The Music Venue Trust (MVT), the sector’s primary advocacy group, reported that more than one Grassroots Music Venue (GMV) closed its doors every single week. In response, a bold new initiative could mark a turning point, with a coalition of independent promoters and music advocates announcing a bold new project: ‘Where It all Began’, a festival designed to breathe life back into struggling independent venues and promoters.

Backed by the MVT and spearheaded by Si Chai, founder of the touring venue collective Chai Wallahs, the festival is scheduled to take place on June 18-21, 2026, at Freddie Fellowes’ family home in Cambridgeshire. The Secret Garden Party Site owner said, “It will be a party that unites several independent festivals, stages, and collectives into one large rave that can offer a proper party”. This signals a paradigm shift away from the zero-sum game of competition, which was powerfully articulated by Si Chai, who states, “We’re not here to compete with the independent scene. We’re here to help”.

The bedrock of the entire initiative lies in its legal structure as a Community Benefit Service (CBS), which allows costs to be shared across venues, promoters, and fans, fundamentally changing the event’s goals, shifting the focus from maximising financial returns to ensuring long-term cultural and economic sustainability for the sector. According to organisers, this approach could cut production and transport expenses by a remarkable 40%, freeing up vital resources for artists and local operators.

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The festival’s initial funding will come from a public crowdfunding campaign set to launch in late 2025. This effort goes beyond mere fundraising; it functions as a membership recruitment strategy that instils a democratic spirit into the festival’s core, promoting a strong sense of ownership and community. The timing is critical, as more GMVs continue to shut down, with many others at risk of collapsing soon. This places the ‘Where It all Began’ festival in a unique and powerful position. It is, in effect, a real-world test case for a new social contract within the music industry, as the success or failure of the festival will serve as a crucial data point on the broader industry debate. By sharing resources and giving fans a seat at the table, it proposes a future where the strength of the independent sector lies not in emulating the corporate model, but in embracing its own unique values of community, collaboration, and mutual support.

Small venues and industry leaders have been battling over the last few years to attempt to secure more funding and security for venues and upcoming artists. 

The last 12 months have seen steps in the right direction, including a government committee hearing where politicians were warned that intervention was needed urgently. Now – in perhaps the biggest boost of optimism – the Prime Minister has declared that he shares the same viewpoint as those arguing for more support.

Speaking in Milton Keynes yesterday (August 6), Starmer announced “a major expansion in youth services funding” which will see £88 million being invested in youth clubs and schools – in an attempt to get young people involved with music, sports and the arts.

I know how difficult it is raising children in an online world.

Today we’ve announced a major expansion in youth services funding, to support youth clubs, after school activities and local organisations — connecting young people to their communities.

Our Plan for Change is…

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) August 6, 2025

NME spoke to the Prime Minister at the event, where they asked him about the threat facing UK grassroots venues and upcoming musicians.

Perhaps the biggest proposal from industry leaders is the £1 ticket levy. This would see any arena level or above gig in the UK give £1 of every ticket sold to a grassroots fund. Although this has seen backing from MPs such as Sir Chris Bryant MP, the pace of the rollout of such a levy is causing concern.

When asked about the proposal, Starmer confirmed his support, saying: “I’m very supportive of this initiative, the £1 ticket levy going back into grassroots, because so much of our music is grassroots. It’s obviously where a lot of musicians start off, and therefore I’m hugely supportive of it. I’d like to see it expanded even more, but I want to support it in any way we can.”

Despite the promising movements towards the introduction of the ticket levy, it is clear that action and legislation is needed much more urgently. Speaking at the government committee back in May, Music Venue Trust (MVT) CEO Mark Davyd warned that it could be another decade until the levy is fully in place: “Of nearly 6 million tickets that have been released since the December 18 ministerial meeting when we all agreed that it was going to be on every ticket, 92 per cent of those tickets don’t have it.”

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PM Keir Starmer shared the sentiment of Mark Davyd, saying more support is needed: “We need to support venues – large and small – across the country. I’ll be looking at what we can do in order to give them the chance not just to survive, but to thrive. There are so many different types of venues in different places where artists have performed for the first time, and go on to do amazing things.

“But also it’s where young people in particular access their first live gig. It’s likely to be the one nearest where they live – then that gives them an appetite to go to see more and more live music. We need more live music and we need to support it.”

