In 2024, 72 music festivals in the UK were cancelled, double the number from 2023, prompting the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) to urge government intervention. The grassroots live music sector faces severe economic challenges, exacerbated by the government’s rejection of a proposed VAT cut on tickets. While the Culture Media & Sport Select Committee suggested a ticket levy to support grassroots venues, the live sector missed a deadline to implement it voluntarily. Meanwhile, the Music Venue Trust launched the Liveline Fund to aid struggling venues and artists, supported by donations from artists like Coldplay and Sam Fender.