Sub Focus champions grassroots music with £1 ticket levy for 2027 shows

A forward-thinking initiative aims to keep local music scenes alive.

Told by Jake Donovan · 25 August 2026

Sub Focus is making waves in the UK music scene with a new initiative that integrates a £1 ticket levy for his 2027 arena shows in London and Manchester. This contribution, included in the ticket price, aims to support grassroots live music in the UK, ensuring that local venues and artists receive much-needed funding.

Scheduled for March 2027, the shows at The O2 Greenwich and Co-op Live Arena mark a significant commitment to nurturing the music industry from the ground up. Proceeds from the levy will go directly to the LIVE Trust, a charity established in 2025 to address the challenges facing grassroots venues and artists. The trust has already raised £1.5 million through contributions from other major artists, such as Harry Styles and Gorillaz.

In a statement, Sub Focus reflected on his own experiences, stating, "Grassroots venues and promoters are where I learned my craft, built the foundations of my career, and they are an incubator for future stars of our industry." His support aligns with the efforts of Save Our Scene, an initiative aimed at preserving these vital spaces in the music ecosystem.

LIVE Trust CEO Jon Collins highlighted the collective responsibility of artists and the music industry, saying, "The strength of LIVE Trust comes from artists and the wider live music industry recognizing that a small contribution at major shows can make a real difference at grassroots level." As Sub Focus leads the charge in electronic music, this initiative not only reinforces his dedication to nurturing new talent but also sets a precedent for other artists to follow suit in supporting the local music landscape.