If you attend a lot of live events and find yourself constantly telling friends about them afterwards, you already have the raw material for a blog or review channel. Turning that enthusiasm into published content is more accessible than ever, and the UK events scene always has room for fresh, honest voices.
This guide covers the practical steps to get started, whether you want to write long-form reviews, create video content, or build something that combines both.
Choose your platform
The platform you choose shapes everything about how you create and share content, so it is worth thinking carefully before you start.
Written blogs
WordPress remains the most flexible option for written content. A free WordPress.com account gets you started immediately, while a self-hosted WordPress.org site (typically around £5 to £10 per month for hosting) gives you full control over design and monetisation. Substack is another strong option if you prefer a newsletter-style format, with the advantage of building a direct email relationship with your readers.
Written reviews age well. A thoughtful review of a gig at Brixton Academy is still readable and valuable years later. Text content also ranks well in search engines, meaning your reviews can attract readers long after publication.
Video channels
YouTube is the obvious home for video event content, from venue vlogs to festival diaries to post-show reviews. The barrier to entry is low. A decent smartphone and basic editing software are all you need to start. TikTok works well for shorter, punchier content, such as quick venue reviews, crowd reactions, and gig highlights.
Video content has higher production demands than writing. You need passable audio, stable footage, and at least basic editing skills. However, the audience potential is larger, and video content tends to generate more engagement and sharing than text.
Social media first
Some of the most successful event content creators started on Instagram or X (formerly Twitter) before expanding to dedicated platforms. Building an audience through regular social posts about events you attend creates a foundation you can later direct to a blog or YouTube channel. The advantage is speed and low commitment. The disadvantage is that social media platforms control your reach and can change algorithms at any time.
Find your angle
The UK does not need another generic music blog that reviews the same headline shows everyone else covers. What it needs is distinctive perspectives and specific expertise. Think about what makes your viewpoint different.
Perhaps you focus on a specific genre, such as folk, electronic, or jazz. Maybe you review events from an accessibility perspective, covering how well venues cater to disabled attendees. You might specialise in small venue gigs, festival food, or the experience of attending events solo. The more specific your angle, the easier it is to stand out and attract a dedicated audience.
Geography can also be a differentiator. A blog dedicated to the live music scene in Bristol, Newcastle, or Edinburgh serves a specific community that national publications often overlook. Local focus builds loyal readership because you are providing information and opinions that nobody else covers in the same depth.
Write your first reviews
Do not wait until you feel ready. Write a review of the next event you attend and publish it. Your first few pieces will not be your best work, and that is completely normal. What matters is getting into the habit of turning your event experiences into content.
A strong event review answers a few core questions: What was the atmosphere like? What were the standout moments? How was the venue and sound quality? Would you recommend it to others, and if so, to whom? Beyond these basics, the best reviews convey a sense of what it actually felt like to be there. Specific details, a particular song that silenced the room, the moment the crowd erupted, the way the lighting transformed during the final number, bring a review to life far more effectively than generic praise.
Be honest. If the sound was poor, say so. If the support act was better than the headliner, say that too. Readers value honesty over diplomacy, and a reputation for straight-talking reviews is worth more than one built on relentless positivity. Our guide on writing great event reviews covers structure and technique in more detail.
Build your audience gradually
Nobody builds a large readership overnight. The blogs and channels that succeed are the ones that publish consistently over months and years. Set a realistic schedule, whether that is one review per week or two per month, and stick to it.
Share your content in relevant communities. Reddit has active subreddits for UK music, specific genres, and local scenes. Facebook groups focused on particular venues, genres, or cities can be receptive to well-written content from members who genuinely participate in the community rather than just dropping links. Tagging venues, artists, and promoters on social media when you publish a review can lead to reshares that bring new readers.
Engage with other creators in the same space. Comment on their work, share their content, and build relationships. The UK events writing community is generally supportive and collaborative rather than competitive. Other bloggers can become valuable allies, sharing tips on press access, recommending events, and cross-promoting each other's work.
Getting press access
As your blog or channel grows, you can start requesting press or media accreditation for events. This typically provides free entry and sometimes a photo pass in exchange for a published review. Most promoters and venues have a press contact, and a polite email explaining who you are, linking to your existing work, and stating your expected reach is usually enough to start the conversation.
Be realistic about timing. Press access generally comes after you have built a body of published work and a demonstrable audience, even a modest one. Starting by reviewing events you attend as a regular ticket buyer gives you the portfolio you need to approach promoters with confidence later.
Festivals often have dedicated media application processes that open several months before the event. Apply early, provide links to previous festival coverage, and be specific about what content you plan to create. For more on the culture around live events, explore our other fan guides.
Equipment and tools
You do not need expensive equipment to start. For a written blog, all you need is a laptop and a willingness to write. For video, a recent smartphone with a decent camera, a small clip-on microphone for better audio (available for under £20), and free editing software such as DaVinci Resolve or CapCut will produce perfectly acceptable results.
As you grow, you might invest in better audio recording equipment, a mirrorless camera for sharper footage, or paid editing software. But these are upgrades, not prerequisites. Many successful creators built their entire audience using nothing more than a phone and a free blog platform.
Staying motivated
The hardest part of running an events blog is sustaining it through the quiet periods. January and February, when fewer major events are happening, test your commitment. This is when behind-the-scenes content, retrospective reviews, "best of" lists, and venue guides help fill the gaps and keep your audience engaged.
Remember why you started: because you love live events and want to share that passion. The moment it feels like a chore, reassess your approach. Adjust your schedule, change your format, or take a short break. The best event content comes from genuine enthusiasm, and that needs to be protected and nurtured rather than ground down by self-imposed deadlines.
