Music tourism
Encyclopedia
Music tourism is the act of visiting a city or town, in order to see a gig
or festival
. With the presence of the tourist, money is spent and the local economy benefits. This sort of tourism is particularly important to small villages such as Glastonbury
, as well as large cities like Glasgow
.
Festival and music tourism is defined as travel for the main purpose of attending cultural and/or music festivals. Religious pilgrimages and sporting events are excluded from the definition.
Music tourism is one of the newest typology of tourism. Music tourism can be categorised under pleasure tourism, as it involves travel of people to watch a music concert. Rock music and hip-hop music are the two main genre of music which create music tourism.
The fairly recent Jam band
phenomenon is a contemporary example that encourages music tourism. Music festivals such as Bonnaroo are visited by many tourists annually.
The Artful Music Tourist Board is a movement, started to celebrate this, in 2003 by musicians and their friends at The Paradise Bar (now Royal Albert pub) in London
, UK. The collective has created an alternative destination and more, since. The foundation is music tourism.
location, it is difficult to generalise about consumer profile. However, broadly
speaking, the pre-family and post-family groups represent the key consumer groups
for music and festival tourism. The 18-35 age group is the predominant age group
for music festivals, whilst the 45-65 age group is most significant for cultural
festivals.
Overall, an estimated 10 million people travel internationally each year for the main
purpose of watching or participating in a music or cultural festival.
These new initiatives have been funded by Belfast City Council
and part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund under the European Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland
and administered by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.
Siobhan McCauley, NITB Director of Product Development said:
'The Tourism Innovation Fund seeks out fresh, cutting edge ideas which will put Northern Ireland firmly on the visitors map. Music has a huge appeal to everyone and Northern Ireland has a very strong musical heritage that forms a key part of our unique culture.
'The new app and website, as well as the exhibition at the Oh Yeah centre will not only showcase our existing musical talent but will also ensure visitors have up to date information on local events and festivals.'
As more and more people use their mobile phones to find out information, the free ‘Belfast Music’ iPhone app developed by Filmtrip, allows local music fans and visitors alike to find out not only what’s happening on the scene at the moment, but also to explore the city’s rich musical heritage.
The app features an interactive music tour, narrated by BBC
broadcaster Stuart Bailie, and featuring a soundtrack by the likes of David Holmes
, Neil Hannon
and the Ulster Orchestra
, Rudi
, The Undertones
, Ash
, Therapy?; a Hall Of Fame, introducing Belfast’s music legends; up to the minute gig listings and news; and a showcase section, introducing the best in contemporary Belfast music.
Officially launching the initiatives, the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Pat Convery, commented:
'Belfast’s music receives high international praise and our latest generation of musicians are playing a crucial role in revitalising the city. Our city is now lit up throughout the year with a vibrant calendar of events. Every night of the week, venues in the city are busy with local bands, DJs, traditional musicians, orchestras, jazz players and songwriters.
'This is an art form that is defining the new mood of Belfast and these new initiatives aim to profile and promote Belfast’s reputation as the birthplace of exceptional music.'
The greatly expanded Belfast Music Exhibition, at the Oh Yeah Music Centre, takes visitors on a unique journey - from Ruby Murray
to Snow Patrol
, by way of Stiff Little Fingers
, via The Divine Comedy
, Ash
and The Undertones
. This expanded version sheds additional light on DJ culture, jazz and showbands, as well as looking fondly at our legacy for heavy rock and our progress through the Eighties.
The freshly revamped lobby area in Oh Yeah features a specially commissioned film on the life of Terri Hooley, plus an array of musical memories from the public – ‘True Confessions’. A timeline will follow the chart successes of Northern Ireland acts –from 1954 to the present day. Check out the Exhibition page for more details.
The Belfast Music Tour is a journey through the heart of a great rock n’ roll city, from Them and Van Morrison
to Snow Patrol
, by way of famous guitar players, punk rock and Hollywood soundtrack
s. Starting at the refurbished iconic Ulster Hall
and home to the Ulster Orchestra
, the tour takes in many landmarks associated with the Belfast music story, venues which put the city on the international music map and places that inspired songs, ending with a tour of the Belfast Music Exhibition at Oh Yeah. See the Music Tour page for details.
