Royal Albert Hall becomes first arena committed to £1 LIVE Trust contribution for grassroots sector
The Royal Albert Hall has become the first 5,000+ capacity arena to commit to the LIVE Trust’s £1 contribution supporting grassroots music across the UK.
All commercial rock and pop concerts at the Hall going on sale after 1 October 2025 will carry a £1 contribution per ticket, raising an estimated £300K per annum for the LIVE Trust – supporting grassroots venues, promoters, festivals, and artists.
Data from LIVE members shows that there were 125 grassroots venue closures in 2023, 78 festival cancellations in 2024, and a 50% decline in tour dates over the last three decades.
The recent Music Fans' Voice survey showed 93% of fans agreed £1 from every arena and stadium ticket should go to a fund that directly supports the grassroots.
James Ainscough OBE, Chief Executive of the Royal Albert Hall and founding trustee of the LIVE Trust, said: “Headlining the Royal Albert Hall is a career pinnacle for many artists, but our venue is reliant on a vibrant music ecosystem across the UK. The grassroots is essential for the development and discovery of new artists, honing live performance skills, building communities, and fostering innovation and fresh talent both on and off the stage. By embracing the £1 contribution and becoming the first arena where it is “always on”, we are adding this charity’s name to the growing momentum around the £1 grassroots contribution – an idea first proposed by the Music Venue Trust, first done by Enter Shikari, and now being picked up by artists and promoters across the UK. I am also a trustee of the brand new LIVE Trust, and look forward to playing my part in ensuring that every pound raised has the maximum impact, securing a thriving the grassroots music sector for generations to come.”
David Martin, CEO of the Featured Artists Coalition, said: “The FAC applauds the Royal Albert Hall for showing bold leadership in becoming the first major UK venue to introduce an ‘always-on’ £1 ticket levy in support of the grassroots sector. This move aligns squarely with our long-standing position: that every ticket sold at venues with a capacity of 5,000 and above should include a £1 contribution to support the grassroots infrastructure our entire industry depends on.
Importantly, the Hall’s decision removes the burden of responsibility from individual artists — many of whom have already led the charge on this issue — and ensures a fairer, more consistent approach. This kind of structural commitment helps level the playing field for artists performing at arena level, while directly supporting the grassroots network that enables them to reach that stage. We urge other major venues and industry stakeholders to show the same leadership.”