The U.K. government has announced a far-reaching stimulus package for the music industry with millions set to be distributed through a number of programs.

The Music Growth Package, first announced in the Creative Industries Sector Plan last June, will receive £15 million ($20 million) more than previously planned, taking the total to £45 million ($60 million). The funds will allow over 2,000 music projects to be supported over the next three years before the next general election. 

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The announcement comes just days before Andy Burnham, former mayor of Greater Manchester, is expected to become U.K. prime minister following the resignation of Sir Keir Starmer.

The package was announced on Monday (July 13) by culture secretary Lisa Nandy in which she recognized the sector’s £8 billion ($10.7 billion) contribution to the U.K. economy. “Music is our shared language,” she said. “It brings people together, breaks down barriers and gives voice to every community. At a time when too many people feel disconnected, music has never mattered more.” 

Referencing Paul Simon’s 1986 song “The Boy in The Bubble,” she added, “As the song says, ‘Every generation throws a hero up the pop charts.’ But pop is getting posher, and that must change. Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. After a decade of mindless vandalism that stripped culture and creativity from too many classrooms and communities, we are putting music back at the heart of education, investing in creative careers and backing grassroots music across the country. 

“We believe music belongs to everyone, not just the privileged few. That’s how we widen opportunity, strengthen our communities and ensure the U.K.’s incredible fans and extraordinary musical talent continues to inspire the world for generations to come.”

The government says that the £45 million total will support more than 2,000 projects and at least 40,000 artists and music industry professionals. The Ed Sheeran Foundation will play a key role in the Music In Libraries initiative by co-designing the project which will boost local libraries and their music offerings.

Beyond these initiatives, the announcement also includes reforms to licensing systems to help live music and events thrive amid economic uncertainty. This includes increasing the number of Temporary Event Notices (TENs), required by promoters to host concerts, from 15 to 20 per year and the total event days from 21 to 26. The government will also support festivals by offering licenses for new events with a minimum three-year term, while existing events can secure five-year contracts.

Elsewhere the Music Plan says that a 15% business rates relief has been announced for live music venues, with bills frozen for the next two years. The Labour government has previously backed a £1 voluntary ticket donation for stadium and arena shows with a capacity of over 5,000 with proceeds reinvested into the grassroots scene. Harry Styles, Coldplay and Katy Perry are among the acts to have contributed to the levy.

Michael Dugher, former CEO of industry association U.K. Music, has been appointed as the government’s first Music Champion to strengthen engagement between government and the music industry and provide a dedicated advocate for the sector. 

Tom Kihel, U.K.’s Music’s current chief executive said, “U.K. Music has previously called on the government to deliver a long-term music strategy to help safeguard and grow our world-leading industry that contributes £8 billion to the economy, brings in £4.8 billion in export revenues and supports 220,000 jobs. It is welcome that the government have listened to our calls and are launching a Music Plan.

“This long-term plan comes at a time when it is more crucial than ever that we join forces to find solutions to the challenges facing our world-leading sector. These include the impact of artificial intelligence on music creators and companies, the barriers to overseas touring, the threats music spaces face, the challenges small businesses and freelancers experience, and the need to protect music in schools. 

“We look forward to working with the government, its music champion Michael Dugher, our members and the rest of the music industry to make the most of this opportunity, to build on the foundations that a Music Plan creates, and to ensure that our sector remains a pillar of growth which helps boost jobs and opportunities right across the U.K.”