Independent venues and upcoming artists all around the country will be hoping that these are not just hollow words. As the government committee heard in May, the creative industry is at real risk of dying. However, these words from the Prime Minister along with the recently announced fan-led review of live music, offer a glimmer of hope to those campaigning for urgent change.

Recent huge shows in the city – including five sold-out Oasis gigs at Heaton Park, as well as performances from the likes of Charli XCX and Billie Eilish – have attracted roughly 1.3 million tourists, leading to a financial boost for the city’s creative scene.

Manchester Evening News has now reported specific details of where the newly available funds will be distributed. Part of the finances will be reinvested into the parkland which has been hosting these huge shows, with the remaining £250,000 going into a fund that will be available for small music venues.

The urgent need for support for grassroots venues has been an ongoing issue throughout the last year or so – including a recent Government Committee where industry leaders urged politicians to do more to save venues and protect new artists.

The main proposal of a compulsory £1 ticket levy on arena level and above gigs has dominated the talk within the industry, with many claiming that the current voluntary-style levy will not trickle down to grassroots venues before it’s too late.

Mark Davyd, Music Venue Trust (MVT) CEO, warned a Government committee back in May that it could be another decade before a full levy is in place, saying: “Of nearly 6 million tickets that have been released since the December 18 ministerial meeting when we all agreed that it was going to be on every ticket, 92 per cent of those tickets don’t have it.”

This announcement of a new £250,000 fund in Manchester has received praise from the music world, as industry leaders are urging other councils to follow in their footsteps.

Jay Taylor of Music Venue Trust spoke of this new fund, saying: “It’s inspiring to see Manchester recognise its place as one of the world’s leading music cities, and acknowledge that the fantastic grassroots music venue network in the city is an essential cornerstone of the amazing music being produced by Manchester artists.

“Manchester City Council has taken the lead with this bold and innovative action, and we hope many more cities and towns across the country can join their efforts to secure the future of the UK’s grassroots music venue network.”

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Music Venue Trust, which “acts to protect, secure and improve UK grassroots music venues”, published a report in 2024 where they found that a “disaster” had hit independent venues – with an average of 10 nightclubs closing down every week in 2024.

Manchester City Council leader, Bev Craig, echoed this sentiment as he announced the new fund, saying: “We know that across the country grassroots venues are struggling. That’s why we want to ensure that our grassroots venues can share some of the benefits from the success of those big events.”

Although more clearly needs to be done – in terms of legislation and true change – the news of a £250,000 fund for smaller venues comes as a beacon of hope for the music industry. Keep up to date with this ongoing issue here at mxdwn.co.uk.

The review launched today (June 4) will explore a multitude of factors impacting the live music sector in this country. Specific matters at hand include “tackling venue closures, unaffordable touring costs, safety at shows and the wider experience of music fans.”

This announcement will come as a sign of encouragement for industry leaders, as it shows much more urgency towards these issues than previous governments have. Just last month, MPs were warned at a committee that not enough progress was being made and that the nation was falling behind.

The proposed £1 ticket levy on all gigs at arena level and above was a contentious talking point at the committee last month, after a survey in April found that 93% of music fans agree with introducing such legislation.  

Many groups and charities have been urging the government to enact statutory change, claiming the current measures are just not enough. Music Venue Trust (MVT), a charity which acts to “protect, secure and improve UK grassroots music venues”, have been one of the most out-spoken groups on the matter.

In a response to todays announcement, MVT said: “This review came as a direct response to long-standing concerns raised by venue operators, artists, promoters and campaigners, including MVT. It is a vital chance to put sustainability, fairness and access at the heart of the live music industry.”

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The fan-led review was announced by Culture, Media and Sport (CMS) Committee Chair Dame Caroline Dinenage, following on from recommendations made by the previous parliament.

Speaking on the importance of the new review, Dinenage said: “Despite some headway being made on an industry-led levy to support grassroots music, venues are still shutting their doors at an alarming rate, while the government continues to stick its fingers in its ears when it comes to calls for a fan-led review. 

“It’s time to put the power in the hands of those who truly understand and love live and electronic music – the fans, artists, DJs and festival goers, as well as those who work behind the scenes.”

Dame Carloline also revealed that she has tabled an amendment to legislation currently going through parliament, where she intends to strengthen the rights of music venues in cases of noise complaints with new neighbours.