Finally, music fans heading out in Belfast have now got the latest gigs and music news at their fingertips with the launch of the new BelfastMusic.org website. Right here, potential gig goers will be able to quickly find hundreds of music events across Belfast, from intimate singer-songwriter nights to classical recitals to rock concerts. Produced by Culture Northern Ireland in partnership with Belfast City Council, it features the latest Belfast music events, news, reviews, audio and video.
Gig (musical performance)
Gig is slang for a musical engagement in which musicians are hired. Originally coined in the 1920s by jazz musicians, the term, short for the word "engagement", now refers to any aspect of performing such as assisting with performance and attending musical performance...
or festival
Festival
A festival or gala is an event, usually and ordinarily staged by a local community, which centers on and celebrates some unique aspect of that community and the Festival....
. With the presence of the tourist, money is spent and the local economy benefits. This sort of tourism is particularly important to small villages such as Glastonbury
Glastonbury
Glastonbury is a small town in Somerset, England, situated at a dry point on the low lying Somerset Levels, south of Bristol. The town, which is in the Mendip district, had a population of 8,784 in the 2001 census...
, as well as large cities like Glasgow
Glasgow
Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and third most populous in the United Kingdom. The city is situated on the River Clyde in the country's west central lowlands...
.
Festival and music tourism is defined as travel for the main purpose of attending cultural and/or music festivals. Religious pilgrimages and sporting events are excluded from the definition.
Music tourism is one of the newest typology of tourism. Music tourism can be categorised under pleasure tourism, as it involves travel of people to watch a music concert. Rock music and hip-hop music are the two main genre of music which create music tourism.
The fairly recent Jam band
Jam band
-Ambiguity:By the late 1990s use of the term jam band also became ambiguous. An editorial at jamband.com suggested that any band of which a primary band such as Phish has done a cover of be included as jam band. The example was including New York post-punk band Talking Heads after Phish performed...
phenomenon is a contemporary example that encourages music tourism. Music festivals such as Bonnaroo are visited by many tourists annually.
The Artful Music Tourist Board is a movement, started to celebrate this, in 2003 by musicians and their friends at The Paradise Bar (now Royal Albert pub) in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, UK. The collective has created an alternative destination and more, since. The foundation is music tourism.
Brief Profile of Consumers
Due to the diversity of festivals worldwide, both in theme and content, as well aslocation, it is difficult to generalise about consumer profile. However, broadly
speaking, the pre-family and post-family groups represent the key consumer groups
for music and festival tourism. The 18-35 age group is the predominant age group
for music festivals, whilst the 45-65 age group is most significant for cultural
festivals.
Main international cultural and music events
- The largest beer festival in EuropeEuropeEurope is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
– the OktoberfestOktoberfestOktoberfest, or Wiesn, is a 16–18 day beer festival held annually in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, running from late September to the first weekend in October. It is one of the most famous events in Germany and is the world's largest fair, with more than 5 million people attending every year. The...
- held in MunichMunichMunich The city's motto is "" . Before 2006, it was "Weltstadt mit Herz" . Its native name, , is derived from the Old High German Munichen, meaning "by the monks' place". The city's name derives from the monks of the Benedictine order who founded the city; hence the monk depicted on the city's coat...
, GermanyGermanyGermany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
, attracted 6.2 million visitors in 2006, of which an estimated 15% (or 920,000 people) were from abroad. - BrazilBrazilBrazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
is arguably the premier carnivalCarnivalCarnaval is a festive season which occurs immediately before Lent; the main events are usually during February. Carnaval typically involves a public celebration or parade combining some elements of a circus, mask and public street party...
destination worldwide. Rio CarnivalRio CarnivalThe Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is a world famous festival held before Lent every year and considered the biggest carnival in the world with two million people per day on the streets. The first festivals of Rio date back to 1723.-Samba schools:...
attracts 500,000 foreign visitors annually. It takes place during the height of summer and lasts for four days. - The Salvador de Bahia carnival is the largest street party in the world and attracts crowds of up to two million people throughout its week long duration.
- Notting Hill CarnivalNotting Hill CarnivalThe Notting Hill Carnival is an annual event which since 1964 has taken place on the streets of Notting Hill, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea , London, UK each August, over two days...
