As 2025 draws to a close, we’re looking at some things which will change in 2026.
Reselling tickets for more than their face value is expected to become illegal across the UK from 2026, under forthcoming government legislation aimed at cracking down on ticket touting.
The proposed law would outlaw the resale of tickets above their original price for concerts, theatre, comedy, sporting fixtures and other live events. Ministers say the move is designed to dismantle the business model of ticket touts and make resale tickets significantly more affordable for genuine fans.
The plans follow years of frustration from the public over touts using bots to bulk-buy tickets during initial releases, only to relist them at hugely inflated prices. This practice has often left fans priced out of events or unable to secure tickets at all.
If passed by Parliament, the legislation is expected to reduce the average resale ticket price by around £37, saving fans an estimated £112 million each year. The government also believes the measures will improve access to first-release ticket sales by limiting the ability of touts to dominate online queues.
The proposals are due to progress through Parliament over the coming months. Should they receive approval, the new rules are expected to come into force in 2026, marking a major shift in how live event tickets are bought and sold across the UK.
