UK music expert brings ticket levy plan to Sydney to rebuild grassroots gig
A £1 levy on large concerts since 2025 is now flagged by NSW Parliament as a solution to rescue Sydney's grassroots music sector.
Reported by The Sydney Morning Herald
ShareWhy it matters
A proven funding model could rescue Sydney's collapsed grassroots music sector, helping venues survive and unknown artists reach audiences before they fill arenas.
In Australia. NSW is considering introducing a similar levy to fund local live music, potentially generating millions for Sydney venues that have been hollowed out by lockout laws and the pandemic.
Key facts
- £1
- Levy amount per ticket
- £2.5 million
- Raised since 2025 launch
- £7 to £8 million
- Expected to distribute 2027
- 5,000 patrons
- Concert capacity threshold
- Jon Collins of the UK's Live Music Industry Venues and Entertainment is in Sydney to pitch how a levy rescued London's live music ecosystem.
- The model: artists add £1 to tickets for concerts above 5,000 patrons, funding grassroots venues, festivals, and artists.
- Since 2025, the scheme has raised £2.5 million, with £7 to £8 million expected in 2027.
- Sydney faces similar pressures, and the NSW State of Live Music inquiry flagged it as the frontrunner.
