New research from PRS for Music and the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has revealed that Belfast is the top location in the UK for live music in pubs. Beating every other postcode across the UK – including Birmingham, Nottingham, Bristol and Brighton – this recognition highlights the city’s deep-rooted musical culture and the importance of pubs as vital grassroots venues for artists and audiences alike.

The research coincides with the launch of Pubs Go Live, a ten-day nationwide initiative celebrating live music in pubs across the UK. The campaign, supported by renowned artists such as the Kaiser Chiefs, The Lottery Winners and Finn Forster, aims to showcase the essential role pubs play in sustaining the live music ecosystem.

Belfast’s top ranking in the research reflects its long-standing commitment to live music, which earned the city UNESCO City of Music status in 2021. The full top 20 list includes major music hubs such as Manchester, Sheffield and London, alongside smaller but thriving locations like Exeter and Tunbridge Wells.

Andrea Czapary Martin, CEO of PRS for Music, emphasised the significance of pub gigs in the UK’s cultural and economic landscape:

“Live music holds a special place in the UK’s cultural landscape and the pub gig, unique to the UK, is a crucial part of that ecosystem. Pubs have long been a vital space for launching and nurturing new talent while bringing people together through the power of performance. Just think of the countless songwriting and performing careers that have started in local pubs—from Sam Fender and IDLES to Maisie Peters and Sam Tompkins, the list goes on. Join us in celebrating this inaugural initiative highlighting the significant cultural and economic contributions of live music in pubs, preserving British culture for future generations.”

Emma McClarkin, CEO of the BBPA, also underlined the importance of protecting pubs as live music venues:

“The pub as a live music venue is a unique part of our cultural heritage, with many musicians starting out at their local and fans getting a chance to see an artist up close before they hit the big time. Pubs Go Live is a celebration of this cherished cultural tradition, and pubs up and down the country are joining in.

“It’s a fact that there’s nothing quite like a pub gig, and it must be preserved at all costs. This is why Government must support pubs, who face a raft of punishing costs and taxes, and introduce meaningful business rate reform so these grassroots venues can still provide a stage to British musicians for generations to come.”

Many well-known artists have spoken about the fundamental role pubs have played in their careers. Simon Rix, bassist of the Kaiser Chiefs, reflected on how pub gigs helped shape the band’s early years:

“The first gigs we ever went to were in pub venues in Leeds. As is the case for many bands, pub venues were our first circuits, where we grew as artists, learned our craft, and experienced great times. Watching bands like Oasis and Coldplay – that went on to become big names – performing just metres from us made everything seem more achievable and like we were already a part of something. It made us feel that maybe we could do this too! So later on, playing those same venues which were sometimes full, sometimes empty, it always felt like we were on track.

“Pubs are a vital part of any music scene, whether it’s sitting in them plotting the next step, or being on stage performing, or watching gigs trying to find your next favourite band. Without them we lose our footing – they are our roots no matter where we end up.”

The research also underlines the wider economic value of live music in pubs. According to Oxford Economics, pubs contribute more than £34 billion to the UK economy annually. Further data reveals that 78% of consumers are more likely to visit a pub if it offers live music, while 73% say live music would make them stay in a pub for longer. One in two Britons (51%) have attended a live music event in a pub, underscoring the strong demand for grassroots music and its impact on local businesses.

As part of Pubs Go Live, the BBPA and PRS for Music have also launched a new online guide for publicans, providing advice on running successful live music events. The guide is available here.

This latest recognition of Belfast’s pub music scene reinforces the city’s place at the heart of the UK’s grassroots music ecosystem. With a proud heritage of live performance and a reputation for nurturing talent at every level, the city continues to prove why it is one of the most important music cities in these islands.