribution of the funds raised through the grassroots levy. The success of this initiative depends on the willingness of other artists and venues to participate and the overall economic climate affecting live music. Moreover, the effectiveness of government support is yet to be fully realised, with the current system being voluntary.

Bottom line

Harry Styles' decision to donate £1 from each ticket sold for his 2026 UK shows is a significant move in supporting the struggling grassroots music scene. This initiative not only raises funds but also raises awareness about the challenges faced by small venues, making it imperative for fans and industry stakeholders to rally behind these essential spaces. The future of music in the UK hinges on the health of its grassroots venues, and every effort counts.

FAQs

How much money will be raised from Harry Styles' ticket sales?

Harry Styles is expected to raise approximately £780,000 for grassroots music venues by donating £1 from each ticket sold for his 2026 tour.

What is the grassroots levy?

The grassroots levy is a voluntary fee added to ticket prices to support small music venues struggling financially.

Why are grassroots music venues important?

Grassroots music venues are vital for nurturing new talent and providing a space for live performances, which are essential for the overall health of the music industry.