How will Brexit affect the Birmingham Live Music Industry?

I’m currently involved in the development of a new research project that will look at the potential impacts of Brexit on the live music sector. I’m working on this with Dr Patryja Rozbicka (Aston University) and Dr Adam Behr (Newcastle University). At the time of writing we are awaiting a decision on funding for the larger project but in the meantime we have a number of events planned, and the first takes place next week on 7th May. Here is some information about it:

Birmingham has a long and rich history of producing and consuming popular music.

But how will Brexit affect the live music industry in the city? In 2016 the music industry sector generated 4.4 billion pounds, with music exports contributing 2.5 billion pounds to the UK economy. As of 2018, the music sub-sector employed 142,208 in the UK.

• With Brexit approaching, how will a major city and its bands be affected?
• How will bands, crews and venues be impacted, and how will Brexit change how you consume live music?
• How will Brexit affect Birmingham bands touring the EU and those coming from the EU to play a gig in the city?

The event will have three TED-style talks. Speakers at the event will come with three different perspectives:

• The Impact of Brexit on the UK’s live music industry - Patrycja Rozbicka, Aston University
• Birmingham, Brexit and the live music scene: The city council’s perspective - TBC, Birmingham City Council
• Birmingham, Brexit and the live music scene: the industries perspective - Lyle Bignon, Birmingham Music Coalition

There will be an opportunity to get involved, so come and ask questions and look for some answers.

Go to Eventbrite to register. If you’re unable to attend you’ll be able to follow the event on Twitter using the hashtag: #BLMP19