How to get cheap gig tickets if you work for the NHS

Sophie Stanley
March 27, 2026
5 min read

© Danny Howe

We all know it: the price of concert tickets has skyrocketed, especially for big tours and popular venues. Not-so-fun fact: according to the Yorkshire Post, the average UK ticket price has increased by 428% between 1996 and 2025, with an 80.5% rise since 2021 alone.

What many NHS staff don’t realise, though, is that there are simple ways to get around these prices and access cheap concert tickets, NHS concert tickets, and even free tickets for NHS staff through platforms designed specifically for you. 

That’s why we’ve put together this guide to show you how to get cheap NHS tickets through Tickets for Good (TfG).

Start with NHS discounts you already have access to

As an NHS worker, you already have access to a wide range of discounts. Platforms like Health Service Discounts and Blue Light Card are great for everyday savings, but when it comes to gigs, Tickets for Good is one of the best places to find cheap concert tickets and exclusive NHS tickets.

Designed specifically for NHS staff, Tickets for Good gives you access to free tickets (plus a small booking fee), heavily discounted tickets, and affordable entry to concerts, festivals, and more. Instead of paying inflated prices on traditional ticket platforms, you can use TfG to experience some of the UK’s best live events for a fraction of the cost.

Look for free tickets first (and understand booking fees)*

When browsing Tickets for Good, start by looking for events offering free tickets. The only cost you’ll pay is a small mandatory booking fee, which helps us continue bringing these opportunities to you. This is usually between £3 to £7 per ticket.

Check the “new in” or latest drops regularly

If you can’t see something you want to book straight away, don’t worry - new tickets are added daily. You can log in at any time to look for events in your area. Just filter by ‘Recently Uploaded’ to see the newly-added events. 

Be flexible to unlock bigger savings

Being flexible is key! Stay open to:

  • Different venues
  • Travelling slightly further
  • Midweek shows instead of weekends
  • Discovering new artists

This can help you make the most of what TfG has to offer.

Move fast when you see a deal

Remember to act fast! Popular events can sell out quickly because they’re in high demand. Once you’ve found a good offer on your event tickets, it’s best to grab it while you can. We can’t guarantee the offer will stick around.

Last-minute tickets (great for spontaneous plans)

Some events are only released closer to or on the date of the show. To make the most of TfG, we recommend our users stay open to last-minute bookings and spontaneous plans - they’re a great way to find cheapest tickets for a fab last-minute night out.

Off-peak and midweek gigs

One of the best ways to avoid higher costs is to look for weekday shows. Shows at off-peak times can come in much cheaper. Visiting smaller venues is also a great way to save money, as well as finding new, emerging artists - both are more affordable and seeking them out can yield great results.

Seasonal dips and quieter weeks

Ticket prices can often reduce in quieter touring periods or non-holiday weeks. This includes winter months from October to February. Getting the right timing can create great opportunities to snap up lower ticket prices.

Other smart ways to keep gig costs down (without risking fake tickets)

Possibly our most important tip is to only buy from official platforms. It’s better to pay slightly more through a trusted retailer than risk losing money on a fake ticket.

As such, avoid suspicious resale sites, sign up to venue mailing lists, or keep an eye out for announcements from your favourite artist directly. 

How Tickets for Good works for NHS staff

Tickets for Good offers free (plus small mandatory booking fees) and heavily discounted tickets. If you work in the NHS or in the charity or education sector, good news - you’re eligible! 

Sign up via our website; all we need is your work email address and a few details from you. It takes only a few minutes and you’ll unlock access to some of the UK’s best music, festivals, sport, theatre, and live experiences at heavily reduced prices. 

With the right approach, finding cheap concert tickets through NHS-exclusive platforms is easier than you might think!

How to get cheap gig tickets if you work for the NHS
Sophie Stanley
March 27, 2026