There’s no doubt that pricing of events has increased since previous years. Some price increases have been dramatic.
Concerts, raves, festivals and events. They’re things that people get excited for and are passionate about. People buy tickets in advance, as soon as a tour is announced and wait months to go to it. They create memories that last a lifetime and friendships are formed.
It’s a hobby, live music should be affordable and heard by all but how can they do this when prices just keep on rising.
WLV News spoke to music lovers and concert goers about what they think of prices and the future of events.
These days it’s just expensive. I don’t know how people can afford it these days. Some venues it’s like £60 a ticket then others can be over £100.
Jamie Hassall, 22 years old, concert attendee
Leah Perkins travels up and down the country to raves. She travels to places such as Manchester, London, Sheffield etc. She enjoys it as it is the genre of music she loves. It’s not just about the event, she says the social element is a big factor and having some drinks adds to the experience.
Prices depend on the venue and the artist. For popular artists they can be quite expensive. Raves can vary between £20 and £100.
Leah Perkins, 24 years old, rave lover
From our research, it was rare to see a ticket be priced at £100 or more but it is now the norm for concerts to be so expensive.
For example, ten years ago to see the band 5 Seconds of Summer, in Birmingham, it cost around £35 but this year on their latest tour it will set you back at least £81 up to £100.
People have been expressing on social media their opinions on ticket prices as a result of the recent prices for the Harry Styles residency dates at Wembley in the summer.
| Harry Styles Prices 2022/2023 at Wembley | Harry Styles Prices 2025 at Wembley |
| Ticket in the pit (standing) – £100 | Same price but for a restricted nosebleed seat |
| Level 1 seating – £120 | Level 1 seating – £350-£450 |
| Standing ticket in a pit – £100 | Standing ticket in a pit – £400-£700 |
Jessica Fellows is an avid concert goer and has seen the likes of Harry Styles and Taylor Swift. Jessica acknowledges that prices are on the rise but thinks it’s getting out of hand. She believes that:
Concerts are now a luxury due to the increasing prices. We are now paying hundreds of pounds for poor views but we could see the same concert for just £50 just three years ago.
Jessica Fellows, 19 years old, concert lover
Jessica told us that she recently bought a ticket to Harry Styles’ upcoming shows and it has set her back £334 each in the front standing section with early entry, a lanyard and photo opportunity infront of a backdrop but in 2023 for front standing it only cost £90 each.
Concerts create memories that last a lifetime and can be more than just seeing the artist. Plenty of people plan specific outfits for certain tours such as cowboy hats, feather boas, dresses and boots etc.
Leah told us that she thinks it is worth saving up to see artsits that you love.
I think if you really like them, it is worth saving up for.
Leah Perkins
But Jessica thinks otherwise:
It’s not worth the money they’re asking for now. I have loved every concert I have gone to but I don’t see how this upcoming Harry Styles concert is going to be better then previous years.
Jessica Fellows
WLV News has contacted Ticketmaster for a statement about prices but we have not recieved a response.
Despite the opinions of fans, tickets are going to increase in price due to inflation and demand for them. There’s people who have paid astonishing amounts to attend a concert nevermind the other factors of travel, accommodation and food.