Why we must 'fiercely protect our Mancunian soundtrack' as Manchester's live music impact is revealed

Manchester’s music economy is second only to London in size and impact according to a new report carried out on behalf of Manchester City Council. Published this week, and based on research conducted by Sound Diplomacy and Nordicity, the report found Manchester’s music ecosystem to be a major contributor to the city’s economy, supporting thousands of jobs and attracting a significant number of music tourists.

In 2019, the live music sector generated £51 million for the area, while musicians contributed £24 million. Making up 64 per cent of the music ecosystem, the live sector boasts 215 venues - including pubs, bars and restaurants with regular live music and club nights - that programme music in the city of Manchester alone, and more than 40 music festivals in the wider region.

Councillor Luthfur Rahman OBE, Deputy Leader Manchester City Council, said: "Music really is the beating heart of Manchester. Some of the biggest names in music have their roots here, and the city is known the world over for its thriving and diverse music scene, with fans flocking here in their droves to catch the biggest names and emerging talent.

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"Our worldwide reputation as a musical powerhouse also attracts residents, students, visitors, businesses, and investors - each of them with their own part to play in what makes the city a vibrant and exciting place.

"The report is very much about better understanding the value of the city’s music to help us build on our already thriving scene and to put music at the centre of our economic strategy. In many ways it proves what we already knew - that our diverse and vibrant music scene is a hugely important economic driver.

"Crucially however, the report also outlines what more we could do