Oasis reunion helps drive record UK music tourism as concert spending hits £11.2bn
Record music tourism generated £11.2bn for the UK economy, with Oasis’ reunion helping draw millions of concertgoers from home and abroad.
When artists announce major tours, the impact extends far beyond sold-out venues. According to new figures from UK Music, a record 24.7 million music tourists travelled to concerts and festivals across the UK in 2025, contributing £11.2 billion to the economy.
As The Guardian reports, the increase was fuelled by a packed year of blockbuster shows from artists including Oasis, Coldplay, Beyoncé, Lana Del Rey, Dua Lipa, Ed Sheeran, Sam Fender, BLACKPINK and Stray Kids. The figures represent a 4.8% increase in music tourists compared to 2024, while spending rose 11% year over year.
Oasis tops a record-breaking year for UK concerts
The report gives particular credit to Oasis’ long-awaited reunion tour, which saw Liam and Noel Gallagher perform together for the first time in 15 years.
According to The Guardian, the band’s five shows at Manchester’s Heaton Park helped drive music tourism spending in the North West up 16% to £1.4 billion. The publication also notes that Oasis fans spent more than £1 billion across the reunion tour, averaging more than £766 per person once tickets, travel, accommodation, food and merchandise were included.
Meanwhile, overseas visitors played an increasingly important role. UK Music estimates that 2.1 million international music tourists travelled to UK concerts and festivals last year – a 27% increase compared to 2024. Several major artists, including Oasis, Coldplay and Lana Del Rey, performed exclusively in the UK, helping attract fans from around the world.
Live music continues to fuel the wider economy
Music tourism isn’t just about ticket sales. The £11.2 billion figure includes spending on accommodation, transport, restaurants, merchandise and local businesses, alongside the wider supply chain that supports concerts and festivals.
According to UK Music, live music also supported around 74,000 full-time equivalent jobs in 2025, while London remained the UK’s biggest music tourism destination, accounting for more than £3.4 billion in spending.
Commenting on the findings, UK Music Chief Executive Tom Kiehl said the figures provide “a huge shot in the arm for towns and cities right across the UK”, while also calling for stronger action against ticket touting.
What the growth of music tourism means for independent artists
While few artists will generate Oasis-sized crowds, these figures show that fans are still willing to travel for music they love.
For independent artists, that makes building an audience before announcing live shows more important than ever. Streaming helps listeners discover your music, while live performances turn those listeners into loyal fans who come back for future releases and gigs.
As your music reaches more people through digital distribution, opportunities to grow your audience beyond your local scene become much more achievable.