UK music scored £2.6bn in 2017

Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa and Harry Styles are among the leading stars who were responsible for British music achieving a record year in 2017.

A new report by UK music reveals that revenues reached a new high of £2.6billion in 2017, growing a healthy 7% on the year previously.

The biggest selling UK record of the year was Ed Sheeran’s ‘Divide’, while Rag ’n’ Bone Man’s ‘Human’ followed in fourth spot, chased by Sam Smith’s second album in fifth.

There was also an appearance from Harry Styles, who secured ninth spot with his debut album.

Dua Lipa, meanwhile, collaborated to the success after becoming the most streamed female star of 2017 on Spotify – beating Taylor Swift and Beyonce.

Elsewhere, festivals and live tours still proved to be big business – with shows by Coldplay, The Rolling Stones securing a staggering £1billion.

Describing the report, UK Music chief executive Michael Dugher said: ““British music brings enjoyment to millions and makes a massive contribution to the UK plc”, says UK Music chief executive Michael Dugher.

“I’m really proud of the fact that these figures show once again that when it comes to music, we in the UK are very, very good at what we do. We are a global leader in music and we continue to grow faster than other parts of the British economy and to punch well above our weight.”