Instead of fields and campfires, Everywhere At Once will take place inside the UK’s grassroots music venues, from Inverness to Penzance. Across three days, these spaces will host hundreds of shows featuring major artists, established touring acts and emerging local talent in the intimate rooms that have shaped generations of British musicians. Organisers describe it as “not a festival in a field” but a chance to experience a curated programme of live music in the rooms that sit at the heart of their neighbourhoods.

The festival marks the latest step in a long-standing relationship between the Music Venue Trust and The National Lottery, which has previously supported initiatives such as Revive Live and United By Music to underwrite touring costs and aid the post-pandemic recovery of small venues. For Everywhere At Once, National Lottery funding will again go straight into venues and promoters, with the aim of pairing increased visibility for the circuit with what organisers call “meaningful, practical support.”

“This is a hugely significant moment for the grassroots music sector,” said Music Venue Trust CEO Mark Davyd in the launch announcement. He highlighted the scale of bringing hundreds of venues together over a single weekend as evidence of the network that underpins live music across the country. Davyd also framed the project as both a celebration and a mechanism to “put real investment directly into venues while amplifying their collective voice.”

Everywhere At Once will also have a built-in charitable dimension. Audiences will be asked at point of purchase if they want to donate to a group of music-related charities, including War Child, Nordoff and Robbins, Help Musicians UK and Teenage Cancer Trust. George Fleming of campaign group Save Our Scene, a delivery partner on the project alongside the Association of Independent Promoters, said the weekend shows that “the grassroots never stands still”, even during typically quieter summer periods.

The National Lottery, which describes itself as the UK’s biggest supporter of the arts, presents Everywhere At Once as a statement about where live music lives in 2026. The aim is to spotlight the role of small venues in nurturing new talent and sustaining local scenes, while giving fans a reason to stay close to home rather than chase a distant field.

Full line-ups and ticket details for Everywhere At Once are still to come, but Music Venue Trust is positioning the weekend as a genuine national moment. The organisation promises more stages and more artists than any single greenfield festival this summer, all accessed via local venues where “the artists play, the venues host, the nation listens”.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Music Venue Trust (@musicvenuetrust)

In a strongly worded statement shared on Instagram, the charity called on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and his government to take “urgent and decisive action” to prevent widespread closures and steep ticket price hikes within the live music sector. The organisation warned that the incoming 2026 Business Rates Revaluation would disproportionately affect small and independent venues already operating on narrow margins.

“The entire music industry is united in calling for Sir Keir Starmer and his government to take urgent and decisive action on business rates before ticket prices soar and venues close,” the post stated. Describing the policy as “a closure notice” for hundreds of stages, the Trust urged fans, artists and industry figures to rally behind their campaign for reform. “We have come together today to sign a joint letter to the Prime Minister.”

The MVT has consistently argued that grassroots venues provide vital infrastructure for the UK’s cultural ecosystem, serving as the first performance spaces for emerging artists and local talent. The charity has warned that rising operating costs, including energy bills, rent, and licensing fees, have already placed enormous strain on many venues since the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Treasury spokesperson has publicly acknowledged in a Sky News Article that some music venues will face higher costs as support schemes end and valuations rise, but pointed to a multi‑billion‑pound support package, tax reliefs and targeted cultural funding as evidence that the government is already acting. 

Even still, according to data collected by the organisation, more than 100 grassroots venues permanently closed in 2024, representing a loss of thousands of live performance opportunities nationwide. Campaigners say that additional taxation could make it impossible for many operators to remain open, leading to a reduction in live music availability and further centralisation of the industry around major cities. 

The MVT is calling for a review of how business rates are applied to cultural spaces, arguing that current models treat live music venues in the same way as bars or nightclubs rather than recognising their cultural and community value. The Trust has urged the Treasury to explore a targeted relief or exemption system, similar to schemes already in place for theatres, museums, and arts centres.

