Greater Manchester first authority to sign up to UK Music’s Local Action Charter

Greater Manchester Combined Authority has become the first local authority to sign up to a new UK Music initiative designed to drive investment in live music.

Music industry representative body, UK Music said its Local Music Action Charter offers practical steps for councils and combined authorities to unlock the benefits of music to boost local economies and foster thriving creative communities.

Among the many areas covered in the charter are how to strengthen local identity and culture-led tourism. According to UK Music, last year a record 23.5 million music tourists – up 23% on 2023’s 19.2 million – enjoyed live music concerts and festivals in the UK. The Charter encourages the development of tourism strategies that include live music, festivals, and cultural experiences as key draws. It also encourages councils to appoint a local music champion to lead and coordinate music policy.

UK Music said the hope is that other local councils will soon follow Manchester’s lead and help develop a network of areas engaged with the scheme.

UK Music launched the Local Music Action Charter in July as part of its Hometown Glory report into music tourism and the vast benefits a strong music scene can have on communities across the UK. The charter offers practical advice on how authorities can develop their local music scene to boost their economy, drive employment and support creatives.

Greater Manchester Combined Authority principal of culture, creative industries, NTE and music Holly Jones said, “Greater Manchester Combined Authority is proud to sign up to the Local Music Action Charter, recognising that music is not just culture, but a catalyst for inclusive access, vibrant local economies, and creative opportunity.

“The charter will play an important role in contributing to our regional plans for music, helping ensure it thrives for everyone across our communities, supports artists, and strengthens our identity on international stages. We look forward to working with UK Music and aligning with their work as we take this important agenda forward.”

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