MUSIC lovers in Oxford have been invited to take part in the country’s first ever live music census.
On Thursday, March 9, organisers aim to track performances in cities across the UK, from lone buskers to massed choirs.
They hope the survey – a world first – will help measure live music’s cultural and economic value, discover what challenges the industry is facing and inform policy to help it flourish.
The coordinated censuses will be held in Oxford, Glasgow, Newcastle, Leeds, Birmingham, Southampton and Brighton.
The research will be carried out by the universities of Edinburgh Newcastle and Glasgow and will run for 24 hours from midday on March 9.
Volunteers will be asked to record aspects of the gig including the musical genre, venue, door charge and audience demographic.
Lead organiser Dr Matt Brennan from the University of Edinburgh said: “This is like a Springwatch for live music.
We want people to let us know everything about the music they see on this one day.
“Live music in the UK – from the Beatles and the Sex Pistols to West End musicals and Glastonbury – has transformed our culture, yet it is constantly under pressure.”
People can sign up to take part and find out more information by visiting uklivemusiccensus.org
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