(LondonLondonLondon is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, UK) is one of the largest street parties in Europe and attracts around one million people each year. - The San Francisco Pride Parade attracts over one million people throughout the week. The parade that culminates Pride Week attracts over 500,000 people.
- It is estimated that 50,000 foreign tourists are attracted to the annual carnival in TrinidadTrinidadTrinidad is the larger and more populous of the two major islands and numerous landforms which make up the island nation of Trinidad and Tobago. It is the southernmost island in the Caribbean and lies just off the northeastern coast of Venezuela. With an area of it is also the fifth largest in...
and TobagoTobagoTobago is the smaller of the two main islands that make up the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. It is located in the southern Caribbean, northeast of the island of Trinidad and southeast of Grenada. The island lies outside the hurricane belt...
.
Overall, an estimated 10 million people travel internationally each year for the main
purpose of watching or participating in a music or cultural festival.
New music tourism
New music tourism initiatives have been launched including a Belfast Music iPhone app, bus tour, music exhibition and the new website http://BelfastMusic.org.These new initiatives have been funded by Belfast City Council
Belfast City Council
Belfast City Council is the local authority with responsibility for the city of Belfast, the capital and largest city of Northern Ireland. The Council serves an estimated population of , the largest of any district council in Northern Ireland, while also being the fourth smallest by area...
and part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund under the European Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is one of the four countries of the United Kingdom. Situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland, it shares a border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west...
and administered by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.
Siobhan McCauley, NITB Director of Product Development said:
'The Tourism Innovation Fund seeks out fresh, cutting edge ideas which will put Northern Ireland firmly on the visitors map. Music has a huge appeal to everyone and Northern Ireland has a very strong musical heritage that forms a key part of our unique culture.
'The new app and website, as well as the exhibition at the Oh Yeah centre will not only showcase our existing musical talent but will also ensure visitors have up to date information on local events and festivals.'
As more and more people use their mobile phones to find out information, the free ‘Belfast Music’ iPhone app developed by Filmtrip, allows local music fans and visitors alike to find out not only what’s happening on the scene at the moment, but also to explore the city’s rich musical heritage.
The app features an interactive music tour, narrated by BBC
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
broadcaster Stuart Bailie, and featuring a soundtrack by the likes of David Holmes
David Holmes
David Holmes is the name of:* David Holmes , stuntman and actor in the Harry Potter films* David Holmes , former Chairman of Rangers* David Holmes , former BBC Political Editor...
, Neil Hannon
Neil Hannon
Neil Hannon is a Northern Irish singer and songwriter, best known as the creator and frontman of the chamber pop group The Divine Comedy. The band's official website even goes so far as to say, "The Divine Comedy is Neil Hannon," and Hannon is quoted in an interview as saying, "The Divine Comedy...
and the Ulster Orchestra
Ulster Orchestra
The Ulster Orchestra is a symphony orchestra based in Belfast, the only full-time professional orchestra in Northern Ireland. The orchestra plays the majority of its concerts in Belfast's Ulster Hall and Waterfront Hall...
, Rudi
Rudi
Rudi were a punk rock/power pop band from Belfast, Northern Ireland formed in 1975.-History:Rudi formed in 1975 as a covers band with members Brian Young, Ronnie Matthews, Graham Marshall, Leigh Carson and Gordon Blair, playing rock 'n' roll and glam rock hits. The band's name was taken from a...
, The Undertones
The Undertones
The Undertones are a punk rock/new wave band formed in Derry, Northern Ireland, in 1975.The original line-up of the Undertones released thirteen singles and four studio albums — The Undertones , Hypnotised , Positive Touch and The Sin of Pride — before disbanding in July 1983.Music guide Allmusic...
, Ash
Ash (band)
Ash are an alternative rock band that formed in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland in 1992. The band has sold 8 million albums worldwide.-Band beginning, Trailer and 1977 :...
, Therapy?; a Hall Of Fame, introducing Belfast’s music legends; up to the minute gig listings and news; and a showcase section, introducing the best in contemporary Belfast music.
Officially launching the initiatives, the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Pat Convery, commented:
'Belfast’s music receives high international praise and our latest generation of musicians are playing a crucial role in revitalising the city. Our city is now lit up throughout the year with a vibrant calendar of events. Every night of the week, venues in the city are busy with local bands, DJs, traditional musicians, orchestras, jazz players and songwriters.
