“Too often, we see events stopped based on vague claims about “public safety””
When we talk about event cancellations in live music, the immediate conversation usually centres on lost revenues or disappointed fans.
But there’s a less visible story that we urgently need to address – particularly when it comes to Black & Asian-led events: the issue of over-policing and discriminatory licensing practices. These aren’t abstract concerns; they’re real-world obstacles limiting opportunities for Black, Asian, and ethnically diverse artists, promoters, venue owners, anyone who works in live music, affecting their careers, cultural impact, and ultimately, the economic health of our industry.
At Black Lives in Music (BLiM), I’ve personally seen countless examples where events led by Black promoters or predominantly featuring Black audiences receive disproportionate scrutiny from police and local licensing authorities. It’s not just about…
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Dr Charisse Beaumont, CEO and co-founder of Black Lives in Music, discusses how black music events are over-policed and under threat
Comment 1 July 2025