Belfast named UK's top location for pub gigs

New research has revealed the top locations across the UK for live music in pubs, with Belfast taking the crown as the country’s pub gig go-to.

The findings, collated by the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) and PRS for Music, showcases how pubs remain a vital platform for both emerging and established artists, as well as the venues themselves. 

The statistical analysis came from PRS' proprietary data, drawn from 15,340 pubs and bars nationally, which have hosted a live music event in the UK since 2020. It then created a ranking of each geographic postcode area. The data is based on live music events in licensed venues between 2020 and 2024.

Belfast, which has had an UNESCO City of Music status since 2021, saw off competition from second place Birmingham. Nottingham, Bristol and Brighton came third, fourth and fifth respectively. 

The research has been conducted to mark the launch of Pubs Go Live, a 10-day nationwide initiative celebrating live music in pubs. Kicking off on Thursday 20 March, Pubs Go Live will see live music events on offer in pubs up and down the country. 

The top 20 list for gigs in pubs

1. Belfast
2. Birmingham
3. Nottingham
4. Bristol
5. Brighton
6. Sheffield
7. Edinburgh
8. Exeter
9. Manchester
10. Portsmouth
11. Liverpool
12. South east London
13. Newcastle upon Tyne
14. West London
15. Glasgow
16. Leicester
17. Plymouth
18. Southampton
19. Gloucester
20. Tunbridge Wells

"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," says Emma McClarkin, CEO of the BBPA. "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 theses grassroots venues can still provide a stage to British musicians for generations to come."

The organisations go on to say that 78% of consumers are more likely to visit a pub, or similar venue, if it offers live music, while 73% of consumers said that live music would make them more likely to stay in a pub for longer.

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