Beyonce tops list as the most popular ticketed show in 2023 as O2 reveals record-breaking year for Priority Tickets sales

O2 experienced a record-breaking year in 2023 for live entertainment with 1.4m tickets sold through its Priority Tickets platform and Beyonce’s latest tour coming out on top as the most popular event of the year. 

The impressive ticket sales highlight how the live entertainment industry has continued to bounce back from the impact of the pandemic and is showing increased resilience despite the ongoing cost of living challenges consumers are facing, with people choosing to prioritise live events and entertainment as something they can’t live without.

Tickets purchased through Priority, O2’s customer generosity programme that provides O2 and Virgin Media broadband customers with 48-hour early exclusive early access to some of the biggest events in the world since 2007, experienced a 15% increase in 2023 compared to the previous year.

In 2023 alone, Priority, which has been named the most generous UK Telco reward scheme, gave customers unprecedented and exclusive access to 6000+ shows and 2000 artists at more than 300 venues across the UK, from The O2 and O2 Academy venues to hundreds of other venues across the country.

The top 10 most sort after Priority Tickets shows of 2023 were:

1. Beyonce: Beyonce Renaissance World Tour
2. Madonna: Madonna Tour
3. Micky Flanagan: Micky Flanagan: If Ever We Needed It
4. SZA: SZA SOS Tour
5. Girls Aloud: Girls Aloud Reunion Tour
6. Post Malone: Twelve Carat Tour
7. Noah Kahan
8. Rick Gervais: Armageddon
9. The 1975
10. Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band

Throughout the year, O2 and Virgin Media broadband customers also enjoyed free and exclusive gigs with big-name artists including Kylie Minogue and Anne-Marie as part of the company’s Priority presents gig series, which offers Priority members the unique opportunity to see iconic singers perform their biggest hits at intimate O2 venues.

In 2023, O2 experienced over 200k in-app customer engagements for the chance to attend a Priority gig, encouraging the continuation of the series in 2024 which will enable even more customers to enjoy their favourite artists at intimate shows.

Gareth Griffiths, Director of Partnerships and Sponsorship at Virgin Media O2, said: “Priority from O2 remains unrivalled when it comes to giving fans exclusive 48-hour early access to the biggest live entertainment events in the UK. Last year saw another record-breaking year for Priority Tickets which continues to show how important live shows are. No one does presales like O2, and we’re thrilled our partnerships with Live Nation and AEG are going from strength to strength, delivering amazing live experiences for our customers at our 21 O2 venues nationwide.”

Jim Campling, President of Live Nation UK’s Marketing Partnerships, said: “We’ve had the privilege of working closely with O2 since 2005 and are proud of the continued value Priority Tickets has created for customers across the country. The strength and success of the platform is a true testament to the longevity and unique nature of live music experiences. We look forward to an exciting future with O2 and their Priority members as live entertainment continues to be a cherished part of people’s lives and communities.”

Paul Samuels, Executive Vice President at AEG Global Partnerships, said: “The demand for live entertainment remains incredibly strong, and we’re thrilled to be at the forefront of catering to that demand alongside our O2, and to see Priority Tickets sales at the venue continuing to grow each year after nearly 17 years of successful partnership. 2023 was also our best ever year for Priority Tickets at The O2, with over 400,000 tickets sold to O2 and Virgin Media broadband customers through the platform for shows at the world’s busiest venue. With plenty of world-class artists already announced for this year at The O2, including multiple nights of Take That, Girls Aloud, The Killers, and more, we’re looking forward to working together to deliver even more unforgettable moments for fans in 2024.”

Throughout 2023, Priority members could enjoy average savings of £700* with access to over 1,000 perks and deals from daily treats and experiences to exclusive money-saving discounts that customers can’t enjoy anywhere else.

In addition to early ticket access to thousands of popular venues across the UK, Priority members can also benefit from queue jump, cloakroom services, phone charging, VIP hospitality and discounts on merchandise at The O2 and the 20 nationwide O2 Academy venues.