Shillong’s reputation as India’s rock music capital was further solidified as British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran took center stage on Wednesday, captivating a crowd of over 30,000 fans. As part of his Mathematics Tour, Sheeran delivered electrifying performances of hits like Shivers, I’m a Mess, Photograph, and Happier, using his signature loop station technique to build songs live on stage, making each performance unique.
With Sheeran joining the ranks of international artists such as Bryan Adams, Akon, and Clean Bandit, who performed in Shillong towards the end of 2024, the city is rapidly becoming a premier destination for global music events. This aligns with the Meghalaya government’s ambitious ₹4,000 crore investment in music tourism infrastructure, positioning Shillong as a top-tier concert venue in India.
Government’s Vision for Music-Driven Tourism
Meghalaya Governor Chandrashekhar H Vijayashankar, in his Republic Day address, highlighted the state’s economic growth goals, aiming to double the state’s GDP and achieve a $10 billion economy by 2028. Significant investments in tourism infrastructure are already underway, including:
- The Shillong Peak Ropeway Project to enhance connectivity.
- Redevelopment of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) infrastructure at Mawkhanu and Umiam Lake.
- Expansion of Shillong Airport’s runway to accommodate rising domestic and international tourist footfall.
- The Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project (MGMP), aimed at supporting and promoting local musical talent on international stages.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma emphasized how music is deeply intertwined with Meghalaya’s cultural identity and serves as a key driver of economic growth. “By bringing international stars like Ed Sheeran to Shillong, we are not just celebrating our rich musical heritage but also creating new avenues for employment and business,” he stated.
Tourism Boom and Economic Impact
As live music concerts return post-pandemic, Shillong’s local economy is experiencing a significant boost. The numbers speak for themselves:
- Tourist Footfall: In 2022, Meghalaya welcomed 1.2 million tourists, and the 2024 Cherry Blossom Festival alone attracted over 50,000 visitors, generating ₹12 crore in revenue.
- Concert-Driven Economy: According to government data, every ₹1 spent on a concert ticket results in ₹4-₹5 in local economic activity, benefiting hospitality, transport, and retail sectors.
- Projected Tourism Growth: Tourism Director Cyril Diengdoh anticipates that Meghalaya’s tourism revenue will reach ₹12,000 crore by 2028, with annual tourist footfall expected to touch 20 lakh.
The impact extends beyond ticket sales. Local food vendors, homestay owners, and transport operators are witnessing a sharp rise in earnings:
- Street food vendors, like Charles Lyngdoh, report a 25x increase in daily earnings, making close to ₹50,000 on concert days compared to ₹2,000 on regular days.
- Homestay owners, such as Bahduh Mukhim, say concert nights sell out rooms at 10 times the usual rates, ranging between ₹2,500-₹2,800 per night.
Shillong: A Rising Music Hub
Shillong has long been known for its rock and blues heritage, with music festivals like NH7 Weekender, Sunburn, and Bloomverse drawing large crowds. The city has also hosted performances by Alan Walker (Walkerworld India Tour, September 2024), DJ R3HAB (Cherry Blossom Festival, 2024), and India’s own rock legend Lou Majaw, who continues to enthrall audiences at 70.
Adding to the excitement, Nick Carter of Backstreet Boys is set to perform in March 2025 as part of his Who I Am Tour, further cementing Shillong’s position as a global music tourism hotspot.
With strategic government investments, increasing international artist interest, and strong local engagement, Shillong is well on its way to becoming the cultural heartbeat of India’s music tourism industry.
Sources By Agencies
