UK Music Chief on driving growth through music

UK Music Chief urges local authorities to drive economic growth through music.

The Music Cities Convention in Hull saw UK Music's Tom Kiehl highlight the power of music in driving local economies and cultural communities.

In his speech at the event, Tom outlined the huge economic and cultural boost music can bring to communities across the UK. He cited UK Music's Hometown Glory report into music tourism, which found that a record 23.5 million music tourists attended concerts and festivals in the UK in 2024, spending a record £10 billion in the process. He also focused on our Local Music Action Charter, which offers practical steps for local authorities to turbocharge their economies through music.

Speaking at the event, Tom said: "I’m delighted that here in Hull, the City Council has signed up to the Local Music Action Charter. We’ve been working with the Hull Music Board to boost their local music industry and make music accessible to everyone living in Hull.

"A total of 16 organisations have signed up to working with us on the Local Music Action Charter, with Greater Manchester also officially launching their support.

"We have provided one-to-one calls on music strategy to a number of local authorities and have provided written feedback on music strategy to local authorities who have signed up to the Local Music Action Charter."

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