Concert arenas across England and Wales are preparing for sharp rises in property tax bills that could more than double over the next three years in a blue to music goers.
Analysis conducted by global tax firm Ryan shows that venue valuations have risen by as much as 300 per cent, leading to significant increases in business rates.
Nicola Morgan, personal finance expert at Confused.com, said concertgoers should plan for potential price increases.
"When operating cost rises significantly, venues and promoters often have little choice but to pass some of that onto customers, meaning fans could start to see higher ticket prices for concerts, comedy shows and sports events."
Major arenas including Co-op Live in Manchester, Manchester Arena and Ovo Arena Wembley are among those affected.
The rises follow Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s November budget announcement, which confirmed that business rates for commercial properties would be calculated using 2024 valuations alongside a revised multiplier.
London’s O2 arena is expected to be one of the hardest hit. Its property tax bill is forecast to rise by around £1.8million, reaching £8million in the 2026–27 financial year.
The O2’s rateable value has increased by 175 per cent to £30.5million. The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) assesses arenas differently from other commercial premises because they are rarely rented on the open market.
Concert arenas in England and Wales face property tax bills set to more than double within three years
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Instead, valuations are based on economic performance rather than rental figures. This method has contributed to steep increases because current performance data is being compared with figures from 2021, when arenas were closed or running limited events under pandemic restrictions.
Transitional relief limits first-year increases for large venues to 30 per cent, but substantial rises remain likely by 2026–27. Ovo Arena Wembley has recorded the largest percentage rise of any major arena, with its valuation up 300 per cent to £3million.
Its bill for the next financial year is set at £541,125, an increase of £124,875. Co-op Live, which opened in May 2024, is expected to see its bill rise by £432,900 to reach £1.9million.
Manchester Arena’s bill is set to rise by £386,280, bringing the total to £1.7million. Birmingham’s Utilita Arena will see a £166,500 increase, taking its bill to £721,500 after a 131 per cent surge in its valuation.
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Mark Davyd, chief executive of the Music Venue Trust, has urged the Government to provide enhanced business rates relief for music venues. He said: "It's going to have to be passed on (in ticket prices).
"People see these giant events, they see the flashing lights and all the incredible production there is at this level. Now it's being done on a very small profit margin. That's the reality. Live music is expensive to stage."
Mr Davyd said rising costs risked deterring artists from touring Britain or encouraging them to shorten their UK visits.
Major arenas including Co-op Live in Manchester, Manchester Arena and Ovo Arena Wembley are among those affected
| Co-opHe said: "Music has been singled out to be attacked with incredibly high rateable values. The Government needs to step in as an urgent measure".
Ms Morgan also urged fans to remain cautious about ticket scams and advised purchasing through trusted sellers. She said using credit cards can provide further protection under Section 75.
Alex Probyn, practice leader for Europe and Asia-Pacific property tax at Ryan, said transitional relief would offer some short-term assistance.
He said: "With valuations of this magnitude, operators should be scrutinising the VOA's assumptions very closely".