Live music platform GigPig has brought forward the launch of its instant booking service to better support operators during a tough period for hospitality.
With the number of pubs in the UK falling below 39,000 for the first time, the initiative will provide a much-needed lifeline for venues grappling with rising costs, falling consumer spending, and a record number of closures. It will allow operators to immediately book local musicians and boost revenue with live entertainment.
The new service, which allows access to more than 10,000 live music acts, allows pubs and bars to list their venue and book same-day musicians in an industry-first ‘pay-as-you-go’ model. The platform also seeks to provide analytics to help licensees understand the types of artists and genres most likely to drive sales in their area.
“We know this is an incredibly challenging time for pubs and bars, and the venues which are doubling down on experiences to encourage customer engagement are the ones overcoming the challenges,” said Kit Muir-Rogers, co-founder of GigPig.
“This crisis is, by far, the toughest period for hospitality since 2020, and we have accelerated the launch of this new instant booking service to provide immediate support. It allows publicans to book gigs with ease and flexibility, eliminating unnecessary expenditure on third-party agents and empowering operators to maximise potential.
“Publicans will have access to our industry-leading book of musicians, gain data-driven insights to inform their decisions, and ultimately create venues which attract customers and boost their bottom line.”
Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night-Time Industries Association, said: “This is a much-needed solution for pubs struggling in today’s challenging climate.
“With hundreds of pubs forecast to close in the next six months alone, GigPig’s platform offers a crucial opportunity to boost revenue and footfall through live music. This will not only help pubs survive, but thrive, while also creating thousands of new gigging opportunities across the UK.”