Industry organisations, including UK Music and the Night Time Industries Association, have previously supported calls for structural reform to business rates, describing the tax as outdated and disproportionately burdensome for smaller, independently operated spaces. Observers warn that without better government intervention, the UK risks losing a critical part of its creative infrastructure, one that has historically been essential to the careers of many major artists.

Featured Image Credits: Prism.fm

The funds will help support the charity’s work to protect and secure the future of live music spaces across the nation. Sam Fender recognised the role that grassroots venues have played in his early career, saying, “I wouldn’t be doing what I am doing today if it wasn’t for all the gigs I played around the North East, and beyond, when I was starting out. These venues are legendary, but they are struggling.”

CEO and founder of MVT Mark Davyd said, “This is an incredible gesture by Sam, demonstrating once again that artists absolutely understand how vital grassroots music venues are to their careers and to their communities. We are honoured to accept this donation and will ensure every penny of it makes a direct difference to the campaign to keep live music at the heart of our towns and cities”

Sam Fender’s recent UK and Ireland tour dates saw him donate £1 from each ticket sold to the Music Venue Trust. His arena shows in 2024 raised more than £100,000 for the charity’s Liveline Fund to support 38 different grassroots venues across England, Scotland, and Wales.

Sam explained that, “It’s brilliant to see that the money raised from the arena tour is making a real difference to so many venues. The grassroots circuit has been decimated over the last 10 years or so, and the idea that money from shows in big venues supports the smaller venues, where it all starts for musicians like me, is just common sense.”

Last week, it was announced that both The Joiners and The Croft, two grassroots music venues, had been saved by the National Trust of venues, Music Venue Properties. It was first announced by MVT in May 2022, and the campaign raised £2.3 million in the first year through donations and investments. That figure now stands at almost £4 million.

Other major acts like Coldplay and Katy Perry have adopted the levy and donated a portion of ticket sales to help save grassroots venues. In spring, it was reported that UK tour ticket contributions had raised £500,000 for grassroots spaces. A report published earlier this year found that over 90 per cent of music fans were supportive of the £1 ticket levy.

When speaking with NME, Prime Minister Kier Starmer said, “I’m very supportive of this initiative, the £1 levy going back into grassroots [venues], because so much of our music is grassroots.”

The stage, positioned next to the main arena, is part of the MVT’s effort to give grassroots acts exposure at some of the UK’s biggest shows. Coldplay, who brought their ‘Music of the Spheres’ world tour to Wembley earlier this month, have partnered with the organisation throughout their 10-date residency at the stadium. Ten per cent of ticket proceeds from the run are being donated directly to the MVT, which supports small venues across the country.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by LIVE Trust (@livetrustcharity)

Speaking about the experience, vocalist and guitarist Issy Cartlidge highlighted the shared importance of grassroots venues to both emerging artists and global stars. She said from the stage: “Whether it’s Coldplay or The Molotovs, one thing almost all bands have in common is that they developed their craft, and their audience, playing at grassroots venues up and down the country,” she said.

“While Coldplay started out at the likes of the Falcon and the Bull & Gate, we played the likes of The Half Moon, The 100 Club and Spice of Life – where we still host a weekly music night, Incendiary, with some of London’s best young guitar bands. Another thing we have in common is that we are music fans, and without these venues we wouldn’t get to see amazing artists in action.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Cecile Ruhe (@cecileruhe)

Formed by siblings Matthew and Issy Cartlidge, The Molotovs have established themselves as one of the UK’s hardest-working young bands, playing more than 600 shows despite still being in their teens. Their reputation has earned them high-profile support slots, most recently opening for the Sex Pistols. They will join the punk icons once again on their upcoming North American tour, beginning September 16 at the Longhorn Ballroom in Dallas, Texas.

Coldplay’s partnership with the MVT comes amid growing concern over the future of small venues. The organisation has warned that one grassroots space is closing every two weeks, describing the situation as a potential “collapse of touring” for emerging artists. For years, the MVT has campaigned for a mandatory £1 levy on arena and stadium tickets to be reinvested in the grassroots sector, a move it argues is essential to sustain the pipeline of talent that feeds into the wider music industry.

