Problem statement
Music fans cannot reliably discover all local events or determine whether a venue will meet their access, sensory, transport and personal-comfort needs before buying a ticket. Event information is fragmented across social platforms, ticketing sites and venue pages. Details such as wheelchair access, accessible toilets, quiet spaces, non-alcoholic options, stage and finish times, seating, companion policies and journey-home options are often missing or inconsistent. This particularly disadvantages disabled fans, neurodivergent audiences, younger people and those who need to plan travel carefully.
Underserved audience
Primary underserved users: - Deaf and disabled music fans - Neurodivergent and sensory-sensitive audiences - People requiring wheelchair access or seating - Fans reliant on public transport - Younger and alcohol-free audiences - Parents and carers - Visitors unfamiliar with local venues - Independent venues seeking direct audience reach
Evidence summary
The consultation says social media is failing as a central connector and that fans are missing gigs. It recommends maintained local listings and an associated accessibility guide covering quiet spaces, non-alcoholic drinks, accessible toilets and other venue characteristics. It also proposes structured, non-punitive accessibility tiering or toolkit approaches, while the Live Events Access Charter provides an existing industry standard for disability equality.
Demand signal
Demand is indicated by: - Direct request for comprehensive local listings - Missing accessibility status in current mapping - Calls for earlier finish times and reliable travel information - Demand for quiet spaces and alcohol-free options - Venue need for direct communication beyond paid social media - National policy attention to safety and accessibility in live music
Competition signal
Competition includes major gig discovery apps, ticketing platforms, Google, venue websites and specialist access guides. The opportunity is most defensible as trusted regional data infrastructure and an accessibility-first discovery layer. It would be vulnerable as a generic gig listings app without verified information, partnerships or differentiated user filters.
Suggested solution
An accessibility-first local music guide combining comprehensive event listings with verified venue information on physical access, sensory environment, facilities, timings and transport.
Monetisation angle
Indicative pricing: - Free consumer access - Premium fan features: £2–£5 per month - Venue verified profile: £250–£1,000 per year - Promoter listing tools: £50–£200 per month - Regional platform licence: £25,000–£80,000 per year - Ticketing or tourism API: £8,000–£30,000 per year - Ethical sponsorship: £15,000–£75,000 per year
- lcrmusicboard.co.ukLiverpool City Region Music Board — Keeping Music Venues Thriving Consultation Report
- attitudeiseverything.org.ukAttitude is Everything — Live Events Access Charter
- lcrmusicboard.co.ukLiverpool City Region Music Board — Venues Map
Some evidence sources may require an account or sign-in to view the original content.
Community Transport Service Gap Mapping Platform
Score 80/100
Live Music Audience and No-Show Intelligence Dashboard
Score 89/100
Grassroots Music Funding and Governance Surgery
Score 82/100
Community Transport Service Gap Mapping Platform
Score 80/100
Live Music Audience and No-Show Intelligence Dashboard
Score 89/100
Grassroots Music Funding and Governance Surgery
Score 82/100