If the ‘Agent Of Change’, which it’s been named, passes through parliament, it will be welcomed by nightlife venues up-and-down the country, especially in London after March’s announcement of designated ‘quiet zones’ being introduced in an effort to appease local residents.

Utterly pathetic. Westminster councillors – Soho! the West End! – launch a plan “encouraging venues to host ‘quiet nights’ with reduced noise levels, dimmed lighting” & less drinking.

If people living in flats in the centre of one of the world’s biggest cities want “quiet… https://t.co/XC7XXwZa34

— Benjamin Butterworth (@benjaminbutter) March 13, 2025

Michael Knight, CEO of Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), emphasised the need for such legislation, saying: “Putting the Agent Of Change principle on a statutory footing is essential to protecting our venues from unfair closures and costly disputes.

“It ensures that new developments take responsibility for managing their impact, safeguarding the future of our grassroots music venues, clubs, and cultural spaces that are the heartbeat of our towns and cities.”

Whether the newly announced review is urgent and powerful enough to save venues – such as The Leadmill in Sheffield which recently announced it’s upcoming closure – is a question that only time will answer. Industry leaders will, however, be praying that it leads to true legislative change.

The Leadmill – which has played host to huge acts including Oasis and Pulp since it’s opening in 1980 – was given twelve weeks to vacate it’s premises earlier this month following an ongoing legal battle with new landlords.

Electric Group initially served an eviction notice to the tenants in March 2022 as they allegedly look to rebrand the venue to Electric Sheffield. Following a long process, the appeal to overturn the eviction was eventually rejected in May 2025 and the Steel City will now officially be losing a cultural staple.

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The news has led to an outcry of despair and disappointment from the Sheffield and music world. Richard Hawley, former Pulp and Longpigs guitarist, is known as the musician to have played the venue more than anyone else.

The 58-year old singer-songwriter has now come out to share his anger at the decision, telling NME: “I’m trying not to get angry, but it’s very difficult because they say I’m the musician that’s played there the most by a long, long way.

“It’s probably true. I don’t want that to stop, and not just for me but other people. It’s a rite of passage. The people running it now are best placed to do so.”

Hawley has voiced his support for an urgent change of legislation to stop this from happening again. Over the last few years, there has been an increased call for music venues to own their own buildings. The idea of a “National Trust for music venues” has been floated about in an attempt to prevent landlords from closing down iconic buildings.

Begging the government to enact change, Hawley said in the same interview: “There desperately needs to be a change in legislation. If someone comes along and buys the land under your business and building and throws you out and turns it into flats – which happens all the time – or if they kick you out but steal your business, we’re talking about a serious moral issue.”

Highlighting the importance of these venues, and especially The Leadmill, he continued: “The Leadmill is out Cavern Club, it’s our Marquee, it’s our Hacienda, it’s our 100 Club. People from this city know best how to run that venue. I can’t see how a corporate-structured company can possibly understand the difference between clubbers, audiences and artists that come from here.

“Cities are living, breathing things, and it’s individuals that make up the vibe. Living in Sheffield is completely fucking different to living in Manchester or Newcastle. Unfortunately, I predict that they’re going to fuck it up and turn it into flats like they did with The Hacienda.”

This impassioned rant from Hawley just underpins they cultural value and importance of venues such as The Leadmill.

As the government continues to hold committees and hearings, venues up-and-down the country continue to close at an alarming rate. As Hawley and many others argue, until true legislation is brought in, this will not change.

In other news relating to Hawley, he will release an anniversary edition of his revered third solo album ‘Coles Corner‘ on July 4. You can pre-order it here, and also head here to find tickets to his upcoming tour where he will play the album in full.

The Mayor of London has collaborated with Music Venue Trust, Featured Artists Coalition, Outernet, the Metro and Universal Music in an effort to shed a light on the music venues and artists from the city.

The City Hall released numbers to highlight the cultural relevance and importance of independent venues within London. There are currently 179 grassroots venues in the capital which welcomed a total of 4.2 million visitors in 2024 alone, with an incredible 328,000 artists performing.

Not only are they important culturally, but also economically, with these businesses employing close to 7,000 people and contributing £313 million to the economy.

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This campaign is another step in the right direction as the desire to save grassroots venues continues to grow throughout the UK. Groups such as Music Venue Trust and Featured Artists Coalition have been working endlessly to promote the problems facing independent music spaces up and down the country.