'This is an art form that is defining the new mood of Belfast and these new initiatives aim to profile and promote Belfast’s reputation as the birthplace of exceptional music.'
The greatly expanded Belfast Music Exhibition, at the Oh Yeah Music Centre, takes visitors on a unique journey - from Ruby Murray
Ruby Murray
Ruby Murray was one of the most popular singers in the United Kingdom and Ireland in the 1950s. In 1955 alone, she secured seven Top 10 UK hit singles.-Child star:...
to Snow Patrol
Snow Patrol
Snow Patrol are an alternative rock band from Bangor, County Down, Northern Ireland. Formed at the University of Dundee in 1994 as an indie rock band, the band is now based in Glasgow...
, by way of Stiff Little Fingers
Stiff Little Fingers
Stiff Little Fingers are a punk rock band from Belfast, Northern Ireland. They formed in 1977, at the height of the Troubles. They started out as a schoolboy band called Highway Star , doing rock covers, until they discovered punk. They split up after six years and four albums, although they...
, via The Divine Comedy
The Divine Comedy (band)
The Divine Comedy are a chamber pop band from Ireland, fronted by Neil Hannon. Formed in 1989, Hannon has been the only constant member of the group, playing, in some instances, all of the non-orchestral instrumentation bar drums. To date, ten studio albums have been released under the Divine...
, Ash
Ash (band)
Ash are an alternative rock band that formed in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland in 1992. The band has sold 8 million albums worldwide.-Band beginning, Trailer and 1977 :...
and The Undertones
The Undertones
The Undertones are a punk rock/new wave band formed in Derry, Northern Ireland, in 1975.The original line-up of the Undertones released thirteen singles and four studio albums — The Undertones , Hypnotised , Positive Touch and The Sin of Pride — before disbanding in July 1983.Music guide Allmusic...
. This expanded version sheds additional light on DJ culture, jazz and showbands, as well as looking fondly at our legacy for heavy rock and our progress through the Eighties.
The freshly revamped lobby area in Oh Yeah features a specially commissioned film on the life of Terri Hooley, plus an array of musical memories from the public – ‘True Confessions’. A timeline will follow the chart successes of Northern Ireland acts –from 1954 to the present day. Check out the Exhibition page for more details.
Van Morrison
Van Morrison, OBE is a Northern Irish singer-songwriter and musician. His live performances at their best are regarded as transcendental and inspired; while some of his recordings, such as the studio albums Astral Weeks and Moondance, and the live album It's Too Late to Stop Now, are widely...
to Snow Patrol
Snow Patrol
Snow Patrol are an alternative rock band from Bangor, County Down, Northern Ireland. Formed at the University of Dundee in 1994 as an indie rock band, the band is now based in Glasgow...
, by way of famous guitar players, punk rock and Hollywood soundtrack
Soundtrack
A soundtrack can be recorded music accompanying and synchronized to the images of a motion picture, book, television program or video game; a commercially released soundtrack album of music as featured in the soundtrack of a film or TV show; or the physical area of a film that contains the...
s. Starting at the refurbished iconic Ulster Hall
Ulster Hall
The Ulster Hall is a concert hall and grade B1 listed building in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Situated on Bedford Street in Belfast city centre, the hall hosts concerts, classical recitals, craft fairs and political party conferences...
and home to the Ulster Orchestra
Ulster Orchestra
The Ulster Orchestra is a symphony orchestra based in Belfast, the only full-time professional orchestra in Northern Ireland. The orchestra plays the majority of its concerts in Belfast's Ulster Hall and Waterfront Hall...
, the tour takes in many landmarks associated with the Belfast music story, venues which put the city on the international music map and places that inspired songs, ending with a tour of the Belfast Music Exhibition at Oh Yeah. See the Music Tour page for details.
Finally, music fans heading out in Belfast have now got the latest gigs and music news at their fingertips with the launch of the new BelfastMusic.org website. Right here, potential gig goers will be able to quickly find hundreds of music events across Belfast, from intimate singer-songwriter nights to classical recitals to rock concerts. Produced by Culture Northern Ireland in partnership with Belfast City Council, it features the latest Belfast music events, news, reviews, audio and video.