By spotlighting acts like The Molotovs at Wembley, the collaboration highlights the vital role smaller stages continue to play in shaping the next generation of headliners.

In case you missed it, MXDWNs earlier coverage of Only The Poets announcing the £1 levy for their 02 academy Brixton show can be read here.

The compilation album features notable tracks from a wide range of UK artists, including Wunderhorse, English Teacher, Katy J Pearson, Lambrini Girls, Mary In The Junkyard, Matt Maltese, Warmduscher, Nova Twins, and Honeyglaze, among others. A total of 26 artists are contributing to the release, reflecting the breadth of the UK’s contemporary indie, punk, and experimental music scenes.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Opus Kink (@opuskink)

In a press statement, Opus Kink said of the compilation: “Touring independent music venues is like this. The most passionate organisers are the ones who do it on a shoestring and are often one bad season away from crumbling.”

They added: “Support for these venues and humans is starting to glimmer in the ashes through donations and awareness and the work of groups like MVT, but as always, unfortunately, it must also take wresting a more fundamental and top – down offering from the industry to really stay the decimation of grassroots live music culture in this country.”

“In the meantime, please enjoy the sounds of some of the artists who help to keep alive the places that birthed them and please buy this record so you can do that too,” it added. “And remember to thank Satan.”

The album arrives against the backdrop of an ongoing crisis for grassroots music venues. A report published earlier this year by the Music Venue Trust revealed that one grassroots venue is closing every two weeks across the UK. Rising costs, post-pandemic financial instability, and limited government support have all been cited as major contributing factors.

The Music Venue Trust, founded in 2014, advocates for the protection and development of grassroots music spaces. The charity supports venues through financial aid, lobbying efforts, and campaigning for systemic industry reforms. The UK Touring Artists Fund, meanwhile, provides grants to artists impacted by rising touring costs and venue closures.

The compilation track listing for ‘A Hideous Collection’ compilation:

Vinyl One

Foreword From Steve Lamacq
Big Special – ‘Cooked Fish’
Katy J Pearson – ‘Tonight’
Luvcat – ‘He’s My Man (live in Cologne)’
Honeyglaze – ‘Turn Out Right’
Matt Maltese – ‘Please Don’t Kill Me’
Opus Kink – ‘Thank You Satan’
Lambrini Girls – ‘Big Dick Energy (live in Seattle)’
Warmduscher – ‘YAKUZA’
TTSSFU – ‘Upstairs’
Hamish Hawk – ‘Burning Up’
Wunderhorse – ‘Rain (live)’

Vinyl Two

Antony Szmierek – ‘Independent Venue Week Poem’
Friedberg – ‘Haha’
Hot Wax – ‘Chip My Teeth (live at Rough Trade East)’
Getdown Services – ‘AONB’
Gurriers – ‘Approachable (Chris. W. Ryan. version)’
Nova Twins – ‘Monsters (live)’
cumgirl8 – ‘Goblin’
The Oozes – ‘The Entertainer’
Los Bitchos – ‘Turkish Delight’
Oracle Sisters – ‘Wait For Me’
English Teacher – ‘Yorkshire Tapas’
mary in the junkyard – ‘ghost (demo)’

‘The Hideous Collection’ aims to raise both awareness and funds. All proceeds from sales of the album will go directly to the two organisations. The compilation will be available to pre-order in the coming weeks on digital and vinyl format. The link for the album can be accessed here.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) announced on Tuesday (July 22) that these changes – made in partnership with major labels – will “deliver tens of millions of pounds in new investment to support musicians by 2030” and “provide a major boost for UK music creators”.

The plans have been put forward by the Creator Remuneration Working Group (CRWG) – which is chaired by Creative Industries Minster Sir Chris Bryant MP – and will include a new framework for the renegotiation of contracts by artists who signed a record deal before the ‘boom’ of streaming platforms.