Although there is still lots of work to be done, the message is seemingly beginning to get across to the British population. In a recent survey conducted by ‘Music Fans’ Voice’, an overwhelming 94% of respondents agreed that legislation must be bought in to give music venues and nightclubs some form of protected status.

The pendulum continues to swing in favour of independent venues, with this new London-based campaign being a further example of acknowledgement that change is needed. However, many still argue that the words are not being transferred into actions.

Independent MP Jeremy Corbyn recently called out the government for not implementing a recommended £1 ticket levy on large venues, saying: “Almost a year ago, the parliamentary DCMS committee vindicated this approach… which was subsequently acknowledged by the government as a viable option.

“But a year on, we continue to lose grassroots music venues at a truly alarming rate.” Corbyn said as he launched a new campaign, ‘A Summer To Save Live Music’. Check out mxdwn coverage on the series of gigs which aim to raise awareness for these struggling venues.

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The reimagined tube map was published in the Metro newspaper today (May 13) and will be displayed on screens at Outernet London on Denmark Street for the next month.

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, pointed out the importance of the grassroots scene in London, whilst also stating just how crucial the survival of it is, saying: “From providing opportunites for talented aspiring artists to develop their trade, to giving Londoners a great night out, our venues are an essential part of our life at night and provide a huge boost to our economy.

“This special edition Tube map is a great way to highlight what a huge impact the scene has on our capital, as we continue to do all we can to support venues and build a more prosperous London for everyone.”

Although the sentiment will be appreciated, independent venues up-and-down the country will be hoping to see true legislation and change bought in sooner rather than later. 

It was reported in 2024 how 10 nightclubs were closing every week on average, something that can only be prevented by legislation and protection.

The hardcore and punk venue was forced to close its doors in March after struggling to survive throughout the Covid pandemic. The landlord decided to terminate the lease and turn the building into flats and shops… a story becoming all too prominent in this country.

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However, after a string of benefit gigs and crowdfunding campaigns, Boom is now ready to reopen its doors at a beautiful canalside location on Armley Road.

Next door to the 1,000 capacity Project House, the new venue will become a hub of music and culture which, when complete, will boast a live music space, rehearsal rooms, a recording studio, extra event rooms, and education and community facilities.

The first show will take place on May 21 as Leeds hardcore band Bodyweb headline with support from Long Goodbye, imissyoualready, Crowquil and Monroe.

The news of a venue re-opening after being forced to shut comes as a glimmer of hope to grassroots venues up and down the country.

Mxdwn has extensively covered the growing problems that independent venues are facing in this country, with a new survey finding that over half of the British population have witnessed the closure of a locally important venue since 2020.

Work is being done to tackle this by many groups including the Music Venue Trust and Jeremy Corbyn’s Peace And Justice Project, with the latter recently announcing the new campaign ‘A Summer To Save Live Music’.

Now, fans of punk in Leeds can rejoice at the reopening of the legendary venue. Posting on Instagram, the Boom team said: “Thanks to six months of fundraising, merch projects and countless volunteer hours, we’ve already started to transform the space and can’t wait to welcome you all back later this month.

“There’s still plenty to do, and it’s definitely a work in progress, opening for gigs is our next big step in raising the funds we need.”

 

 

 

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After the opening night on May 21, the venue will then be headlined the next day by Inhuman Nature with support from Grief Ritual, Sidewinder and Hard Stare.

One band that cut their teeth at Boom was Static Dress. Speaking in January 2024, frontman Oli Appleyard spoke of the importance of the venue, telling NME: “It’s a home of so much culture and not just one specific genre – punk, metal, hardcore, grindcore – all the stuff which wouldn’t normally have a place.

“It’s a place which allows international artists to come through and play shows, and it allows a safe place for all these things to exist.”

Tickets for the launch gigs are available now from here with the opening night costing only £12 plus booking fee.

You can also support the venue by donating to their crowdfunder which has already raised over £3,500, or by heading to their merch store here where a selection of posters and clothes are available.

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The crisis is well-documented, with the main issues remaining: the years of funding cuts that have hit the arts sector hard, and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis that sent bills spiraling. Statistics published as part of the campaign paint a bleak picture, with 41% of grassroots youth music projects are now at risk, a 17% increase from 2024, and half of Youth Music-funded spaces have waiting lists due to a lack of resources.  

