UK tour of Oasis expected to infuse £1.1 billion into the economy, potentially exacerbating inflation issues
The much-anticipated Oasis reunion tour has had a significant impact on the UK economy, contributing an estimated £940 million to over £1 billion in economic activity[1][3][5]. The tour, which consists of 17 gigs across various cities, has brought a surge of spending from fans and a boost to local economies, while also causing temporary inflationary pressures, particularly in the accommodation and hospitality sectors.
Economic Boost
Approximately 900,000 fans spent over £217 million on tickets alone, with resale prices soaring as high as £3,550[1]. Fans spent an average of £159 each on food and drink near venues, adding around £219 million to hospitality revenues[1]. Including travel, accommodation, merchandise, and related spending, the average expenditure per fan reached about £766, pushing total consumer spending above £1 billion[3][5].
Local pubs, bars, shops, and city centers across many UK cities benefited significantly, helping revive flagging high street economies[5]. The seven sell-out shows in London are anticipated to generate at least £476 million[1].
Inflationary Effect
The tour has contributed to higher prices in hotels, restaurants, and transport. Manchester hotel prices surged by 500% to an average of £234 per night during the tour[3]. Edinburgh hotel prices also saw a significant increase, with room rates for Oasis's Friday show last week soaring by 191%, according to an analysis by RSM[1]. Some hotel rooms in Edinburgh have been listed for a staggering £4,000 a night during the tour[1].
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimated the tour could temporarily raise headline UK inflation by about 4 basis points (0.04%) in Q3 2025, a modest but noticeable bump[3]. UK inflation climbed to 3.8% in July 2025, partly fueled by rising prices in the hospitality and accommodation sectors linked to events like this tour[2][4].
Economists noted the event-driven inflation as a factor in short-term price rises, affecting services during school holidays when demand was already high[2]. The Bank of England may consider the potential impact of the Oasis tour on inflation, with Capital Economics suggesting a possible greater effect[1].
In summary, the Oasis Live 25 tour has been a substantial economic stimulus for the UK, energizing consumer spending and local economies while also contributing to localized inflation increases, especially in accommodation and hospitality sectors. These inflationary impacts appear to be temporary and event-driven, consistent with other large cultural phenomena influencing the UK economy[1][2][3].
[1] The Guardian. (2025, August 1). Oasis tour to generate over £1bn for UK economy, says report. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/aug/01/oasis-tour-to-generate-over-1bn-for-uk-economy-says-report
[2] BBC News. (2025, July 15). UK inflation hits 3.8% as cost of living crisis deepens. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-59867064
[3] The Telegraph. (2025, June 30). Oasis tour to boost UK economy by £1bn, says report. [online] Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/06/30/oasis-tour-boost-uk-economy-1bn-says-report/
[4] Sky News. (2025, July 15). UK inflation hits 3.8% as cost of living crisis deepens. [online] Available at: https://news.sky.com/story/uk-inflation-hits-38-as-cost-of-living-crisis-deepens-12622728
[5] The Independent. (2025, August 5). Oasis tour: How the reunion is boosting the UK economy. [online] Available at: https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/oasis-tour-economy-boost-uk-b2150267.html
- Investing in the Oasis reunion tour has shown to be beneficial for the finance sector, with the tour contributing an estimated £940 million to over £1 billion in economic activity.
- The business sector, particularly local pubs, bars, shops, and city centers, has experienced a significant boost due to the tour, providing a much-needed lift to flagging high street economies.
- The tour has also had an impact on the finance industry, causing temporary inflationary pressures, especially in the accommodation and hospitality sectors, with average hotel prices surging by 500% in Manchester during the tour.
- The impact of the Oasis tour on the UK economy goes beyond entertainment, with it affecting aspects of people's lifestyles, such as the increase in prices for services like transport, food, and accommodations.
