Ghostwriter Consultancy & Events is delighted to announce a long-term live music partnership with Braehead Arena (5,300 capacity).
As Ghostwriter’s first arena partnership, Glasgow’s Braehead Arena joins The Prospect Building in Bristol (3,000/1,350 capacity) and Liverpool Olympia (1,917 capacity) as an exciting addition to the growing family of venues embracing an innovative, artist-focused model. As a result, Braehead Arena will become not only the first arena, but also the largest venue in the UK to not charge artists a commission on merchandise sales.
Following TDL Media’s acquisition of Braehead Arena, this partnership marks the start of a significant programme of investment and strategic collaboration for the venue. It also represents a major step forward for Ghostwriter in both scale and geography, further strengthened by recent senior appointments aligned with the company’s ongoing growth strategy.
Home of the Glasgow Clan, Braehead Arena is embedded in the community and located on the banks of the River Clyde, just 4.5 miles from the city centre. The complex attracts 16.3 million visitors annually and benefits from supporting road networks, ample free parking, and a wide variety of pre-event on-site dining options. The arena is both easily accessible and cost-effective to attend, even when travelling from further afield, with an international airport only 10 minutes away.
Along with a convenient location, the venue provides promoters and artists with a valuable mid-capacity option that bridges the gap between smaller venues and arenas in the region. It offers substantial scale but boasts an auditorium that still feels intimate, ensuring an excellent customer experience in a memorable live music setting.
Gemma Shamah, Operations Director at Ghostwriter, said: “After being engaged as a specialist consultant to review venue operations and identify viable opportunities at Braehead Arena, we are delighted to be chosen as the long-term live music partner. Building on the insights gained through our consultancy and strengthening our relationship with Russell and the venue team, we’re committed to evolving the arena to safely host a diverse range of events and experiences. The space is highly versatile, offering both a fully seated 4,000 and a mixed-format 5,300 capacity. We can’t wait to welcome customers, promoters, and artists into what is truly a special and intimate arena.”
Helen McGee, Ghostwriter’s Head of Venues, added: “The arena has a rich and eclectic heritage, having hosted iconic artists like Oasis, Beyoncé, Megadeth, Kelly Clarkson, Blink-182, INXS, Pendulum, and Snoop Dogg. We aim to once again welcome high-profile performances, working with promoters and artists to deliver a new wave of memorable live experiences for audiences in this vibrant key territory.
“Partnering with Braehead Arena is an exciting step for us, and I firmly believe there’s a real need for a venue of this scale in Glasgow. I’m looking forward to working closely with Russell, David, and the venue team, as the choices we are making represent a shared commitment to driving positive change, engaging local communities, and challenging the status quo.
“I’m particularly pleased that the arena has chosen to recognise the challenges faced by touring artists in the streaming age, and the vital contribution that merchandise revenues now make to the viability of live shows. I also hope that not charging merchandise fees to artists will ultimately benefit our customers by helping to alleviate some of the pressure on ticket pricing as the additional revenue contributes towards the cost of touring.”
Russell Smith, CEO Braehead Arena and Glasgow Clan, comments: “We are delighted to continue working with Ghostwriter, reassured by consultancy that delivered industry expertise, detailed analysis, health & safety oversight, with operational and structural support.
“Working collaboratively, we will empower our team to deliver innovative solutions and implement recommendations, enhancing our overall business performance, shifting market position, and elevating customer experience.
“Driven by shared values, we are proud to be the largest venue and the first arena in the UK to be merchandise fee free for live music events, increasing revenue for artists.
“In partnership with Ghostwriter and other stakeholders, we will bring ‘Braehead Ambition’ to fruition by attracting eclectic retail and leisure activity to the region. We aim to build a sustainable and meaningful future for the venue, supporting both the live music sector and the community we continue to serve. This marks the first of a series of announcements that will see the venue thrive. Through incremental improvements and significant investment, we are positioning ourselves to strengthen our core offerings and elevate the level of service and experience for all our customers.
“The arena is a versatile, multipurpose venue and we aim to attract a wide range of content. From live music and comedy to immersive experiences and exhibitions, we’re committed to delivering a diverse array of exciting activities, including many more thrilling sporting events.”
The arena will operate a voluntary £1 donation per ticket in support of the LIVE Trust for all live music events, with all other Ghostwriter venues operating a voluntary £1 donation per ticket in support of Music Venues Trust.