Another disturbing figure is that Youth Music can currently only fund 18% of all applications for help they receive, which leaves an estimated 260,000 young people without access to music spaces within their communities. The need for the urgent fundraising is paramount, with over a quarter of those lucky enough to receive funding from Youth Music still facing uncertainty over their future.

 

 

 

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In their own words, the ‘Rescue the Roots’ campaign is Youth Music prepared to seek a solution rather than just raising the alarm. As part of the effort, the organisation will also match every pound donated up to £1 million, taking the total fund up to £2 million. Youth Music estimates that this amount will provide support to over 18,000 young people. 

Jordan Stephens, one half of Rizzle Kicks, has lent his support to the cause, even getting “Rescue the Roots” tattooed on his arm. Stephens was awarded the Youth Music Awards Grassroots Hero in 2024, and as a rallying cry, said, “Rescue the Roots isn’t just a phrase, it’s a call to arms and a plea for fundraising support – it is the most important thing we can do to safeguard the next generation of musical talent. If we don’t, there will be no new artists, no fresh sounds, no future for UK music.”

As working class young people strive to succeed in music and the wider creative industries, it is essential to retain other routes for talent development.

That’s why we are backing @YouthMusic‘s #RescueTheRoots with @jordanfstephens
Watch the documentary: https://t.co/Rm0D3hBorh

— The FAC (@FeaturedArtists) March 11, 2025

 Back in November, Youth Music teamed up with music streaming platform Spotify to help save 15 youth spaces up and down the UK that were facing closure. On the partnership, Spotify’s Global Head of Diversity, Equity, and Impact, Dina Gabriel said “By working with Youth Music, we can safeguard these spaces and the opportunities they create.”

The Music Venue Trust is another organisation fighting hard in this space, and has become one of the biggest voices for music venues. They were invited to Parliament to launch their 2024 report, with Kate Nash performing at the event, and shortly after being named as a patron of the trust. In December, MVT secured £60,000 through a partnership with Ticketmaster which supported the Pipeline Investment Fund.

The need for systemic change is obvious. Temporary measures can only paper over the cracks, but the ‘Rescue the Roots’ front-foot approach could be the catalyst for change that grassroots music spaces and venues so desperately need.

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Nash announced the news to her fans on Instagram, posting a story and writing, “Proud to be a new MVT Patron. The work I have been doing aligns with theirs. I’m ready to make bigger & better changes to my industry.” Nash and Berry were joined by music industry figures Summer Marshall, Robert Kilpatrick, Neal Thompson, and Colin Newman.  

Nash’s appointment comes as grassroots venues are in crisis, struggling to keep their doors open and closing at an alarming rate. According to the MVT 2024 report, a UK venue shuts down every two weeks, and a quarter of all venues face risk the of permanent closure. Even with pledges and donations, experts warn that there needs to be a holistic approach to the issue rather than short-term solutions that focus on immediate survival. 

Did you know one-third of Music Venue Alliance members are now not-for-profit? That’s a massive 29% rise in just a year! [image or embed] — Music Venue Trust (@musicvenuetrust.bsky.social) 5 February 2025 at 19:09

The ‘Foundations’ singer has been vocal about these issues, teaming up with Save Our Scene in November. Paraded around London on a converted fire truck, Nash used a megaphone to drum up support for venues and artists alike, as well as visiting the UK headquarters of Live Nation and Spotify to denounce the companies for failing the music industry.

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She also made headlines in December when she joined OnlyFans in order to raise funds that would support her tour. Named ‘Butts for Buses’, Nash used the opportunity to grab headlines and make the wider public aware of the costs of being a musician.  

Nash’s visit to the Palace of Westminster on January 27 put her in front of the people capable of making a real difference. As the singer said on her Instagram, “This gives me the chance to meet MPs & advocate for live music & artists in the UK.” Her visit coincided with the release of the MVT Annual Report.

The report laid out the grim reality faced by some of the UK’s most iconic venues. Despite contributing £526 million to the UK economy, these spaces remain under significant financial strain, prompting MVT CEO Mark Davyd to call for action: “Venues are still closing, still under extreme and totally unnecessary financial pressures, still failing to be recognised when government designs policy, taxation, and legislation. We need action, not words.”  