The CRWG and major labels have also revealed plans to support songwriters and composers via the payment of expenses for recording sessions. The changes will also see an uplift in the fees for session musicians – with pop sessions seeing a rise of up to 40 per cent, ensuring that they are “more fairly paid for their work”.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Featured Artists Coalition (FAC) (@featuredartistscoalition)

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has explained the need for the changes, saying: “Streaming has totally revolutionised how audiences discover and enjoy music, and how artists connect with their fans across the globe. But we have heard loud and clear from creators that more needs to be done to ensure they are fairly compensated when their work is used on streaming platforms.”

One of the main factors of this new deal is the protection of legacy artists. The landscape of the music industry is unrecognisable from when these musicians signed their first record label, and the government has recognised this with the new protections.

Speaking about this specific issue, Sir Chris Bryant MP said: “One of my concerns has been legacy artists; artists who are important in the streaming world and sometimes their work suddenly comes back into prominence, but they hardly earn anything from streaming because they’re still on legacy contracts.

“What we’ve been doing through the CRWG is trying to get the record labels to preferably wipe off all overdue balances. If they’re not going to do that, then to renegotiate with legacy artists so that they’re not on five, six, seven per cent of royalty rates are on something more like 25 to 30 per cent.”

Despite this news being welcomed by the music industry, many still feel that a lot more has to be done and that longstanding issues with streaming inequality still remains.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Music Venue Trust (@musicvenuetrust)

The Council of Music Makers said in a statement: “In 2021 Parliament’s Culture, Media and Sport Committee raised several fundamental issues regarding the streaming business model, calling for a ‘complete reset’. These issues remain largely unresolved, as major labels say they will not address systematic inequalities in the way streaming works voluntarily.

“This means our copyright law is currently failing to empower and protect the UK’s human creators because of the inequitable policies of major right-holders.”

Calls for the improvement and protection of musicians rights have only gained traction in the last year or so, with the likes of Music Venue Trust and Featured Artists Coalition gaining more recognition. Whether the UK government is doing enough to tackle these issues, time will tell.

Head to musicvenuetrust.com to learn more about the charity aiming to “protect, secure and improve Grassroots Music Venues” and keep an eye on mxdwn.co.uk to keep up to date with this evolving story.

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.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Music Venue Trust (@musicvenuetrust)

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.

Music Venue Trust (MVT) CEO Mark Davyd and Wolf Alice guitarist Joff Oddie were among the most notable names to speak, highlighting their personal experiences in a bid to urge the government to act faster.

The main talking point among the committee seems to be the proposed £1 ticket levy on gigs at arena level and above – aiming to transfer that money back into the industry – with claims that it is not working as effectively as hoped.

Mark Davyd pointed out to the committee that at it’s current speed, a full levy covering the whole industry wouldn’t be in place until 2032, 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.”

The levy is currently based on a system of voluntary artist-led donations, rather than a compulsory levy on every venue. This isn’t enough, claims Davyd, with the grassroots industry missing out on millions of pounds that could be instantly used.

“This year alone, there are already 22.3 million tickets on sale for gigs at arenas and stadiums in this country. That’s £22.3 million we could be spending right now.

“There are different opinions about priorities of investments. I’m going to say that with £22.3 million, every great idea we’ve got could be funded.” Davyd told the hearing.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Featured Artists Coalition (@featuredartistscoalition)

Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism, Sir Chris Bryant MP, admitted that he’d have “preferred us to have achieved a lot more by now”, but pointed out the difficulty in implementing a mandatory levy.

Speaking at the committee, Bryant stated: “We’ve said that we want it to be a voluntary levy because it’s quicker to achieve. Everything that has to require statute takes forever and a day. I don’t know when the next King’s Speech will be, so I don’t know when we’d be able to legislate.”

He pleaded to the “big players” such as Live Nation to “step up a bit more”, adding: “I just want everybody who’s considering a big tour in the UK coming up in the next year or so to sign up, then we’ll have millions of pounds going to smaller grassroots venues.”

