Royal Albert Hall grassroots scheme branded ‘ludicrous’

Promoter hits out against levy to support small music venues

- ROISIN O'CONNOR

The promoter behind the Isle of Wight Festival has criticised the plan to introduce a £1 levy on arena and stadium tickets to help support grassroots venues.

This week, it was announced that the Royal Albert Hall in London would become the first 5,000+ capacity arena to commit to the LIVE Trust’s £1 contribution supporting grassroots music across the UK.

From 1 October 2025, the price of tickets for commercial rock and pop concerts at the venue will include a £1 contribution, which will raise an estimated £300,000 per year for the LIVE Trust to support grassroots venues, promoters, festivals and artists.

The levy was proposed by the Music Venue Trust as a way of protecting the many small music venues around the UK - a vital platform for emerging artists - that are under threat of closure.

However, industry veteran Giddings - who has represented artists including The Police, Lady Gaga, The Corrs and Westlife, as well as promoting major tours by artists such as Madonna and The Rolling Stones – was dismissive of the venture, saying he believes it will not be of benefit to live music fans.

“I think the whole thing is bloody ludicrous,” he told