01-09-2026
The research demonstrates the significant value of international touring to the UK economy, while highlighting the extent to which new regulatory and administrative requirements have affected UK organisations and artists touring in Europe.
According to the report, the UK is estimated to have lost £208 million and 2,490 jobs between 2022 and 2024 within the touring sector. In that same period, Brexit-related reductions in touring across the orchestra, theatre, dance and visual arts sectors resulted in a total loss of £27.8 million in UK Gross Value Added (GVA) and around 440 full-time equivalent jobs. Orchestras experienced the largest declines in international touring among the sectors covered.
The research also finds that the decline in touring by UK musicians across Europe is estimated to have resulted in losses of £1.04 billion in EU member state economies. The impact was highest in Germany largely driven by a lower number of stadium and arena tours, with smaller and mid-scale tours disproportionately affected in Denmark, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Ireland.
Commenting on behalf of the Cultural Exchange Coalition, Dave Webster, Head of International at the Musicians’ Union, Tom Kiehl, CEO of UK Music, and Anita Debaere, Director of Pearle* Live Performance Europe, said: “This report clearly shows that touring by UK artists and companies across the EU delivers significant economic and cultural value for both sides. In challenging times, culture can be a bridge - an opportunity to see the world through someone else’s eyes. We urge the UK Government and European Institutions to secure practical solutions for the creative industries and cultural sector at the next UK/EU Summit.”
The Cultural Exchange Coalition (CEC), founded by UK Music, the Musicians’ Union, Pearle* - Live Performance Europe, PRS for Music, Live Music Industry Venues and Entertainment (LIVE), Association of British Orchestras (ABO), Independent Society of Musicians (ISM), Society of London Theatre (SOLT) & UK Theatre and One Dance UK, brings together more than 180 UK and EU creative organisations committed to promoting cultural exchange. Representatives from the CEC worked closely with DCMS officials on the report and call on the UK Government to address touring barriers and capitalise on the wide range of benefits of cross-border cooperation.
Read the press release of SOLT & UK Theatre
Read the press release of the Association of British Orchestras (ABO)
