Sarah Claudine, who runs Events, Projects & Communications at Music Venue Trust, said: “We are very proud to have so many remarkable women contribute to MVT, from our core team and coordinators to our board of trustees and patrons and know that this diversity is reflective of the changing face of the wider live music community.” 

We announced 6 new patrons last week, ahead of #IWD2021
Say hello to @NovaTwinsMusic, @adwaithband, @DJMoxie, @haaidj, @kerriwatt, @motherartists
Read more https://t.co/3uA2TeZHzX#WomenToTheFront #ChooseToChallenge pic.twitter.com/pRl5EPWPcU

— Music Venue Trust (@musicvenuetrust) March 8, 2021

English rock duo Nova Twins said: “We owe so much to grassroots venues. They are the only way new bands can gain experience and start their careers! They support new artists and bring together an incredible community of local music lovers and musicians. They are essential for smaller bands touring around the UK. Without them, we don’t know where we’d be today!” 

Australian DJ and producer HAAi stated: “My first years in the UK were spent playing in and going to grassroots venues. These were so crucial in not only nurturing me as a musician and performer, but also served as a safe house for likeminded creatives. These venues allow freedom of expression. Now, as a touring DJ, I understand the importance of smaller venues in really developing your craft. Without them we would be stuck in a commercial loop that is less accessible to rising talent to break through. Because of this, I am proud to be an ambassador for the Music Venue Trust.” 

Director of Mother Artists Live Natasha Gregory added: “Our industry is (and our communities are) nothing without Grassroots Music Venues. It’s the start of every band’s dreams. It’s where they learn their craft, meet their fans face to face, share a drink, and form a loyal following for years to come, memories to last a lifetime and the only way to build long term solid foundations.”

Music Venue Trust has also marked International Women’s Day by using social media to shine a light on women who are doing vital work in the grassroots venue sector. They have started a campaign using the hashtag #WomenToTheFront to celebrate these fantastic women throughout the week. 

Happy International Women’s Day! This year, MVT are bringing #WomenToTheFront by spotlighting some of our brilliant team- we’ll be posting their stories all week!
Up first is our Strategic Director Beverley Whitrick, talking about the challenges women can face in the industry. pic.twitter.com/qKHNLwidpI

— Music Venue Trust (@musicvenuetrust) March 8, 2021

Organisers said the new venue, Park Farm, had proved popular last year and they expect 40,000 fans for what is billed as Scotland’s biggest free music festival. The festivals line-up never disappoints and this years looks set to be no different, with what looks set to be the best yet, with the announcement of a trio of stellar and crowd pleasing acts. This year’s festival will see rapper Professor Green return to the festival, along with first time performances from Sigma and X-factor winner Louisa Johnson, who complete the trio of stellar headline acts.

Speaking about his upcoming performance, Professor Green, whose real name Stephen Paul Manderson, said: “I’m really excited to be performing at Youth Beatz again, the crowd were just fantastic!” Meanwhile, British drum and bass DJ and record production duo, Sigma, consisting of Cameron James Edwards and Joseph Aluin Lenzie, said: “we can’t wait to come and perform in Dumfries. The atmosphere in Scotland is just amazing!”

The main Youth Beatz festival will take place over two days, in June and will conclude a seven-day long Fringe Festival. For the first time will see a number of community based events running the length and breadth of Dumfries and Galloway, providing communities with small events for young people, and will be ran in partnership with schools and various other community groups.

Performing alongside the trio of stellar and crowd pleasing headliners is Kerri Watt, and Nathan Grisdale. That’s not all, there is set to be performances from a number of Scotland’s most talented up and coming acts. Youth Beatz have also announced that this year’s festival will include a second performance stage called, “UPLOAD”, which will provide a platform for 32 performances for young musicians from across Dumfries and Galloway, to show off their talent.

Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Young People’s Champion, Councillor Adam Wilson, said: “Our Council is proud to have Youth Beatz returning for a two day event this year as part of our legacy for the Year of Young People. For over ten years Youth Beatz has helped give our young people a taste of events management, performing and opened their eyes to a whole host of social issues through the Toon. I am confident that Youth Beatz 2019 will be better than ever and deliver the same high quality experience that young people in Dumfries and Galloway have come to enjoy.”

The Youth Beatz Festival isn’t only about providing excellent, free music, it’s about the young people in the community. Along with the main stage, where you can see Professor Green, Sigma, Louisa Johnson, Kerri Watt, and Nathan Grisdale, and the new “UPLOAD” stage, other areas of interest around the site include the Kids Tent, I Am A Raver Tent, Youth Information Zone, Youth Work Tent and much more!

Speaking about how they were also pleased to support the festival, Visit Scotland’s regional leadership director, Paula Ward, said: “Youth Beatz really is a unique event that has such a powerful message aimed at inspiring young people to put their creative ideas into action. I am delighted that the festival will return for another year. Ever since it was launched, it has captured the attention of its audience – encouraging high levels of engagement and enthusiasm from the local community, as well as providing a major boost for the local economy.”