Sian Berry has also been a voice for change in the fight to protect grassroots venues, doing so as the Green Party MP for Brighton Pavilion. She published a letter on her website in which she fought against a planning application that would threaten the closure of local venue, Alphabet. Speaking at the launch of the 2024 report, Berry said: “I have seen firsthand the incredible and tireless work of the Music Venue Trust. As an MP, it’s hugely reassuring to have their insights and expertise.”

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Nash and Berry are the latest to join a growing list of high-profile supporters, including Sam Fender, who has pledged £1 from every ticket of his tour to the trust. Sir Paul McCartney is also a supporter, saying, “Throughout my career I’ve been lucky enough to play in venues of all different shapes and sizes, from tiny clubs to massive stadiums all over the world. Without the grassroots clubs, pubs and music venues my career could have been very different.”

Although their efforts have very much been in the same area, the partnership between MVT and Nash, as well as Berry and the four others, will reinvigorate the movement and hopefully bring even more awareness to just how vulnerable these important venues really are.

Since the first IVW back in 2014, it has grown exponentially and supports venues across all four nations of the United Kingdom. From iconic spaces like Brudenell Social Club in Leeds, to London’s Troxy and Manchester’s Gullivers, IVW celebrates venues of any shape and size, and not just music venues, with many of them hosting a variety of events throughout the year. 

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Guided by a mantra of “purpose over profit”, venues are selected based on their contributions to their communities, putting locals at the heart of the events rather than any corporate stakeholders. As their website explains, it doesn’t matter who owns the venue—it’s the people in charge of programming and their commitment to audiences that make the difference.  

Supported by a multitude of sponsors, the main partners of the event are Arts Council England, and BBC Radio 6. Radio 6 DJs Steve Lamacq and Huw Stephens will be dedicating airtime to highlight the events, with Lamacq even broadcasting live from the Brudenell Social Club on Monday, bringing listeners directly into the heart of the action.

 

 

 

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Samantha Moy, Head of BBC Radio 6 Music, emphasised the importance of these spaces, saying: “At 6 Music, we are passionate about the vital role independent venues play in the industry—opening doors of opportunity for artistic expression across all musical genres.”

Just as the Music Venue Trust reported a decline in towns and cities visited by touring artists, IVW brings artists to nooks and crannies around the country. Indie band The Bug Club will be visiting Lincoln and Northampton, while country band The Cactus Blossoms will visit York’s Pocklington Arts Centre. The Cactus Blossoms will be supported by country duo Campbell/Jensen, featuring Ashley Campbell, the daughter of country legend Glen Campbell.

Beyond the performances, IVW also highlights the broader impact of independent venues on society. Big Jeff, described as a prolific gig-goer, revealed the importance of these places, calling them “a modern-day version of churches.” They offer people a “third place”, somewhere outside of work and home, where they can socialise and relax, and ultimately combat loneliness and alienation.  

IVW has also supported various charities and gigs over its 11 year history, again placing the community at the centre of everything they do. Gig Buddies help partner neurodivergent people with music-loving volunteers, and highlight the independence it helps give them. Soundcheck Sessions allow groups of young people to attend soundchecks during the day of an evening gig, giving them a chance to ask the musicians and crew questions, encouraging an interest in grassroots venues.

Introducing Gig Buddies our befriending project which pairs up adults with learning disabilities and/or autistic people with volunteers based on their shared interests. This can be music, theatre, art, sport – anything you love!

This reconnects people with their community & combats isolation

[image or embed]

— Stay Up Late (@gigbuddies.bsky.social) 10 January 2025 at 11:16

One of IVW key tenets is highlighting the funding struggles many of the venues have, particularly issues around funding amid the continuing cost of living crisis. There may be a light at the end of the tunnel however, with the UK government acting quickly to implement a voluntary £1 levy on large-scale arena shows. These funds will then be redirected to small venues, and many of the venues participating will be able to benefit from the scheme. Ticketmaster UK recently made a £60,000 donation to the Music Venue Trust, suggesting that a levy would be welcomed by the ticketing giant.

IVW is not just a celebration of live music; it’s a testament to the resilience and creativity of grassroots venues and the communities they serve. As audiences collect over the coming week, they’ll be supporting the future of live music and the places where artists and fans come together, and hopefully establishing a lifelong relationship with many of the amazing spaces which act as a talent pipeline for the UK’s £7.6 billion live music industry.