Belfast Takes the Crown in UK's Pub Music Scene
Belfast has firmly established itself as the UK’s thriving hotspot for pub music outside London, boasting over 350 venues that host live music events. This milestone was highlighted through insightful research conducted by PRS For Music in collaboration with the British Beer And Pub Association (BBPA). Outshining cities like Sheffield, Manchester, and Liverpool, Belfast has earned its place as a cultural beacon and an incubator for musical talent, even besting the likes of Edinburgh and Portsmouth.
What makes Belfast's ascendancy so remarkable is not just the sheer number of venues but the vibrant ecosystem it nurtures for artists old and new. While London’s renowned southeast, with spots like Brixton's Windmill scene, remains the zenith for music in the capital, Belfast's bustling scene has become the envy of cities across the UK. Places like Birmingham, Nottingham, Bristol, and Brighton are also noted for their lively pub scenes, offering a backdrop for acts like Lambrini Girls and the Sleaford Mods.
Pubs: The Heartbeat of Musical Culture
The study surveying PRS-registered venues between 2020 and 2024 underscores not just numbers but the influential role these venues play in economic and cultural realms. It's fascinating to note that 78% of people say they are more inclined to visit a pub offering live music. This love for music doesn’t just draw in patrons—it keeps them. A remarkable 73% of attendees report staying longer in venues that feature live performances.
Andrea Czapary Martin, CEO of PRS For Music, speaks passionately about the critical function pubs serve in discovering and nurturing new talent. Reflecting on the careers of artists like Sam Fender, Idles, and Maisie Peters, whose roots trace back to pub venues, she emphasizes their importance as early platforms in burgeoning careers.
The legendary Simon Rix from the Kaiser Chiefs highlights pubs as the very cradle where now-legendary bands like Oasis and Coldplay once found their footing. Similarly, Thom Rylance of Lottery Winners applauds pubs as intimate settings essential for artists to experiment with new material and establish a rapport with their audiences.
Marking its commitment to enhancing the live music landscape, PRS For Music has partnered with BBPA to launch the “Pubs Go Live” initiative. This event, debuting on March 20, is set to revitalize the culture of pub music with events across the country, including a highlight performance by the Lottery Winners at Manchester's Founder’s Hall on March 24.
Here’s how the rest of the UK stacks up when it comes to the best cities for pub gigs outside of London:
- Belfast
- Birmingham
- Nottingham
- Bristol
- Brighton
- Sheffield
- Edinburgh
- Exeter
- Manchester
- Portsmouth
The rise of Belfast in the pub music scene underscores the cultural vibrancy and economic vitality that live music brings to local communities. As we see cities across the UK evolving their scenes, it's clear that the heartbeat of music is found in the enigmatic and historic surroundings of the local pub.