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

A post shared by Featured Artists Coalition (@featuredartistscoalition)

Wolf Alice guitarist Joff Oddie also spoke at the hearing, as he warned that “one of the things we risk is that music becomes a middle and upper class sport” due to rising touring costs and less opportunities.

He told the committee: “We’re already seeing that representation decline. There are all kinds of statistics showing that’s gone down in the last 15-20 years – especially for people outside the south east of England.”

Oddie concluded with the powerful statement: “Unless we feed the pipeline, we’re just going to have people going to see US pop stars at Wembley.”

Although more clearly needs to be done in terms of financially supporting grassroots venues and artists, awareness of the issue is on the rise. 

Yesterday (May 13), the Mayor of London collaborated with Music Venue Trust and Featured Artists Coalition to release a reimagined map of the London Underground, highlighting grassroots venues within the city. Only time will tell whether these types of campaigns lead to true change for the industry.

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.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Music Venue Trust (@musicvenuetrust)

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.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Peace & Justice Project (@peaceandjusticeproject)

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 move has already proven to be quite controversial; many have argued its existence is a mere attempt at appeasing noise complaints from local residents which will consequently rid the city of its vibrance.

The proposed ‘quiet nights’ would affect many popular night out destinations, including the West End, Soho, Hyde Park, Oxford Street and the Strand. With local residents and night-life-goers expected to comply to the quietening down of the city from 6pm to 6am.

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

Nightlife in the UK has witnessed an unprecedented crisis, exacerbated by 2020’s lockdown, facing little recovery since. In the Night Time Industries Association’s (NTIA) report last October, the organisation revealed the country’s nightlife feared going ‘extinct’ after continued decline in the late-night sector; revealing a shocking statistic of 10 venue shutdowns a month, with two venues permanently closing their doors weekly.

Music Venue Trust have also voiced the ongoing crisis facing grassroots venues, even establishing Kate Nash as a patron following her advocacy for government action to save venues. London is not the only city to consider the effects of nightlife on local residents. Leeds venues Home and Carousel unveiled their plans in January to give club-goers lollipops for their journey home to “keep them quiet” in residential areas surrounding the city centre.

Launching the Draft Westminster After Dark Strategy!

We’re proud to unveil the Draft Westminster After Dark Strategy 2025-2040, our bold vision for an evening and nighttime that’s safe, vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable.

Whether you’re a resident who calls… pic.twitter.com/01GCAV4OVb

— Westminster City Council (@CityWestminster) March 12, 2025

In support of the upcoming nightlife proposal, Westminster Councillor Geoff Barraclough has said: “Westminster After Dark aims to balance the needs of a thriving evening and nighttime offer with the wellbeing of the residents who call Westminster their home.”

He continued: “This new strategy is our response to the obvious challenges of managing these competing demands. Following extensive engagement, Westminster After Dark explores how we will remain a welcoming, innovative, inclusive, and liveable city with something on offer for everyone.”

In conjunction with the new strategy, 100 additional CCTV cameras are reportedly being set up to improve safety of those visiting the aforementioned locations.

Jfc I’m just begging for a council that wants to recover the nightlife in London, not kill it for good. What a joyless and depressing list of priorities.

London is one big ‘quiet night’ nowadays https://t.co/jnZj1rYrzi pic.twitter.com/BYs2VOGtv6

— Stefan Roberts (@stefanroberts) March 13, 2025

Despite these efforts, business owners in central London have accused the council of only listening to locals, neglecting the area’s wider culture. Afterall Westminster’s evening and night-time sectors contribute over £3.7 billion to the district’s wider economy and supplies over 80,000 jobs.

Changes to London’s nightlife recently saw Jeremy Joseph owner of legacy LGBT+ venue G-A-Y put the establishment up for sale following “a constant uphill battle” to keep the venue open, arguing Soho had “lost its vibrancy”.

As Westminster Council aim to put their ‘Westminster After Dark’ strategy into fruition, it is evident the council needs to address growing concerns of the stability and longevity of London’s struggling nightlife.