GigPig launches an instant booking service to support the hospitality sector

GigPig, the UK's fastest-growing live music platform, has launched its instant booking service to better support the hospitality sector by bringing live music into venues.

In what has been deemed ‘the toughest period for hospitality since 2020’, UK pubs face one of its toughest periods since 2020, where for the first time, the number of pubs in the UK has fallen below 39,000.

GigPig’s instant booking service will provide a much-needed lifeline for venues grappling with rising costs, falling consumer spending, and a record number of closures, allowing operators to immediately book local musicians on-demand and boost revenue with live entertainment.

GigPig will enable pubs and bars to easily sign up to the platform and provide them with the tools to book local musicians on-demand through an innovative 'pay-as-you-go' model. The platform offers access to over 10,000 live artists, as well as data analytics to help venues identify the types of artists and genres most likely to drive sales in their area.

This solution is not only timely for the industry but will future-proof live entertainment in the sector as venues’ live music operations will be streamlined and simplified with the GigPig platform, to empower venues and artists to cultivate unforgettable moments and support a vibrant, thriving community for live entertainment.

Live Music with GigPig: A Lifeline for Hospitality  

The launch comes at a critical moment, with industry findings from Altus Group revealing that more than 400 pubs closed in 2024, equating to over 34 closures per month. However, research by GigPig, the CGA, and the Night-Time Industries Association (NTIA) highlights live music as an untapped revenue stream for pubs.  

Findings from the Live Music Index have shown that live music can boost pub sales by an average of 33%, increase footfall by 36%, and increase average spend per visit by 64%, translating to an annual revenue increase of £90,000 for an average pub.

"We know this is an incredibly challenging time for pubs and bars," said GigPig co-founder Kit Muir-Rogers. "The venues doubling down on experiences to encourage customer engagement are the ones overcoming the challenges."

"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 owners and managers to book gigs with ease and flexibility, eliminating unnecessary expenditure on third-party agents and empowering operators to maximise potential.

Venue owners 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," He concluded.

Industry Support  

Michael Kill, CEO of the NTIA, praised the GigPig initiative as 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, this amazing 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."

Founded in 2022, GigPig has quickly become the UK’s largest live music marketplace, facilitating over 50,000 gigs at more than 3,000 venues, including major brands like BrewDog, Albert Schloss, and New World Trading Company.  

David Finn, landlord of the Queen's Head in Great Whittington, credits GigPig with helping his small pub connect with local musicians. "The app has helped us diversify our offerings during tough times and fits our goal of using technology in our traditional business to achieve higher revenues. GigPig has definitely improved our local experience and helps us support our community.”