A. Guttmann
Research Lead covering media
Entertainment behavior in the United Kingdom - statistics & facts
Live music is at the heart of entertainment in the United Kingdom. Consumers in the country are choosing to see and hear their favorite artist at a concert more often than any other live event. The only other arts and cultural activity that trumps concerts is movie-viewing in cinemas. At home, digital media dominate the consumption. These behaviors point to consumers who are conscious of their expenses, save on external leisure activities, and only spend on crucial entertainment options.
Since entertainment choices are strongly rooted in consumer spending power, the near future of media consumption will most likely be highly dependent on digital options, while out-of-home leisure will be focused on music-related activities.
Out-of-home entertainment – music runs the show
However, with the growing phenomenon of screen fatigue, consumers are looking into more interactive, off-screen entertainment. With the pandemic-related lockdowns of 2020 fresh in memory, UK consumers are using their freedom to enjoy outdoor entertainment. In general, consumer spending on recreational and cultural services in the United Kingdom shows constant growth ever since the pandemic ended. Specifically live music events are well-liked in the country, with many preferring to spend on concerts rather than other live events. On the other hand, when it comes to popular attractions in the UK, such as historic properties, theme parks, zoos, museums, etc., these seem to be struggling to draw visitors. After a boom in 2022, the number of admissions to visitor attractions grew only by 11 percent year-on-year, showing the impact of economic struggles on consumer entertainment choices.Media usage in the UK is all about the digital
The divide between digital and traditional media consumption in the United Kingdom has been growing for around a decade now. Entertainment retail in the country shifted in 2015 when the digital sales started to overtake physical, and in 2023 they accounted for 90 percent of all entertainment retail sales in the UK. On the consumer side, the switch in media usage is also evident. In 2026, time spent with digital media in the United Kingdom is expected to be double the time spent with traditional ones. This has been a common development in countries with widespread internet access, and the UK is not an exception. The digital media consumption will only intensify in the coming years.Since entertainment choices are strongly rooted in consumer spending power, the near future of media consumption will most likely be highly dependent on digital options, while out-of-home leisure will be focused on music-related activities.
