The Royal Albert Hall has become the first 5,000+ capacity arena to commit to the LIVE Trust’s £1 contribution supporting grassroots music across the UK.
All commercial rock and pop concerts at the Hall going on sale after 1 October 2025 will carry a £1 contribution per ticket, raising an estimated £300K per annum for the LIVE Trust, supporting grassroots venues, promoters, festivals, and artists.
Established by and acting for the UK live music industry, the LIVE Trust is a transformative new charity and funding initiative that will keep live music at the heart of communities across the UK. The LIVE Trust will deliver funding where it is most needed with an initial focus on the grassroots music sector, directing funds to support those who are keeping venues open, festivals trading, artists touring and all those involved in the promoting and staging of live music performances. Data from LIVE members shows that there were 125 grassroots venue closures in 2023, 78 festival cancellations in 2024, and a 50% decline in tour dates over the last three decades.
James Ainscough OBE, Chief Executive of the Royal Albert Hall and founding trustee of the LIVE Trust, said: “Headlining the Royal Albert Hall is a career pinnacle for many artists, but our venue is reliant on a vibrant music ecosystem across the UK. The grassroots is essential for the development and discovery of new artists, honing live performance skills, building communities, and fostering innovation and fresh talent both on and off the stage. By embracing the £1 contribution and becoming the first arena where it is “always on”, we are adding this charity’s name to the growing momentum around the £1 grassroots contribution – an idea first proposed by the Music Venue Trust, first done by Enter Shikari, and now being picked up by artists and promoters across the UK.”
Creative Industries Minister Sir Chris Bryant said, “Grassroots music venues are the backbone of our world-leading music industry and one of the UK’s most valuable yet undervalued cultural assets. That is why I urge the whole industry, venues, promoters and artists to support the ticket levy. I am delighted that the Royal Albert Hall has made this milestone commitment which will go a long way to supporting the sector far into the future and I encourage the rest of the industry to follow suit.”
For more information and to book tickets visit www.royalalberthall.com.
